News and Updates:

October 2009

In the early October of 2009, Dr. Carol Beadling represented the Heinrich-Corless laboratory group at the GIST Cancer Research Fund Walk for a Cure held in New York. Later that month, Dr. Michael Heinrich participated in the San Jose Walk for a Cure. Dr. Heinrich is shown in the photo below, along with the San Jose Walk for a Cure Co-Organizer, Irene Wing (center), and the Chairperson of the GIST Cancer Research Fund, Tania Stutman (right).

April 2009

On April 28th, Dr. Heinrich spoke to the Life Raft Group about "Optimizing Gleevec Therapy with Plasma Testing." This presentation included the role of plasma testing, its logistics, who might benefit from this testing, and how to interpret the results. Visit the link above to view the presentation.

On April 15th, the Gist Cancer Research Fund presented a generous donation in the amount of $150,000 to the Heinrich-Corless Research Lab at the GCRF Grant Presentation Breakfast at OHSU. This incredible gift is greatly appreciated, especially during these difficult economic times. Without this support, we would not be able to continue to help find a cure for this terrible disease.

Dr. Heinrich and Dr. Corless accepting the generous gift from The GIST Cancer Research Fund.

October 2008

On October 26th, 2008, Dr. Mike Heinrich traveled to Santa Clara, California, to participate in the West Coast GIST Cancer Research Fund Walk for a Cure. Dr. Heinrich is shown here with GIST patients and fellow GIST researcher Dr. Matt Van de Rijn of Stanford University School of Medicine.

(L-R) Barbara Livermore, Dr. Mike Heinrich, Jen Bayles, Dr. Matt Van de Rijn, and Vadim Schukin.

July 2008

The Life Raft Group has renewed research support grants to Drs. Michael Heinrich and Christopher Corless. The new grants, totaling $360,000 over two years, will be used to explore the activity of next-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), study mechanisms of TKI resistance, and search for alternative oncogenic mechanisms in so-called wild-type GISTs. The work will be conducted collaboratively with other members of the Life Raft GIST research consortium.

Dr. Heinrich and Dr. Corless accepting the generous gift from Norman Scherzer of the Life Raft Group.

May 2008

The Gist Cancer Research Fund presented a generous donation in the amount of $150,000 to the Heinrich-Corless Research Lab on May 15th at the GCRF Grant Presentation Breakfast at OHSU. This support is greatly appreciated because, without these gifts, we would not be able to continue to help find a cure for this terrible disease.

Dr. Heinrich and Dr. Corless accepting the generous gift from The GIST Cancer Research Fund.

December 2007

The B.P., Lester and Regina John Foundation generously made another contribution of $20,000 in support of our GIST research. When Lester M. John was alive, he believed in helping families in need and supporting critical causes. Through the B.P., Lester and Regina John Foundation, his legacy continues.

The 2007 Peter Thomas Memorial Ride took place in August and was organized by GIST patient Mike Prozan. The participating cyclists traveled 1000 miles in 10 days from Bremerton, Washington to San Francisco, California, to raise funds for GIST cancer research. Their amazing effort resulted in a $26,000 donation to the Oregon Cancer Institute to help us continue building our understanding of this disease.

October 2007

Dr. Corless presented a lecture at the Novartis GIST opinion leaders summit. Click here to watch the lecture or download the slides.

August 2007

The 2007 Peter Thomas Memorial Ride is a bicycle ride of 1000 miles in 10 days to find 1 cure for GIST. On August 5, 2007, up to 12 riders started a ride from Bremerton, Washington to San Francisco, CA. Five of the riders will be attempting the go the full distance. On August 6th the riders made a stop in Portland, Oregon and the Oregon Cancer Institute held a dinner in their honor.

Dr.Heinrich (far left) & Dr. Corless (far right) with riders; Mike Prozan, Deanne Johnson, Erica Johnson and Andy Johnson.