Patient of the Month for April: Linda McFarland
Each member has a unique story, but all reflect the intrinsic courage of one facing the challenge of GIST. Linda McFarland shares her story.
Cancer vs. Coronavirus
Dr. Breelyn Wilky, Director of Sarcoma Translational Research at the University of Colorado Cancer Center shares about Cancer vs. Coronavirus in her latest blog post covering hospital visits, keeping appointment scans, and risk factors for GIST patients.
Patient of the Month for March: Alan Henderson
Each member has a unique story, but all reflect the intrinsic courage of one facing the challenge of GIST. Alan Henderson shares his story.
Drug Repository Programs: A Creative Solution
Drug repository programs have the potential to be a key component in accessing life-saving treatments. In a landscape where prices for cancer drugs are escalating, many face a challenge in obtaining life-saving treatments. There are many resources for overcoming these obstacles, but it is clearly not enough for those already struggling with the challenges of a cancer diagnosis.
Patient of the Month for February: Richard Schoenbohm
Each member has a unique story, but all reflect the intrinsic courage of one facing the challenge of GIST. Richard Schoenbohm shares his story.
Priority Review Granted for Ripretinib
Deciphera Pharmaceuticals announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted their New Drug Application (NDA) for ripretinib for Priority Review. Ripretinib is an investigational broad-spectrum KIT and PDGFRa inhibitor for the treatment of patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST).
NCI Mentions LRG as Component in Development of Ayvakit
In a new article from the NCI concerning the January 2020 approval of Ayvakit, (produced by Blueprint Medicines) the Life Raft Group is acknowledged in the section, “Capturing the Patient Experience.” We are proud to have played a role in supporting the research involved in bringing a new treatment to market for GIST patients.
Patient Advocate’s Story Unfolds in RARE Revolution Magazine
Deb Melikian, patient advocate, and Dr. Jason Sicklick, GIST expert & researcher, share the story of their unique partnership which began at an LRG GIST Day of Learning in the rare partners issue of RARE Revolution Magazine.
Patient of the Month for January: Juan Castelan
Each member has a unique story, but all reflect the intrinsic courage of one facing the challenge of GIST. Juan Castelan shares his story.
Breaking News for GIST Patients – Avapritinib Approved!
Blueprint Medicines announced that the FDA has approved AYVAKIT™ (avapritinib) for the treatment of adults with unresectable or metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) harboring a platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRA) exon 18 mutation, including PDGFRA D842V mutations.