Newsletters
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October2012 Vol. 13 No. 5 (View e-newsletter on www.GISTNews.org)
Click here to see a listing of articles for this issue
New developments seen in Pediatric-Like GIST;
'Night to Fight Cancer' event raises almost $90,000 total;
Janeen's tips for surviving caregiving;
What court considered on Affordable Care Act;
Masitinib, other trials presented at ASCO;
LRG research team efforts compare well to a bigger and costlier project;
New immunotherapy approach advances;
Countdown to Election Day;
Mark a milestone with the LRG at Life Fest 2012;
Cancer research funds restored in New Jersey after advocacy;
Chicago chapter celebrates 10th anniversary;
Michael Shorb, California poet;
Richard Fosbrink passes away;
Melvin 'Skip' Cook, Navy veteran;
Join the Mike Matthews Legacy Society;
Sutent survey;
October 2012 Calendar;
August 2012 Vol. 13 No. 4 (View e-newsletter on www.GISTNews.org)
Click here to see a listing of articles for this issue
Identifying novel treatment options by defining molecular mechanisms;
Viva Life Fest! Join us in Las Vegas;
A Dutch youth's global search for other patients with Carney's Triad;
Ten ways to fundraise for LRG;
ASCO notes: A closer look at Regorafenib;
Several clinical trials updated at ASCO;
New gene panel takes mutation testing to a new level;
NIH Clinic shares information on 3 trials;
MSKCC opens new immunotherapy trial for GIST;
Alianza GIST joins forces with Brazilian partner;
What's up, Doc? Social media and healthcare;
Times series underscores LRG research team's approach;
Pfizer offering Sutent support program;
New research supports role for crenolanib;
Happy Cancer-Versary to Jim!;
GIST friends meet in Oregon;
Happy Cancer-versary to Patti!;
Member's BBQ raises funds and awareness in Virginia;
Gayne was active volunteer in Texas.
June 2012 Vol. 13 No. 3 (View e-newsletter on www.GISTNews.org)
Click here to see a listing of articles for this issue
GDOL draws big turnout in Florida;
Cesarini wins 2012 Courage Award;
Guidelines proposed for pediatric GIST;
LRG Tissue Bank uncovers diagnosis issues in LatAm;
Alianza GIST launches new website!;
Alianza GIST’s first webinar a success;
Adieu, Adios, Ciao, Auf Wiedersehen, Shalom, Sayonara, Xaipete Tricia McAleer;
New Horizons GIST: Patient Advocates meet in Paris;
The LRG turns 10!;
Ninth Swiss meeting covers uplifting topics;
I found a friend in the LRG;
Phase III Regorafenib trial meets primary endpoint;
DC-area GISTers meet!.
April 2012 Vol. 13 No. 2 (View e-newsletter on www.GISTNews.org)
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LRG mourns the loss of a great friend, Jeroen Pit;
GDOL Update: Speakers announced;
LRG Research Team meets in Leuven, Belgium: leaves with renewed energy & commitment to finding the cure for GIST;
Meet our new Montana local rep: Dirk Niebaum;
Cellular origin of GIST from the “good” cells’ perspective!;
Alianza GIST meets in Miami;
And they’re off! 1st ‘Harness a Cure’ is a success;
NJ GIST gathering serves up support & smoothies;
NoCal GISTers meet!;
New report finds most hospital errors go unreported;
Happy Cancerversary to Brenda Bannon!;
Thomas G. Overley, 1952-2012: Toledo lawyer played guitar, sang in group;
Durham lived life with passion and pride;
Did You Hear? Did You Know?;
Arizona GISTers meet!;
Spunky Texan fought GIST bravely.
February 2012 Vol. 13 No. 1 (View e-newsletter on www.GISTNews.org)
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2011 Executive Director's Report;
Genetic markers of progression in GISTs and their significance;
GIST warriors left behind a legacy of struggle & triumph;
One Life Rafter chooses a unique way to show support;
Congrats to BOD member Marietta Robinson on Obama nomination!;
LRG introduces GIST Day of Learning in Miami;
OCT-1 study shows promise for some CML patients: could there be benefit for GIST?;
First LRG jewelry party is a success;
Thank you for your support!;
GISTer’s daughter holds third annual ball for GIST;
Did You Know?;
Retired horse trainer seeks to “Harness a Cure” through Dover Downs fundraiser;
Swiss pathologist wins the 2011 GIST prize;
Did You See?;
Devoted wife, mother & grandmother passes ;
Happy Cancer-versary to Anita Getler!;
Janice loved life & family.
December 2011 Vol. 12 No. 6 (View e-newsletter on www.GISTNews.org)
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CTOS wrap-up: LRG among key presenters;
GISTer’s legacy launches new support program;
Alianza GIST update: CME & access discussed;
Swiss GIST group’s film wins silver Edi in Zurich!;
Deck the halls with boughs of jewelry!;
Texas GISTers meet!;
Pfizer to open clinical trial for young patients with GIST;
DeLorenzo makes it to the finish line with a little help;
Please help the LRG keep hope alive;
LRG Canada holds third general meeting in Vancouver;
One of our first, one of our best: Dan Cunningham passes away;
New Jersey GISTers meet;
Beloved family man, Vietnam vet & 'Redcatcher' passes at 68;
Rhode Island GISTers meet!.
October 2011 Vol. 12 No. 5 (View e-newsletter on www.GISTNews.org)
Click here to see a listing of articles for this issue
Aloha, our dearest friend, Richard Palmer;
Three ways to help find a cure for GIST ;
TDM extends BLT deadline: LRG urges GISTers to take advantage;
LRG to make its mark on CTOS;
Eighth Annual LRG Poker Tourney raises over $110K!;
LRG launches mutational & plasma level testing survey project;
Pediatric GISTer will test his mettle in Marine Corps Marathon;
Social Security’s Compassionate Allowances explained;
Dutch GISTers share laughter, tears & hugs;
Sign our petition: Safe medicines save lives!;
Please welcome new Texas rep, Dee Hawkins!;
Join us in welcoming LRG’s new SoCal Representative
Gangstead was 61
Argentina GIST org is official!
Zuber remembered as loving wife, mother & grandmother.
August 2011 Vol. 12 No. 4 (View e-newsletter on www.GISTNews.org)
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Adjuvant Gleevec star of ASCO: What we learned;
First GIST tumor board convenes for Latin American docs;
Dutch Group marks one year anniversary of D-Day fundraising in Amsterdam;
Case Study: challenges of long-term therapy in GIST;
Trips & transitions: Where our specialists landed;
ASCO 2011: GIST Overview;
Furthering research through the NIH Pediatric GIST clinic;
LRG arrives at ASCO in style!;
Member uses fun in the sun to raise funds;
Beloved wife, mother & GIST support leader passes at 68.
June 2011 Vol. 12 No. 3 (View e-newsletter on www.GISTNews.org)
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Mutational testing & survival: where we stand;
Alianza GIST meets for second time in Brazil;
A spotlight on Dr. Linyee Shum;
The connection between ICCs & GIST;
State of the GIST Community Part 3: What do we know about mutational testing?;
Healthcare 2011 and beyond: Part 3;
Swiss are back at it with 8th annual meeting;
GIST, my friend: How to live with this chronic disease day-to-day;
Steve “Da Yooper” Bashaw passes peacefully at 59;
Camaraderie flourishes at New Horizons meeting in Amsterdam;
Science & Surprises abound at NJ GISTers meeting!;
Chicago-area GISTers meet!
April 2011 Vol. 12 No. 2 (View e-newsletter on www.GISTNews.org)
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Breaking News update: TDM renews plasma testing;
Wildtype GIST & SDH: what to know;
Dating with GIST: who, what, when, and just plain how? (Part 2);
Behind the walls of Brigham & Women's: Fletcher's lab;
April 2011 clinical trials update;
Healthcare 2011 and beyond: Part 2;
State of the GIST Community Part 2: What do we know about your diagnosis?;
Safford’s Valentine’s concert brings in over 15K;
Welcome to Janeen Ryan!;
Holiday Fundraising campaign raises over 53K!;
Italian GISTers hold 4th national meeting;
Tate was beloved mother, grandmother, artist and friend;
Brave GISTer lived life “Texas big”;
FDA too rigid in review of drugs for critically ill;
MD Anderson and Memorial Sloan-Kettering among top cancer centers in US News & World Report’s ‘best’ list;
LIVESTRONG Cancer Navigation Center opens in Austin.
