Welcome, Sophie!

The Heinrich Lab has a new Research Assistant! Sophie Vahsholtz joined the lab in October 2022. She graduated with a B.S. in biology with a focus on genetics from Oregon State University in June 2022. Sophie aids in tissue culture, drug sensitivity studies, and other projects in the lab. Welcome, Sophie!

2022 GCRF Conference and Luncheon

Every year, we look forward to the GIST Cancer Research Fund Conference and Luncheon at OHSU’s Knight Cancer Institute, not only to share insight about the latest treatments with patients and their families, but to reconnect with each other. In addition to working toward finding a cure for GIST, it’s so important to all of us in the Heinrich Lab to foster a community of collaboration and education for everyone who cares about GIST. We want to express our sincere gratitude to the GCRF for another very generous donation this year to be used in our efforts to find a cure for this devastating disease. Together, we can overcome this!

For those of you who were unable to join us, click HERE to view the recorded presentations.

2022 GIST Cancer Fundraising Walks

The GIST Cancer Research Fund is a GIST patient-run non-profit organization that has generously supported the GIST cancer research performed in the Heinrich Lab for over two decades, in addition to supporting several other GIST research programs around the country. Without their support, the immense progress that has been made in improving GIST patient care would not have been possible. Every year, Dr. Heinrich attends fundraising walks to support the GCRF and their efforts to find a cure. We’re so honored to take part in these events and to continue working for a better future for GIST patients.

Welcome to the Heinrich Lab, Kevin!

Kevin is an undergraduate student at UCLA pursuing his B.S. in psychobiology. Over the summer, Kevin worked on discovering avapritinib resistance mutations and continues to assist in various projects in the lab. In his free time, Kevin likes to play tennis and basketball with his friends. We’re so excited to work with you, Kevin!

Kevin Hong

Recap of the Heinrich Lab’s 2020 GCRF Virtual Fundraiser Walk

We want to extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who participated in the Heinrich Lab’s 2020 GCRF Virtual Fundraiser Walk in Portland, Oregon. Although we could not reunite in person to walk with many patients, families, and friends, a few of us were able to gather to show our support for GIST research.  We especially want to express our deep appreciation to the GCRF community for their generous donation of $75,000 this year. With your amazing fundraising efforts, we are able to continue to work hard to find a cure for this devastating disease. Check out the photos and videos of our walk with Dr. Michael Heinrich!

Join us for the GIST Cancer Research Fund (GCRF) 2020 Virtual Fundraiser Walk!

Join the GIST Cancer Research Fund (GCRF) for a virtual fundraiser walk

Oct 17-18th, 2020


The GCRF is a GIST patient-run non-profit (501c3) that has supported the GIST basic research being performed in the laboratory of Dr. Michael Heinrich here at OHSU, as well as numerous other GIST research programs around the US, for nearly two decades. The funds donated to research from the GCRF fund research for improving the care of GIST patients. Without the support of the GCRF, the immense progress that has been made in improving GIST patient care at OHSU would not have been possible. Please invite family and friends to participate in this virtual walk. Choose you own date and distance for the walk and recruit sponsors.

Donations can be made by credit card at gistinfo.org or checks payable to GCRF can be sent to:
Liz Chew
1630 Coraltree Place
San Jose, CA 95131

Welcome to the Heinrich Lab, Homma!

We have a new graduate student in the Heinrich Lab, so please join us in welcoming Homma!  Homma Khosroyani graduated from the University of Washington in 2016 with a B.S. in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental biology and a minor in microbiology.  She is currently pursuing a PhD in the OHSU Cancer Biology graduate program.  Homma’s project in the lab will focus on using CRISPR/Cas9 screens to characterize cancer cell quiescence in GIST.