Category Archives: Research

2022 GCRF Conference and Luncheon

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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.

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

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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!

Welcome to the Heinrich Lab, Homma!

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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.

2019 GDOL Portland

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On Saturday, June 22nd, The Life Raft Group hosted its annual GIST Day of Learning event at OHSU in Portland, Oregon. Attendees gathered to learn about the latest GIST research and get support. Some participated in the GIST Do It Walk across the Tillikum Crossing bridge over the Willamette River. Speakers presented new information on GIST treatments, immunotherapy, clinical trials, and SDH-deficient GIST. After a question and answer session, everyone gathered on the rooftop patio to mingle.

The Heinrich Lab would like to thank the Life Raft Group and all of the organizers, speakers, patients, and participants for joining us at this special event. It’s always a joy to see familiar faces and connect over our common goal to find a cure for GIST.

Thank you, GIST Cancer Research Fund!

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Each year, we look forward to the annual 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 researchers, physicians, patients, and families. We want to express our sincere gratitude to the GCRF for another very generous donation to our efforts to find a cure for this devastating disease.

Mrs. Tania Stutman blows out her 70th birthday candles with Dr. Brian Druker.

This year’s conference was highlighted by the special presentation of a cupcake from Dr. Brian Druker to Tania Stutman, in celebration of her 70th birthday. Mrs. Stutman was one of the first GIST patients to take Gleevec nearly 20 years ago, which Dr. Druker developed. We all sang “Happy Birthday” to honor this amazing woman and we want to thank her for everything she’s done for other GIST patients.

Please be sure to watch our special Lab Tour video from last year and
see below for links to the speakers’ presentations:

2019 Vancouver GIST Day of Learning

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On Saturday, April 27th, Dr. Heinrich participated in the Vancouver GIST Day of Learning, sponsored by the GIST Sarcoma Life Raft Group Canada.  He spoke about the “Development of the Next Generation of GIST Treatments” to GIST patients, family, caregivers and healthcare professionals. These events provide an essential educational and support resource for people who have GIST. 

2019 GIST Day of Learning

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REGISTER HERE!

GDOL is a free one day event to help patients and caregivers learn more about this rare cancer, find support, and enhance their knowledge base to help them navigate their cancer journey.

The Life Raft Group has a simple focus: to cure a form of cancer — GIST — and to help those living with it until then. To do this, the Life Raft Group focuses on three key areas: research, patient support & education, and advocacy, which lay the foundation of our mission to ensure the survival of GIST patients through a comprehensive approach connecting individual patients’ needs, the worldwide community of GIST advocates and the global health and research environment.