February 2011 Vol. 12 No. 1 (View e-newsletter on www.GISTNews.org)
Click here to see a listing of articles for this issue
2010 Executive Director's Report;
D842V gets its moment in the spotlight;
Dating with GIST: who, what, when, and just plain how?;
Healthcare 2011 and Beyond: Did the donut hole get a little smaller?;
February 2011 clinical trials update;
Masitinib Phase II Trial Reports Benefit in New GISTs;
Fight or flight: A chance encounter in the sky compels one GISTer to do her part;
Latin American GIST Coalition, new challenges on the horizon for 2010;
NORD Hosts Forum for FDA Commissioner and Patient Leaders;
6th NIH GIST clinic once again succesful;
State of the GIST community: Life Raft Group’s patient registry demographics;
He never met a stranger, only friends: Beloved LRG member passes at 66;
Michigan GISTers meet!;
Banks passes at 63;
David J. Brandis-In Loving Memory;
Silvio Manzanares, a tireless entrepreneur and GIST patient;
Father & husband and long-time LRG member passes away at 72;
Man of God, musician, proud father and husband, McCormick will be missed;
Global GIST Network adds new GIST representative.
December 2010 Vol. 11 No. 4 (View e-newsletter on www.GISTNews.org)
Click here to see a listing of articles for this issue
Adjuvant Gleevec: To take or not to take;
A wrinkle in time: GIST marked a new beginning for LRG member;
Cards, chips and laughter abound at 7th Annual LRG Poker Tournament;
It’s your life, shouldn’t it stay in your hands?;
One random act of kindness is sometimes all you need ;
The giving has begun: LRG’s annual holiday campaign is off to a great start;
Colombians gather for first time as a formal organization;
Impressive 7th meeting of the Swiss GIST group;
Safford brings together champagne, strawberries and a concert pianist for unforgettable Valentine’s fundraiser;
Skydive for GIST is a success!;
No guilt for charitable giving through iGive and Goodshop;
Congratulations to LRG member Kim Trout!;
Congratulations Dr. Su Kim!;
Website of Worth: Cleaning for a Reason;
Only one phrase could suit him, Hepner was one hell of a guy;
Teacher, coach, husband, father and friend, Buchanan did it all;
FDA official wants to prosecute pharma execs;
EU Cancer Patients Concerns Heard: Cancer Patient Mobility Moves Closer to a Reality;
Colorado GISTers meet!;
Beloved mother, Hampson passes away at age 61;
Michigan GISTers meet up!;
Introducing...Alianza GIST!;
Have you ever thought about what your cancer looks like?.
October 2010 Vol. 11 No. 3 (View e-newsletter on www.GISTNews.org)
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D Day expidites GIST research: the story of one Dutch GISTer;
Project D Day: our greatest hope for a cure;
Breaking GIST News: Novartis suspends plasma testing support;
Norman & Anita meet with Dutch GISTers in Amsterdam;
Antioxidants: useful supplements or should we refrain?;
Vettel reports on ASCO 2010 updates;
Three girls are going to skydive for GIST!;
Varmus sworn in as NCI's 14th director;
Cancer tattoos mark milestones but know the risks;
'Tis the season for holiday giving;
Eighth annual patient summit for CML & GIST held in Austria;
LRG welcomes David Safford to board of directors;
Arluck passes away surrounded by family;
A life well spent, Offen passes at 72;
The Seventh Annual LRG Poker Tournament!;
Prosecutor, Dean, husband and friend, Robinson was respected by all;
Beloved woman, missed by all;
The 10 Year Anniversary of GIST treatment video is now available on the LRG website!.
Life Fest Special Edition!
April 2010 Vol. 11 No. 2 (View e-newsletter on www.GISTNews.org)
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LRG meets in Mexico!;
Advocates unite to help struggling patients in Macedonia;
Life Fest: Clinician of the Year winner and Tree of Life project;
Researchers collaborate at Monterrey meeting;
Latin American GIST Coalition promotes Monterrey Declaration;
Updates from GI ASCO 2010;
GIST-Switzerland Group founded for the support of GIST patients;
Over 100 attend 3rd national Italian GIST meeting;
Getting the "GIST" of gastrointestinal stromal tumors: LRG Canada's first webcast a success;
Poss meets her mark...and then some!;
Be prepared when traveling with cancer;
Happy Cancerversary to Katie Campbell!;
Young GISTers cross country lines to get together;
Brave GIST fighter and dedicated wife and mother passes;
Vietnam vet, Olympic torch-carrier and proud dad passes at age 61.
February 2010 Vol. 11 No. 1 (View e-newsletter on www.GISTNews.org)
Click here to see a listing of articles for this issue
2009 Executive Director's Report;
Dancing with NED;
Bench to bedside and back again;
More Life Fest 2010 updates!;
It’s time to consider mutational status for resistant GIST patients: KIT exons 9 & 11;
February 2010 clinical trials update;
Tasigna shows greater efficacy over Gleevec for CML: Will GIST be next?;
Magic Cancer Bullet: Behind the scenes;
Synta opens phase II trial STA-9090 in GIST;
Insomnia is common, likely under-diagnosed among people with cancer undergoing chemo;
NIH Pediatric & Wildtype clinic continues with success;
Happy Cancer-versary to Josalin Dunn!;
Happy Cancer-versary to Carolina Ponce-Williams!;
Patients with rare cancer get second chance to fight back;
Southern California GISTers meet!e;
Chicago-area GISTers meet!;
Beloved wife, mother, grandmother & friend enjoyed all of life’s blessings;
Wife, mother and friend to all passes away after courageous battle with GIST.
December 2009 Vol. 10 No. 9 (View e-newsletter on www.GISTNews.org)
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IGF-1R: A novel GIST therapeutic target;
Vettel lives life with her future in mind;
LRG launches Latin American GIST initiative;
More highlights from Life Fest 2010, plus how you can pick Clinician of the Year!;
CTOS 2009 Reports: Adult & Pediatric GIST;
Big surprises and bigger hearts prevailed at this year’s annual NYC poker tournament;
LRG uses registry & “GISTory” to help patients in a new way;
A spotlight on trials for adjuvant GIST;
December 2009 clinical trials update;
What does a cure mean for you?;
Rhode Island GISTers meet!;
Pennsylvania GISTers meet!;
Hague runs with friendship in her heart;
Supporters ‘Show The Love’ for Texas Marathoner;
Chuyko passes with love at her side;
Hamilton lived his life serving others;
Father, grandpa & friend says goodbye;
Cherished mother & farm girl passes away;
LRG in the News: Poster & Abstracts, oh my!;
Cross-continental fun at the LRG office!;
November 2009 GISTLink (View it on www.GISTNews.org)
Click here to see a listing of this month's GIST Link topics
October 2009 Vol. 10 No. 8 (View e-newsletter on www.GISTNews.org)
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Defining molecular mechanisms of imatinib treatment in GIST;
Jerry Call: the man behind the scene;
LifeFest 2010: Celebrating a decade of life;
It’s time to consider mutational status for resistant GIST patients: PDGFRA Mutations;
REGISTER Study Open in Australia, New Zealand and South Korea;
October 2009 clinical trials update;
Donor appreciation never gets old;
Chicago-area GISTers meet!;
Rowan passes with family by his side;
Nurit Mantz, wonderful wife and mother, passes away at 46.
September 2009 GISTLink (View it on www.GISTNews.org)
Clinical Trials Bulletin
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Smarter Cancer Research: Finding a better way to survival.
August 2009 Vol. 10 No. 7 (View e-newsletter on www.GISTNews.org)
Clinical Trials Bulletin
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The patient's dilemma: Where should I donate my tissue?;
Researcher update in Pediatric GIST;
Impressive turnout for sixth annual Swiss GIST patient group meeting;
Blay appointed new EORTC president;
August 2009 clinical trials update;
An open letter from Jacqui Bromberg;
GIST & CML patient reps from all over the world meet in Lisbon for Patient Summit;
A changing of the guard for the Chicago Life Raft Group;
Drug Prices Influencing Doctor’s Decisions;
Wakeling sets out as team of one, gets 7 more riders and raises 7x her goal;
ACCESS Act to be reintroduced in Congress;
From the Mailbox: a school project;
June NIH clinic another success;
New Canadian group meets for 1st time!;
Becker fought bravely for 12 years;
NJ/NY GISTers meet;
Did You Know?: Gleevec & white blood cells;
Congratulations Dr. Brian Rubin!;
Kitty Katt Kimbell passes away at 60;
Renate Croll , 65, loved the beach;
Spanish GISTers meet in Madrid.
