Wondering what in the world Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST) is?

Longtime friend of the Life Raft Group and LRG Science Team member, Dr. David Josephy, presented the basics of cell biology in cancer, focusing on GIST on Wednesday, March 13, 2019. Presented in an easy-to-understand way, Dr. Josephy unravels the mystery behind the differences between sarcomas and carcinomas; protein expression and the role of immunohistochemistry in diagnosis; the significance of mutations in the KIT and PDGFRA genes and the mechanism of action of tyrosine kinase inhibitor drugs.

Sound complicated? Dr. Josephy’s approachable style will decode the terminology and concepts for you, whether you are newly diagnosed or are a long-term survivor.

About the presenter

David JosephyDavid Josephy is a Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of Guelph, where he has taught for more than 35 years. He has been President of GIST Sarcoma Life Raft Group Canada (LRGC) since its inception in 2008. In 2010, David spent a sabbatical term working in the laboratory of Dr. Jonathan Fletcher, a leading GIST researcher at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.

David is a member of the Science Team of The Life Raft Group (USA) and collaborates with GIST patient support groups around the world. His research interests are in the field of Molecular Toxicology. He is particularly interested in the scientific basis for development of new small-molecule drugs for GIST.

Disclaimer: Information provided in this webcast is not intended as a substitute for your physician’s guidance and care.