The Life Raft Group is committed to enhancing the survival and quality of life for people living with Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST), and other rare diseases, through patient-powered research, education and empowerment, and global advocacy efforts.
Other Programs Supported by The Life Raft Group:
Real World Evidence In Action
Traditional models for cancer research have resulted in many breakthrough treatments for patients, but it is not enough. The LRG’s approach to GIST research through real world evidence, relies on timely, accurate data from the patient’s perspective, with patient survival as the primary objective.
RECENT LRG DATA
Update your Patient Registry Info.
Join The Life Raft Group.
Current GIST Clinical Trials.
Search the GIST Specialist Database.
HELP US SAVE LIVES
The Life Raft Group is a community and it is up to all of us to make a difference. There are many ways to help. We always need patient tissue and data in our GIST patient registry. Volunteering your time or making a monetary donation also helps us drive research forward and save lives.
News
Dr. George D. Demetri Receives the 2020 David A. Karnofsky Memorial Award
As posted in the ASCO Daily News, Dr. George Demetri, has received recognition for his work in developing targeted TKIs for GIST.
GIST-Related ASCO 2020 Abstracts Summarized
LRG’s Senior Director of Research, Pete Knox has summarized the ten key studies relating to GIST that are being presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology's Annual meeting. ASCO20 is virtual this year.
Caregiver of the Month for May: Marlene Nei
Each member has a unique story, but all reflect the intrinsic courage of one facing the challenge of GIST. Marlene Nei shares her story.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and this year it takes on new dimensions due to the COVID-19 health pandemic for those already coping with mental illness as well as those adversely affected by the the struggles the pandemic has created.
Dr. Jason Sicklick Receives Grant for Temozolomide Phase II Trial
The Phase One Foundation has awarded GIST Specialist Jason Sicklick a $500,000 grant to study GIST in a Temozolomide Phase II clinical trial.
FDA Approves QINLOCK (ripretinib) by Deciphera for 4L GIST Patients
The FDA approved QINLOCKTM (ripretinib) for the treatment of adults with advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) who have received 3 or more prior treatments for their GIST.
Blueprint Medicines Does Not Receive Approval from FDA for Avapritinib for Treatment of 4L GIST
Blueprint Medicines Does Not Receive Approval from FDA for Avapritinib for Treatment of 4L GIST.
Life Raft Group Contributes Abstracts for ASCO
Although the ASCO (American Society for Clinical Oncology) will be a virtual meeting this year, The Life Raft Group continues to be at the forefront in collaborating in efforts to improve treatment for cancer patients. This year, two important abstracts will be presented online that illustrate these efforts.


