July 2009 GISTLink (View it on www.GISTNews.org)
Clinical Trials Bulletin
Click here to see a listing of this month's GIST Link topics
ASCO 2009: Sorafenib fourth-line treatment in imatinib-, sunitinib-, and nilotinib-resistant
metastatic GIST;
ASCO 2009: In vitro activity of sorafenib against imatinib- and sunitinib-resistant kinase mutations;
ASCO 2009: Phase I evaluation of SF1126, a vascular targeted PI3K inhibitor, administered twice weekly IV;
ASCO 2009: Evaluation of the presence of IGF1R over expression in wildtype and kinase mutant GI stromal tumors;
ASCO 2009: Masatinib mesylate in imatinib-naive locally advanced or metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumor;
ASCO 2009: Analysis of an observational registry of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) patients;
ASCO 2009: Myelodysplastic syndromes developing after imatinib therapy for GIST;
ASCO 2009: Gastrointestinal stromal tumor associated with other primaries: A study of 154 patients.
June 2009 Vol. 10 No. 6 (View e-newsletter on www.GISTNews.org)
Clinical Trials Bulletin
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Interstitial cells of Cajal: What are they and why should you care?;
Israel's leap from support group to proactive non-profit;
Susan Famer looks back on a life well-lived; and forward to her garden;
NIH announces new program to develop therapeutics for rare and neglected diseases;
June 2009 clinical trials update;
Website of Worth: CCC;
Michigan GISTers meet at Gilda’s!;
LRG announces GIST Collaborative Tissue Bank initiative;
Nicole Sparks and family raise over $2,700 in honor of Uncle Butch and his fellow GISTers;
Chicago-area GISTers meet;
From the mailbox: An 8 yr-old's letter.
May 2009 Vol. 10 No. 5 (View e-newsletter on www.GISTNews.org)
Clinical Trials Bulletin
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HSP90 inhibitors and GIST: why this target could work;
As the days spring forward, Bannon reflects on her life;
Tips from the Raft: A GIST ‘vet’ passes on her secrets;
May 2009 clinical trials update;
U.S. News announces Best Hospital rankings;
Kemp was faithful volunteer & vet;
Mirenda, man of the outdoors, passes away at 68;
New York GISTers Meet!;
A Cure Is In Our Reach Update.
April 2009 Vol. 10 No. 4 (View e-newsletter on www.GISTNews.org)
Clinical Trials Bulletin
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GIST diagnosis: the pathologist's perspective;
In your eyes, I am complete;
LRG Research Team holds second in-person meeting: new tissue banking initiative born;
Community hospitals vs. cancer centers: should the patient be informed of the risks?;
April 2009 clinical trials update;
Reprint: Life Raft members share medical solutions;
Janz, 65, left behind a devoted family;
Schnorf fully enjoyed life in spite of GIST.
March 2009 Vol. 10 No. 3 (View e-newsletter on www.GISTNews.org)
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New developments in gene expression profiling;
Better monitoring for Sutent-related heart problems may be warranted;
Eleven year-old battles GIST with brave face for six years;
Italian GISTers gather en masse for the second time, drug options and adjuvant therapy among key topics;
March 2009 international clinical trials update;
Spanish-speaking GISTers create an online home for themselves;
Colombian GISTers meet inperson for first time in Bogota;
LRG holiday campaign update: Raising support and spirits;
Kim Trout talks about recent Pennsylvania Life Rafter meeting;
Cancer in the news: CMS broadens PET scan coverage, President Obama calls out cancer;
Gowdy played many roles: nurse, quilter, volunteer, wife and friend;
Family and home were Heppler’s first loves, gardening and cooking were her passions;
Talented musician passes with family by his side;
GISTers meet at MD Anderson;
A GIST warrior to very end;
Chicago –area GISTers meet at Wellness Place.
February 2009 Vol. 10 No. 2 (View e-newsletter on www.GISTNews.org)
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2008 Executive Director's Report;
More front-line trials for GIST may help prevent resistance;
2nd French national GIST conference a smashing success;
New LRG clinical trials database explained;
February 2009 US clinical trials update;
KIT signaling & new approaches for GIST therapy;
LRG holiday campaign update: Top fundraisers shine;
Congratulations Ashley Young!;
Pat George: the man, the myth, the legend;
2nd NIH Pediatric GIST clinic proves successful;
LRG stance on placebo highlighted in Cancer World;
Benninger was 58;
Inlander was 64;
It's a Girl!;
Did You Hear: Project FLAG;
Wife and mother passes at 61.
January 2009 Vol. 10 No. 1 (View e-newsletter on www.GISTNews.org)
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Hereditary GIST explained;
Plasma level testing: what we know, what we don't & what we hope to learn;
FDA approves Gleevec to prevent recurrence of GIST;
Treatment strategies & mutational testing among key topics at CTOS 2008;
January 2009 international clinical trials;
Twenty year battle brings feelings of luck and determination to Presnall;
A man inspired, a family remembers;
Ferris brought joy to everyone she touched;
Gjertson was 60;
Wilhelm shined as man and mentor.
December 2008 Vol. 9 No. 12 (View e-newsletter on www.GISTNews.org)
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Take action to find a cure;
The challenge of imatinib resistance in GIST;
On the road with the LRG;
Sorg sails through stormy GIST journey;
No longer content to sit on the sidelines;
Happy Cancer-versary to Jim Mills!;
Campaign 2008: Obama-Biden Cancer Agenda;
Website of Worth: ReliefInsite.com.
November 2008 Vol. 9 No. 11 (View e-newsletter on www.GISTNews.org)
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Life Fest '08 a sucess!;
Plasma level testing: Why is it important and how to do it;
GISTers in Netherlands & Belgium hold 5th annual meeting in 'Life Raft';
New treatments for D842V mutations;
November 2008 US clinical trials update;
Kreutz lives and works with cancer;
Pediatric GISTer tells it like it is;
Arizona GISTers meet!;
Campaign 2008: McCain vs Obama: Looking at the candidates' health plans specific to cancer;
Paulsen, 57;
Mayer's art on 'Oncology on Canvas' tour;
Pennsylvania GISTers meet;
A True 'Ironman';
Sharla Ellingham, wife, mother, grandmother, passes at 76.
October 2008 Bulletin (View e-newsletter on www.GISTNews.org)
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A message from the Executive Director;
Coming Attractions.
September 2008 Vol. 9 No. 9
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Editorial: When is enough, enough?
Routine mutational plasma level testing: The time has come;
Life Fest 2008: There's still time!;
MSK team finds rare new mutation;
September 2008 international clinical trials update;
How long must dying patients wait for justice?;
Website of Worth: Lotsa Helping Hands;
Gleevec reduces FDA priority review as first therapy to reduce recurrence of GI stromal tumors after surgery;
Keeley Bihr: Remembering a mountain man;
Fight ends with family by her side;
Family, history and cars made it a colorful life for Jan-Einar;
Devoted wife, mother and volunteer passes;
Search and shop for a cause;
Did you see the LRG on PerezHilton.com?;
LRG says goodbye to summer intern;
GISTers gather in Northern California.
August 2008 Vol. 9 No. 8
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Placebo: Wrong then, wrong now;
International GIST community meets in Italy
NIH clinic: in two perspectives;
What's going on at Life Fest?;
August 2008 US clinical trials update;
Infinity's IPI-504 enters phase III;
More GIST highlights from ASCO 2008;
Adult GIST pamphlet translated into Urdu;
PFS: Patient Benefit or Lower Standard?;
Have you seen the new LRG Newsroom?;
Pennsylvania GISTers meet;
Schade offered a warm smile and a love of life;
Life Fest 2008 registration form.
July 2008 Vol. 9 No. 7
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LRG's Israeli efforts win big;
potential new signal pathway in GIST
NIH clinic a success: Pediatric GISTers show up en masse!;
New BOD president announced!;
July 2008 international clinical trials update;
Second phase of LRG "Pathway to a Cure" research program launched;
Infinity's IPI-504 completes phase I;
Joseph Trinca, 58, passes away with family at his side;
LRG represents at ASCO 2008 in Chicago!;
Clinical trials webcast: an interactive demo on searching for the latest trials;
A sneak peek at the "Managing Your GIST Care" pamphlet;
Life Fest 2008 update;
Happy Cancer-versary to Liz Skree!
June 2008 Vol. 9 No. 6
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Windy city to hold Life Fest 2008;
New target found for wild-type and pediatric GIST;
Canadian GIST patients may soon benefit from Josephy's experience
June 2008 US clinical trials update;
Cancer in the news: can exercise combat fatigue and Medicare costs swell higher;
Campaign 2008: Candidates' histories concerning healthcare-Obama;
The role of CT and PET scans in the evaluation of GIST;
15 steps you can take to reduce your risk of a hospital infection;
Michigan Life Rafters meet;
Chicago area GIST patients meet;
Lindeken: dear friend and Life Rafter.
May 2008 Vol. 9 No. 5
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Interpreting research: dilemmas facing patients and physicians;
Medicare: What some GISTers need to know;
PI3Ks: a new target in GIST and new drugs in trials
MRIs, CTs and PETs examined and clarified;
May 2008 international clinical trial update;
Campaign 2008: Candidate's histories concerning healthcare-McCain;
PI3K drugs in phase I trials;
Happy Cancer-versary to Laura Kukucka!;
Pediatric GIST webcast highlights treatment elements & spring clinic;
Website of Worth: Cancer Crusade;
Midwestern GIST patients meet.
April 2008 Vol. 9 No. 4
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Call dissects 2007 LRG study;
French "Rebirth" program breathes new life in women;
Chandell Fuqua: More than a survivor
April 2008 US clinical trial update;
Website of Worth: SeventyK;
Campaign 2008: Candidate's histories concerning healthcare-Clinton;
Concerns raised, FDA meets on ESAs;
Mayer's work on display through April;
First national A.I.G. meeting held in Milan;
The doctor is in: common patient questions answered (Part Two);
Abigail case denied: Court rules against patients' right to choose;
Rafters in Ohio meet;
Placebo effect: can a $2.50 placebo work better than one worth 10 cents?;
Canada Rafters meet;
Gerald & Deanne got 45 happy years;
NY/NJ GISTers meet.
March 2008 Vol. 9 No. 3
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Special Edition: 2007 LRG Dosage Study, "The effect of imatinib dose upon the survival of metastatic GIST patients.
February 2008 Vol. 9 No. 2
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NIH Pediatric GIST clinic is planned for spring 2008;
The doctor is in: common patient questions answered;
'Hide & go seek': Sarcoma UK director questions politicians;
Suboptimal response in CML linked to Gleevec uptake into leukemia cells;
February 2008 international clinical trial;
Campaign 2008: LAF Presidential Cancer Forum represents you;
GI symposium offers interesting abstracts;
Happy Cancer-versary to Rachel Gilbert!;
Chicago area GISTers meet.;
January 2008 Vol. 9 No. 1
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Molecular therapy & surgery combined in GIST;
2007 Executive Director's Report;
Laura sees pot o' gold, even if no one else can;
January 2008 clinical trial update;
Kwart puts pen to paper in plea to patients;
LRG webcast succcess, DeMatteo discusses adjuvant Gleevec;
Texas+Poker=winning combination;
Japanese GISTers 'Relay for Life' in September;
What's your New Year's resolution?;
Insurance status linked to cancer outcomes;
Mustard was friend until very end.
December 2007 Vol. 8 No. 12
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'Tis the season to be jolly?;
Apoptosis: How to kill a GIST cell;
LRG webcasts keep drawing high interest;
Dana farber study focuses on wild-type KIT and pediatric GIST;
December 2007 international clinical trial update;
French patients hold general assembly in Paris;
Columbia researchers say CT scan overuse may lead to significant public health problem;
'Pathway' campaign off to a great start;
Michele Sceiperpeter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend;
Opening of 'Gleevec+IL2' phase 1 trial at Gustave Roussy;
Washington GISTers meet;
Caraway, 72, fought heroic battle;
Kwart represents LRG at this year's NORD conference.
November 2007 Vol. 8 No. 11
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Thanksgiving for LRG research;
Compassionate use process is not so compassionate;
'Viva Carolina' team exceeds $10,000 goal for Life Rafter;
Looking for new ways to fight GIST;
November 2007 clinical trial update;
Fourth annual Contactgroup GIST meeting held on September 29;
GCRF 2007 'Walk for a Cure' is resounding success;
New views of receptor molecule may open doors;
Canada LRG meets;
Dana Farber holding GIST Patient Support Forum on November 12;
FDA approves Tasigna in CML;
CMS changes proposed clinical trials policy;
Peter Thomas Memorial Ride has raised over $22,000;
NYC Poker Tournament has another great year.
October 2007 Vol. 8 No. 10
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GIST in the UK: realities bite hard;
August blessings for April: a baby born in the LRG;
Building blocks of tumor progression;
Questions no one wants to face: five years later, Rigg's still got it;
International clinical trial update;
Two reports of good Nexavar response;
Long Beach Marathon team have surpassed the half-way mark to their $10,000 goal;
Carney-Stratakis syndrome explained;
Fourth annual poker tournament in NYC will be held on October 17;
Medical Mistakes happen: stay in control;
Ohio local group meets;
A first person look at European Cancer Conference.
September 2007 Vol. 8 No. 9
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One year research team milestone reached;
Rigg: The healthiest woman, despite GIST;
Pediatric GIST: an evolving concept;
GIST-legal headlines;
NCCN task force takes strong stand in genotyping debate;
September 2007 clinical trial update;
Member Suggestions;
Pete Richetti, 47, beloved son, cherished brother and dedicated uncle;
New York GISTers meet;
Did you Know: "Is Sutent covered by Medicare?"
August 2007 Vol. 8 No. 8
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GIST Research Progress;
Second webcast is resounding success: Fletcher reports on 'Pathway to a Cure';
Patient group reps meet in Germany;
More highlights from ASCO 2007;
August 2007 clinical trial update;
Will you run for my daughter?;
Why not do some good with your search?;
Katharine Kimball faces GIST one surgery at a time;
AMN107 Update;
GIST101: Metastases;
July 2007 Vol. 8 No. 7
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First LRG webcast is successful;
Looking for kinase mutations in GISTs: how, when and why?;
A stitch in time: life with GIST can still exist;
Highlights from ASCO 2007;
Once a teacher, always a teacher;
Community Beat: Relay for Life and Lecointe official picture;
July 2007 clinical trial update;
LRG in the News: Wall Street Journal article;
Florida GISTers meet;
Local Groups Get Together: Southern California & Michigan.
June 2007 Vol. 8 No. 6
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May 2007 Vol. 8 No. 5
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KIT & PDGFRA mutations in GIST: A to Z;
Clinical trial confirms Gleevec reduces recurrence;
Immunotherapy trial strives to improve Gleevec response;
Adjuvant Gleevec Q&A with Jonathan Trent and Jerry Call;
From the Elysee to Le Monde, Lecointe can do it all;
'Treatments, trials and trails, oh my' but life must go on: Part 2;
May 2007 clinical trial update;
AMN107 (Tasigna) now open at Fox Chase Cancer Center;
Editor's Note: Dr. Daruka Mahadevan;
Biomarkers presentation sparks interest at Dutch meeting;
Ohio local group meets.
April 2007 Vol. 8 No. 4
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Gene microarray technology yields interesting results in the laboratory;
Scherzer Editorial: companies need patent protection to help with future drug research;
'Treatments, trials and trails, oh my' but life must go on: Part 1;
April 2007 clinical trial update;
Fourth annual spring meeting of Swiss GIST patient group;
Novel KIT inhibitor also targets a new suspect; clinical trials to begin this year;
Clinical Trial Table;
LRG works with medical institutions on Familial GIST study;
Simple two-gene test sorts out similar gastrointestinal cancers;
Dutch LRG changes name and plans 2007 GIST meeting;
John Leary, a wonderful father, husband, friend and student;
Pediatric GIST is discussed at San Diego meeting;
Israeli group holds its fifth monthly meeting.
March 2007 Vol. 8 No. 3
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The use of mouse models to help investigate GIST;
Immunotherapy: a new hope for GIST treatment;
Gleevec: revolutionizing GIST cancer treatment;
March 2007 clinical trial update;
Life Rafters raise $30,000 with third annual holiday campaign;
Illustrating gives Greenwood comfort through his GIST battle;
The Life Raft Group Facebook;
Gratz, 64, fought a courageous battle;
LRG Science Team meets in Chicago;
Clinical Trial Tables.
February 2007 Vol. 8 No. 2
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Several new Web sites launched about GIST;
Understanding GIST survival under imatinib treatment;
Strategies and classes of potential GIST drugs;
Painting transformed Mayer's pain into healing;
Norwegian FAQs up on Web sites!;
February 2007 clinical trial update.
January 2007 Vol. 8 No. 1
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Overcoming treatment resistance in GIST patients;
The state of the Life Raft Group in 2006;
Questions to consider for adjuvant treatment;
Finding a silver-lining when living with cancer;
Magic Leaves Fundraising Campaign;
CancerCare Teleconference;
Howe fought GIST courageously;
Lee Cousins, age 58;
January 2007 clinical trial update;
Georgia Life Raft Group;
Tran, 39, traveled across the world to find a cure for GIST;
Hospital tips: the small stuff can add up.
December 2006 Vol. 7 No. 10
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European conferences attract GIST medical professionals;
Call comments on phase III Sutent results;
LRG Netherlands successfully hosts third annual meeting;
Alabama LRG group meets for first time in Birmingham;
Life Raft awards next round of research grants;
Holiday Fundraising Campaign;
Quilt auction brings Life Raft Group over $300;
Rita Raj was an active women's health advocate;
December 2006 clinical trial update;
Novartis meets in Monterrey, Mexico to jump start clinical trials;
New Jersey Local Life Raft Group;
First pediatric GISTer to tie the knot!;
Flu Shots;
Ohio Group meets with Dr. Manisha Shah of Ohio State University Medical Center;
Chicago brings speakers to discuss GIST treatment options.
November 2006 Vol. 7 No. 9
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Life Fest: A Texas-sized success;
Connecting the Dots: Call offers perspective on GIST trends;
Researchers give update on GIST Resistance Project;
Over $85,000 raised at New York City poker tournament;
Betty Louise Rosenbluth--Celebrating 75 Years (1930-2006);
Relay for Life for Japanese GIST Patients;
Holiday Fundraising Campaign;
November 2006 clinical trial update;
New websites launched for Italy and France LRG Groups;
Coppede was an avid golfer and gardener;
GIST Walk in memory of Peter Thomas;
LRG member John Leary raises money for GIST research.
October 2006 Bulletin
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A message from the Executive Director;
Coming Attractions;
Five-Year-and-More GIST Survivors.
September 2006 Vol. 7 No. 8
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GIST patients and experts head to Dallas for Life Fest;
Israeli GIST Group brings CIST clinical trial to Israel;
Walking the GIST Trail again;
GIST studies receive substantial interest at ASCO '06 conference;
Corless: mountain climber during 'off' and 'on' peak time;
Cancer patient credits experiments for survival;
Tap helps start sarcoma program at UCLA;
Correction on AMG706 GIST trial article;
New website launched for Global GIST Network;
September 2006 clinical trial update.
August 2006 Vol. 7 No. 7
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Life Fest 2006 agenda now available;
More placebo clinical trials predicted for cancer patients;
Life Raft Group reexamines the role of drug level testing;
Surgery and genotyping highlighted at ASCO conference;
AMG 706 will not get FDA approval for GIST;
Case scenario of patient treatment adherence;
Opinion on surgery for metastatic GIST;
The first pediatric GIST review board: creating a virtual center of excellence;
Gleevec still beneficial, despite evidence of heart disease;
Pastor Paul Isaak lived his life for everyone;
Washington Life Raft Group;
GIST patient groups convene in Budapest;
New website launched for Global GIST Network.
July 2006 Vol. 7 No. 6
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Life Raft meets with Centers for DIsease Control and Prevention;
Mutational testing predicts GIST treatment response;
Novartis-Schering drug vatalanib produces interesting early results;
Debiec-Rychter sees research group as an orchestra;
Medicare Surprise: Why many seniors could temporarily lose drug coverage;
Editorial: The time for routine mutational testing has come;
Life Raft meets with Infinity about IPI-504;
Murphy battled GIST for 7 years;
AMG706 continues testing as second line drug for Gleevec-resistant GIST patients;
Life Fest 2006 in Dallas, TX September 15-17, 2006;
Dutch Life Raft Group receives national recognition;
ASCO reports Sutent as important drug for pediatric GIST;
Global GIST adds new GIST representatives;
The benefits of Health Savings Accounts.
June 2006 Vol. 7 No. 5
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Clinical trial initiative to be launched in Mexico;
EORTC Study: Progression-free survival improves for 800 mg vs. 400 mg patients;
Learn how to appeal an insurance claim;
Vasella, CEO of Novartis, will appear at Life Fest 2006;
A continued discussion on optimizing therapy for GIST;
Palmer bids adieu as Life Raft newsletter editor;
Life Raft publishes 2005 annual report;
Laughter helps sisters battle the GIST dragon;
Global GIST Network adds new representatives;
Roy Barton, 69, battled GIST for five years;
June 2006 clinical trial update for GIST patients;
Highlights from the American Association for Cancer Research meeting;
Thoughts from the Executive Director;
Largest West Coast gathering of GIST'ers;
Chicago Life Raft chapter focuses on 'positive thinking'.
May 2006 Vol. 7 No. 4
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Membership meeting will include Pediatric GISTers;
Reflections on lessons learned from First Pediatric Weekend;
Understanding pediatric GIST may provide important clues;
Antonescu helps break ground on pediatric GIST;
A wedding in the Life Raft Group;
Stephanie Kastner shares her trip to the Western Caribbean;
What Cancer Cannot Do;
We all have different ways of coping with having cancer;v
Living life to the fullest;
May 2006 clinical trial update for GIST patients.
March-April 2006 Vol. 7 No. 3
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Life Raft funds 10 research projects;
Dallas hosts Life Fest '06 Sept. 15-17;
Maybe There Is A Better Way;
March clinical trial update for resistant GIST;
PedsChat, the first pediatric GIST listserv;
Mansfields look to the future despite worries;
Optimizing therapy for GIST: A discussion;
Imatinib resistance focus of intense study;
The LRG Research Team;
Maj. Quigley fought GIST 9 years;
Pediatric GIST Newsletter plans launch this spring;
Patient status after four years on Gleevec;
Global GIST Network adds New Ireland representative;
Locks of Love;
Help keep the Life Raft afloat!;
Deep in the heart of Texas.
February 2006 Vol. 7 No. 2
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Standard treatment guidelines for GIST;
GIST'ers share their Sutent experiences;
Life Raft coming attractions;
Explosion of GIST information raises questions;
Setting 2006 goals at LRG headquarters;
GIST Q&A with Dr. Peter Reichardt;
GIST gathering in London;
Allan Tobes--A celebration of life;
A roundup of clinical trials;
Global GIST Network adds new representatives;
Russ South was 67;
Appealing Medicare's Gleevec quantity limits;
Award named in memory of Nancy Ann Hughes Welsh.
January 2006 Vol. 7 No. 1
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Sutent given U.S. approval;
Challenges ahead for the GIST
community;
Infinity launches trial of
IPI-504 vs. GIST;
Fight GIST and follow
your dream;
GIST 101: Cell division and
cancer;
Navigating Medicare Prescription
Drug Plan D;
Battling fatigue after the
holidays;
GIST Resistance strategic plan
completed.
December 2005 Vol. 6 No. 9
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GIST and Gleevec: 5 years of progress;
Brian Rubin: snowboarder to dedicated pathologist;
Prescription health coverage: A tale of different doughnuts;
The youngest Life Rafter shares her advice about coping with cancer;
Cordelia Salas, devoted wife and mother;
Second national contact day for the Life Raft Group Nederlands;
Clinical trial updates as of December 2005.
November 2005 Vol. 6 No. 8
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A leader in
the battle
to defeat
GIST;
Resistant GIST may
fall to new
inhibitor;
Sile Bao:
Growing up
with GIST;
Kids with
cancer take the
stage at ArtWorks
2005;
Second poker
tournament brings in
$61,000 for LRG;
Pamphlet on
pediatric
GIST goes to
school;
An
overview of CTOS
2005;
ATTENTION:
Medicare-eligible
Gleevec patients;
Online Q&A
from the
Life Raft
Group;
Thanksgiving
Campaign.
September-October 2005 Vol. 6 No. 7
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First strategic plan
to address treatment
resistance started;
Meet the LRG
Community;
Launching
the Global GIST
Network;
Life Raft
members share
medical solutions;
German GIST group
new plan of action;
Daniel Wieland was a
farmer, dairyman;
Walk for Cure
another success;
Dr.
Lewis Thorp will be
remembered;
LRG
Coming Attractions;
LRG Thanksgiving
Campaign To Match
Challenge Grant;
Roberta Gibson was LRG's first
accountant;
Patricia
H. Novicki was 77;
Flu Shots;
Clinical
trials target
resistant GIST
July - August 2005 Vol. 6 No. 6
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AMN107+Gleevec
clinical trial opens
Testing will be on
just 35 patients at
six sites, two of
them in the U.S.;
FDA fast-tracks
approval process for
Sutent;
Overcoming
resistance is
group’s goal
Strategic planning
group formed, many
of the top GIST
researchers sign on;
GIST’ers strike just
the right note These
three Life Rafters
discover healing
power, spiritual
release in music;
New insights to
multi-drug
resistance;
Life
Rafter has sky-high
plans;
Michigan
Rafters take to the
water;
Patient
groups gather in
Ireland;
Big turnout
at Chicago area
meeting;
First
Gleevec class marks
5th anniversary;
Life Raft board
meets in Chicago;
Register online for
GIST research fund’s
Oct. 2 Walk for a
Cure;
Questions and
answers from our
members;
Henry Lange
Jr., farmer,
veteran,
outdoorsman, was 69;
Terri Stevens,
restaurateur and
15-year GIST
survivor;
Daniel
Raymond Hoffman, 58,
was a decorated
veteran
June 2005 Vol. 6 No. 5
Click here for a listing of articles for this issue
$2 million pledged for
GIST research: Life Raft
will use grant from
Novartis to focus on
resistant tumors;
Young
GIST patients find
unity, hope Families
find strength in
numbers, form bonds at
pediatric GIST
gathering; Advances
reported at 2005 ASCO
meeting;
Sutent appears
headed for approval;
AMG706 active vs. solid
tumors;
PKC412+Gleevec:
stability for some;
Carol Donnell’s gift:
Seeing potential in
others;
Jim Boucher was
the favorite teacher of
many;
Rob Danielson, 54,
survived 12 years
April - May 2005 Vol. 6 No. 4
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Ignorance is bliss, but
not about GIST;
Beyond
Gleevec: The next-era
drugs for GIST;
Pediatric GIST family
gathering near;
Progress
against GIST inches
ahead;
Medical mistakes
happen, sometimes in a
big way;
Life Rafters
gather in Southern
California;
Maher Samet
of Tunisia, good friend
and father;
Alan Fink,
45, loved riding, family
and friends.
Life Raft
Group directors accept
challenge grant;
Nancy
Welsh, 37, survived GIST
for more than 14 years;
Battle with GIST brought Avraham Anidjar to the
U.S.;
In Brief: Gleevec
+ KRX-0401, AMN107, RAD,
Calendar; Gleevec,
vitamin C and insulin
slows disease;
What does
love mean?
March 2005 Vol. 6 No. 3
Click here for a listing of articles for this issue
Many drugs coming
for
Gleevec-resistant
GIST;
She knew all
was not right but
diagnosis took 5
years Joan Marie Hayno has been NED
thanks to surgery
and Gleevec;
Life
Rafters meet in
Amsterdam, Prague;
PKC412 fights
Gleevec-resistant
GIST;
Plans laid for
global GIST network;
Life Raft joins
European Cancer
Patient Coalition;
Druker updates stem
cell research;
Life
Raft Group calendar
of coming events;
GCRF presents first
$25,000 gift;
Can
you name that
country?;
Toledo
Daze;
Barry Cushing,
distinguished
professor, was 59;
Chicago area Life
Rafters meet at
Wellness Place
February 2005 Vol. 6 No. 2
Click here for a listing of articles for this issue
SU11248 works, trial
ends 7 months early;
Fifty-one weeks from
diagnosis to
remission Gleevec,
surgery, family,
friends, and prayer
key to a new lease
on life;
Pediatric
GIST families to
meet in New York;
Why SU11248 works
when Gleevec fails;
Leukemia researchers
strive for a cure;
Gastric GIST behaves
better than
expected;
Arizona
group meets despite
record rainfall;
Rudi Holzapfel,
Irish poet, battled
3½ years;
January 2005 Vol. 6 No. 1
Click here for a listing of articles for this issue
Editorial: Time on
fire Dying patients
can’t get new drugs
that could save
their lives;
Study:
Gleevec levels
decrease over time;
Life Raft board of
directors adds 12th
member;
Rafi
Aghababaian, 38,
fought GIST for two
years;
Fletcher
gives Axelrad
lecture at CTOS;
Fletcher tells Life
Rafters of new type
of trial;
Pediatric
GIST families
mobilize; U.S.
agency puts AMG 706
on fast track
November- December 2004 Vol. 5 No. 11
Click here for a listing of articles for this issue
Life Raft study presented at
CTOS annual meeting: Staring vs.
actual dose significant;
Fundraising charges on: GIST
Walk tops $90,000 for GIST
research, Team LRG Completes New
York City Marathon, Poker
Tournament nets over $47,000 for
Life Raft,
Life Raft Group
Second Annual Fundraising Drive
Off to Good Start;
Putting
Gleevec Tablets in Glycerin
Capsules Raises Serious
Concerns;
Life Raft Research
Team meets with European
Researchers;
Life Raft Hosts
First Pediatric GIST Conference;
Novartis Scientists Review
Status of Drugs in Pipeline;
Chicago LRG Takes On Fundraising
Role;
Life Raft in Warsaw for
Patient Advocacy Conference;
Life Raft Group at CTOS 2004
Montreal, Canada;
A Review of
the Posters and Papers at CTOS;
Das Lebenshaus Visits the Life
Raft Group Office
October 2004 Vol. 5 No. 10
Click here for a listing of articles for this issue
Life Raft
study
presented at
Life Raft
launches
annual
fund-raiser,
Money needed to
fund education, advocacy, research, initiatives;
On board!
Meet Silvia Steinhilber, Canada
resident, native of Germany,
newlywed!;
Novartis to help
patients on Medicare Novartis
will work with new drug coverage
to ensure Gleevec supply;
Dozens
attend first national gathering
of Dutch Life Raft;
GIST
mutation top cause Gleevec
failure;
Pamela Bowden was a
dancer, figure skater;
John Mabee is survived by his wife of
18 years, four children;
Michigan area Life Rafters hear
‘GIST 101’;
A survival paradigm
for GIST;
Thank you from China;
Life Rafter members find
solution to Gleevec tablet
nausea.
September 2004 Vol. 5 No. 9
Click here for a listing of articles for this issue
Life Raft study presented at
Glivec at higher doses combats
progression Largest study of
GIST finds 800 mg. keeps cancer
at bay longer;
Running for the
Life Raft GIST survivor, friend
to join New York marathon and
help battle cancer;
Fourth ‘Walk
for a Cure’ happens Sunday in
New York;
European study
confirms LRG findings on
relapse;
192-mile bike ride = 1 luminometer;
Life
Raft Group
Board of
Directors
will add
five members
come
January;
Bernie
Kaplan
survived by
wife, 2
sons, 2
daughters.
August 2004 Vol. 5 No. 8
Click here for a listing of articles for this issue
Nobel winner accepts Life Raft
Group award - Watson’s
co discovery of the structure of
DNA provided the foundation for
targeted cancer treatment.;
When
the patient is a doctor Dr.
Arnold Kwart learns what life is
like on the other side of the
desk;
UK prepares to OK Glivec
for GIST;
Her dad’s story:
Thriving on life’s lemons;
Pam Barckett knows orphan disease;
Worldwide GIST Calendar;
Hayami-san
faced GIST with ‘ganbatte’;
More
study needed to determine
optimal Gleevec dose;
September
Newsletter Coming Attractions;
AMGEN launches phase ll
clinical-No placebo;
Dutch Life
Rafters plan national gathering;
Carol Berres persisted in life’s
journey.
July 2004 Vol. 5 No. 7
Click here for a listing of articles for this issue
Hoping for a miracle, preparing
for death Michael Matthews
fought to survive the time gap
between clinical trials;
New
drug holds promise for GIST’s
sister cancer;
School aids
teen’s fight vs. GIST;
Medicare
lottery to cover Gleevec, for
some;
Error reported adjuvant
Gleevec trial;
Dr. Larry Baker
addresses Michigan chapter;
Update on new drugs with GIST
potential;
Chicago LRG chapter
learns of Amgen trial;
Life Raft
T-shirts, pins now available;
Life Raft is getting the word
out about GIST;
You can bet
legislators will never play the
Medicare lottery;
GIST’ers join
for artist Ellen Mayer’s solo
exhibition in NYC;
Lupe Zertuche
battled GIST four years.
June 2004 Vol. 5 No. 6
Click here for a listing of articles in this issue
Cancer
experts on GIST Gleevec dosage
level is still unresolved at the
40th annual ASCO meet;
GIST
patients meet around the world;
What dose Gleevec is best?;
EDITORIAL - A wish list
for keeping GIST patients alive;
Pathologists predict behavior of
GIST;
$50,000 awarded to GIST
researchers;
L.A. area GIST patients
meet July 11.
May 2004 Vol. 5 No. 5
Click here for a listing of articles for this issue
GIST patients, experts meet at
Life Fest 2004;
Back from the
brink When Gleevec fails and
options narrow, stress brings on
depression;
Vasella awarded
Stratton Prize;
Life Raft aids
GIST dads worldwide;
Texas area
chapter of the Life Raft meets
Saturday, June 12;
Pathologists
share their data on GIST;
Darlene Vaughan was an early
Gleevec success story;
Fourth
annual Walk for a Cure set Oct.
10 in Congers, N.Y.;
Sid Locker,
76, was WWII veteran, student
counselor;
Life Raft directors
focus on resistance at Orlando
meeting.
April 2004 Vol. 5 No. 4
Click here for a listing of articles for this issue
Meet the top GIST experts at Life Fest;
AACR reports on drugs with GIST possibilities;
Higher doses of Gleevec work best for CML;
Life Rafters meet in San Jose, Costa Rica;
Tentative agenda for Life Fest 2004;
The best part of surgery;
In Memoriam: Curtis Berry, 42, fought GIST three years;
Arthur ‘AD’ Rhea involved with his community.
March 2004 Vol. 5 No. 3
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Placebo raises stress level of GIST patients;
Final plans under way for Florida ‘Life Fest.’;
Another resource for Chicago area patients;
Pediatric GIST collaboration advances;
Don’t beat cancer — outrun it;
Chicago chapter holds its sixth meeting;
In Memoriam: Dean Gordanier’s talents knew no borders;
Gust Vasiliades, 38, loved art, music and life;
Carolyn Lenkszus battled GIST 11 years;
Wife, two daughters survive Jerry Sidfrid.
February 2004 Vol. 5 No. 2
Click here for a listing of articles for this issue
Gleevec vs. GIST trial at 3 years;
Test to predict Gleevec response
expands;
Texas area gathering draws 30 Life Rafters;
Artist, musician,
filmmaker Donald Kew was 43;
Roy, Margolis team to improve LRG Web site;
Few of our issues are
theoretical;
Membership Meeting;
Outreach to Hungary;
Medicare
reform struggles on;
PKC412 trial update;
Loyola utilizes team approach
to GIST.
January 2004 Vol. 5 No. 1
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Editorial Placebo use in Pfizer trial simply wrong;
U.S., Germany launch
‘Gleevec combo’ trial;
Little progress with Pfizer over placebo issue;
Texas-area meeting planned Feb. 7 in Dallas;
Tuomas Hemminki, 41, fought
GIST three years;
SU11248 clinical trials are beginning;
Chicago’s
Evanston aims for excellence;
Pictures; Dr.s Reichardt and Blanke;
At
the Jan. 15 meeting with Novartis, the Life Raft Group’s Jerry Call,
center, is pictured with Dr. Bin Peng, Ph.D., senior clinical lead
pharmacokineticist, and Barbara Kennedy, executive director,
Oncology
Scientific Operations;
Tuomas Hemminki shows off his nice catch last
July while at the family cottage at Lake Inari.
November/December 2003 Vol. 4 No. 11
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Placebo use in Pfizer trial raises
fears;
Running for dad, and GIST patients worldwide;
Life Raft,
Sloan-Kettering to battle pediatric GIST;
Poss, Byrne, Book named to
board of directors;
Lowering dose not advised;
Swiss representative has
busy fall;
New York Life Rafters meet at Gilda’s Club;
Brockstein speaks
of Chicago area group Pictures: Partners against pediatric GIST;
Lisa
Roth, and sister Lorie Roth Cudzil are seen near the finish line
of the Philadelphia
Marathon;
Pfizer and Life Raft Group members at the meeting at Pfizer
headquarters;
Tom Overley and Norman Scherzer arrive Nov. 11 at Pfizer’s
corporate headquarters in NewYork City.;
Pictured at the entrance to in
the Life Raft Group office in Wayne, N.J. John Poss, Norm Scherzer,
Anita Scherzer, Bob Book, Stan Bunn, Dr.
Arnold Kwart, Bernie Kaplan, Dean Gordanier and Allan Tobes.;
Jerry and
Lorie Cudzil; Ulrich Schnorff.
October 2003 Vol. 4 No. 10
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Chicago area patients seek a 'center of excellence';
Progress on fund-raising and many other fronts;
Rain can't dampen record 'Walk for a Cure';
Phase III trial of SU11248: Some questions and concerns;
The doctor had good news and bad news: Bonnie Girard;
Frank Weigand, 66, fought GIST 13 years.
Pictures: Tania Stutman and her grandchildren and friends at the Walk; Life Raft Lunch: Tricia McAleer, Norman Scherzer, Pam Barckett, Steve Rigg, Jim Roy, Bernie Kaplan;
Robert Stutman at the Walk;
Bonnie and Mike Girard; Bonnie Girard and grandchildren;
Frank and Ruth Weigand.
September 2003 Vol. 4 No. 9
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Symposium to focus solely on GI cancer;
Dear Diary: To the brink and back;
Fund-raising drive planned for Thanksgiving;
First visitors to new Life Raft office are Californians;
Life Raft Group's 'legal team' meets in Boston;
Southern California Life Rafters gather;
Loyola doctors focus on STAT3 signaling;
GIST'ers strike rich friendship at The Nugget;
Walk for a Cure slated Oct. 19 in New York;
Patricia Ford, 48, was a teacher's aide in Polo, III;
Maryann Klein, 56, participated in 3 clinical trials;
Memorial gifts benefit the Life Raft;
Pictures: LRG committee meeting in Detroit,
Ilkka Ovaska and daughter Sirpa,
First visitors at new LRG office,
Southern California Life Rafters,
Fund-raising committee, GIST'ers at The Nugget restaurant in California,
Patricia Ford.
August 2003 Vol. 4 No. 8
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Sugen offers option when Gleevec fails;
GIST patients see new clinical trials;
Directory of GIST experts in formation;
Life Rafters hold New Jersey luau;
Global sales of Gleevec up 102% in first half of '03;
Canadian Life Rafters gather at Jordan Station;
Life Raft on the move!;
Friends, family mourn Laura Blanchette, 47;
Cancer boring? Andrea Fuller knows just what will get the juices flowing;
Pictures: Andrea Fuller,
New York Area BBQ,
Canadian Life Rafters.
July 2003 Vol. 4 No. 7
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Glivec OK'd for GIST in Japan, Israel;
Targets, targeted therapy reports abound at AARC;
Life Raft reach spans the globe;
Dutch Life Rafters gather in Ridderkerk;
LifeLine Pilots: The shortest distance between home and hope;
Life Raft Events; Going global: Each country has a unique bureaucracy;
William Lawson, 56, a lifelong resident of Lafayette.
Pictures: Dutch Life Raft Chapter;
David Josephy;
LRG Dallas BOD Meeting.
June 2003 Vol. 4 No. 6
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Life Raft at ASCO;
Sugen drug an option if Gleevec fails;
Studies differ over 400 mg. vs. 800 mg.;
Gleevec tablets just as good as capsules;
Life Raft raises research questions (editorial);
Study: GIST can outwit Gleevec four ways;
Test reveals who'll respond to Gleevec;
Story of Gleevec told in "Magic Cancer Bullet"
Pictures: LRG Volunteers at ASCO;
Dr. Michael Heinrich;
Norman & Anita Scherzer with Dan Vasella
May 2003 Vol. 4 No. 5
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The Life Raft travels to Switzerland;
New drug outwits Gleevec resistance;
OHSU rolls out red carpet for GIST'ers;
Chicago area group gears up for ASCO;
Pictures: LRG members at OHSU;
Dr. Heinrick of OHSU;
LRG Executive Director Norman Scherzer and Dr. Dan Vasella, CEO of Novartis;
LRG members in Switzerland;
The Salas Family in Cancun.
April 2003 Vol. 4 No. 4
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Relapse survey;
John Weir's story;
Cancer legislation needs support.
Pictures: John Weir;
LRG members at Novartis; John Weir ID;
LRG members in NJ;
relapse data (table);
Kathy and John Weir;
John Weir Day May 7.
March 2003 Vol. 4 No. 3
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Protein defect linked to GIST;
Sarah's rants and raves;
Access to Cancer Therapies Act;
Stephen Larsen's letter on GIST research needs;
LRG launches relapse survey; .
Pictures: Bob Buch;
Sarah and Bob Buch; Kerrie, Stephen, and William-Grant Larsen;
Dr. Michael Heinrich;
Marina and Keith Symcox;
Representative Pryce; Sarah and Bob Buch in Alaska;
Michael and Mia Byrne fund raising in costume;
Mehreen Hai letter.
February 2003 Vol. 4 No. 2
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Maura Cesarini "True Love and Cancer";
Life Raft alliance with AFIP;
GIST research and tumor bank;
Chicago LRG chapter meets;
Arizona rafter gathering;
Novartis contact
information;
Southern California chapter meeting;
Internet sites with
cancer information;
Pictures: Maura Cesarini;
LRG/AFIP meeting;
Maura, Mike, Michaella, and Bella Cesarini;
Chicago chapter meeting;
Dr. Harvey Wolf;
Elaine Rys, Paula Vettel, Gwen Lawson; Billie Baldwin, Dick Kinzig, Eleanor Lewis, Darlene Vaughan;
Califonia meeting.
January 2003 Vol. 4 No. 1
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Alan Fink autobio
article;
LRG annual report;
OHSU
and GIST;
Canadian Life
Rafters gather;
Davises visit
LRG office;
Kathy Colwell autobio
article;
Chapter meeting
plans;
Cynthia Whitson and
Kathy Colwell obituaries;
Pictures: Alan Fink on bicycle,
Norman Scherzer,
Alan Fink at ground zero in NYC,
Alan Fink on his Harley,
Canadian meeting (Sheila and Al Murphy,
Jeannette Scobie, Lee Cousins, Linda Hampson),
Terry and Claire Davis with
Norman at the office;
Kathy Colwell, Cynthia Whitson at the LRG meeting in Boston.
December 2002 Vol. 3 No. 11
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Mel
Heller at 80;
Sugen drug
shrinks tumors in 25% of
patients;
GIST more common
than thought;
Life Raft raising funds to match Novartis
grant;
Michigan and Illinois
area meetings planned;
Howard Delapenha
obituary;
Pictures: Irmgard and Mel Heller, Scherzer, Bunn, Mel and Irmgard Heller (2).
November 2002 Vol. 3 No. 10
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Connective Tissue Oncology Meeting in San Francisco;
Max Foundation provides Gleevec outside North America;
Glivec/chemo combinations;
Bernie Kaplan;
Fishing in the Amazon (John Poss);
Nora Shaulis obituary;
Pictures: Norman Scherzer at CTOS;
Bernie and Bracha Kaplan with Dan Vasella;
John Poss fishing in the Amazon;
David and Nora Shaulis;
Elsie Hernandez and Michael Josephy.
October 2002 Vol. 3 No. 9
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Terry Jennings' story; new Life Raft office opens in NJ;
Medicare coverage of Gleevec unlikely;
Life Rafter meeting in
Arizona;
Pictures: the Jennings family;
Tricia McAleer; Matthew Mattioli; James Roy;
Arizona gathering.
September 2002 Vol. 3 No. 8
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London GIST meeting, resistance grows?, antibody tests suspect in some cases;
David Cook new LRG
coordinator for UK;
Rodrigo Salas and Ulrich Schnorf join board;
Second GIST WALK for a Cure (Tania);
Michael Byrne, the world's healthiest GIST patient;
Illinois chapter of LRG first meeting;
Christian LRG member sub-group;
In Memoriam.
Pictures: Tania and Robert Stutman's grandchildren;
Tania's GIST walk;
Michael, Mia, and Matthew Byrne;
Michael Byrne "Number 571";
Southern California Life Rafters;
Illinois chapter; Dick Kinzig and Margo Shoup.
July/August 2002 Vol. 3 No. 7
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Team FLAMES rides the Pan-Mass Challenge once again;
Novartis donates $250,000 to the Life Raft Group;
President's message from Stan Bunn;
Carol Berres' journey to hope;
Todd Hendrickson obituary;
Science Team report: KIT still primary therapy target;
Life Raft organizational changes.
Pictures: Norman and Anita Scherzer with Dan Vasella;
Carol Berres;
Joan Canniff and Gary Golnik;
Todd, Janet, Tyler, Max, and T.J. Hendrickson;
Stan and William Bunn.
June 2002 Vol. 3 No. 6
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UK board denies Gleevec due to costs;
Gleevec approved for GIST in Europe;
Novartis wins Galien Proze for Gleevec;
Dave Cook's story;
Jerry Rylant and Jill Meyer obituaries;
Tuomas and the T-shirt;
LRG financial report.
Pictures: Cordelia and Dan Vasella,
Dave, Irene and Laura Cook,
Ana Maria Baldor-Bunn,
Tuomas models the T-shirt.
May 2002 Vol. 3 No. 5
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May meeting photos and stories;
ASCO conference in Florida;
Marina Symcox and Dan Vasella;
LRG organizational meeting;
Novartis/DFCI Q & A; LRG candle ceremony.
Apr 2002 Vol. 3 No. 4
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Combined Gleevec/surgery trial;
SU011248 testing begins;
Boston gathering notes;
Ana Baldor-Bunn, Mary Golnik, Jacob Waller, George Wolf obituaries;
Laura, Ben and Jacob Cooley;
Marina Symcox's journey from hospice to home;
Novartis facts.
Mar 2002 Vol. 3 No. 3
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Medicare Coverage of Gleevec sought;
Boston meeting agenda and article;
Harris poll results on Medicare coverage of oral cancer drugs;
Dave Blender the "bread man".
Pictured: Life Rafters meet in Toronto;
Dave and Aaron;
Tuomas and Dr. Joensuu;
Life Rafters meet at DFCI.
Feb 2002 Vol. 3 No. 2
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U.S. OK's Gleevec for GIST;
Life Raft gathering set May 3-4
in Boston;
Demetri: Gleevec a "global
collaboration";
Montague friends give $2,600
to Life Raft Group;
Life Rafters remembered
during visit to Holy Land;
Robert Carr, Robert Lecca
obituaries;
Pictured: Lunch at Scherzer's home;
meeting in Ontario, Canada;
Richard and Cindy.
Jan 2002 Vol. 3 No. 1
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Life Raft's Carl Banker carries
Olympic flame;
Gleevec on way to being No. 1 treatment for CML;
Developer of Gleevec
carries Olympic torch;
Pictured: Life Rafters Rob, Laura,
the Byrnes, Penny, Elsie and Michael.
Dec 2001 Vol. 2 No. 11
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Lobbying sought for Medicare
reform;
Legislators who
support Medicare coverage;
Meeting of minds at Dana-Farber;
Marina Symcox:
A tale of five Decembers;
Pictured: Ronna and Dan in NYC,
Tuomas in Finland;
Bruce Gunn obituary.
Nov 2001 Vol. 2 No. 10
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Novartis seeks U.S. OK to use Gleevec
for GIST;
From the editor:
Silver lining in the cloud of
cancer;
Life Raft survey draws Novartis
interest;
Glivec approved in Europe for CML;
FLAMES excel in Pan-Mass
Challenge;
New drug offers hope for Marcel Szyszkowski;
Pictured: Silver anniversary,
Life Rafters in Portland,
Vince in Egypt,
Michael and Matthew.
Oct 2001 Vol. 2 No. 9
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Special Side Effect Survey
issue;
GIST walk raises
$23,000+ fund nears $40,000;
Life Raft patients report fatigue is top side effect.
Sep 2001 Vol. 2 No. 8
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Side effects surgery goal near
as deadline looms;
GIST walk
set Sept. 16 in New York state;
Glivec
moves closer to European
approval;
Ehud Nehemya,
Jeffrey Prichard, Ron G.
Martinez obituaries;
Pictured: GIST survivor Henry Lange Jr.,
Anita Scherzer then and now.
Jul/Aug 2001 Vol. 2 No. 7
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GIST researcher Blanke share "our" Gleevec
experience;
Oral cancer
medication legislation wins
support;
Pictured: Life Rafters on top of Miss Liberty, snorkeling in Hawaii.
Jun 2001 Vol. 2 No. 6
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Life Raft patients share
responses, side effects;
ACOR
starts lobbying for Medicare
coverage;
Life Rafters gather
in New York City;
Coordinator's column: GIST has
become a chronic disease;
Novartis researcher honored for work on Gleevec;
Amy Barney, Jim Perham obituaries.
May 2001 Vol. 2 No. 5
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Gleevec
OK'd by FDA for leukemia;
Law
drafted to change Medicare's
anti-oral drug policy;
"Off label" use worries Gleevec
researchers;
Novartis ships Gleevec
within 24 hours of FDA approval;
Journal reports on clinical
trial patient No. 1;
Pictured: Ehud and Ophir, "Crazy Canucks."
Apr 2001 Vol. 2 No. 4
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Novartis CEO Daniel Vasella:
Glivec should clear hurdles;
Dr. George Demetri:
Real progress with real people,
thanks to the global community;
Survey: Gender plays a role in
side effects;
STI-5711/GIST
trials at 200+ U.S. hospitals;
Pictured: Life Rafters at OHSU in Portland, Dana-Farber in Boston.
Mar 2001 Vol. 2 No. 3
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Novartis seeks approval of Glivec
worldwide;
Notes on STI571 from leukemia group at OHSU;
LRG Coordinator's
reflections;
Todd
Hendrickson, Life Rafter with a
lot to live for;
Jim Ackerman obituary.
Feb 2001 Vol. 2 No. 2
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Survey of Life Raft Group
members reveals high response
rate;
Forbes' Magazine's on
how STI571 was fast-tracked;
New trial sites;
Life Rafter Michael Byrne skis!
Jan 2001 Vol. 2 No. 1
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Dr. Brian Druker,
developer of STI571, offers
end-of-the-year thoughts;
STI571 trials expand into third
phase;
Glivec resistance a concern but optimism prevails.
Dec 2000 Vol. 1 No. 2
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Glivec, new name for STI571;
Dosage and response rate;
Interesting Web site;
Life Raft symptom survey, news in brief;
Kinases chart.
Nov 2000 Vol. 1 No. 1
The first issue of the newsletter is not available.
