NCI reports on advances in treatment for GIST and Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma

The current issue of the National Cancer Institute's Bulletin (June 14, 2011) reports on advances in treatment for GIST and alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS). GIST survival improves with longer treatment with imatinib. For ASPS patients a phase II clinical trial of the experimental drug cediranib, more than half of patients saw their tumors shrink. For the full story visit: http://www.cancer.gov/ncicancerbulletin/061411

Attention: Sarcoma Patients Needed for Study

The Sarcoma Alliance is providing this information as a service to the sarcoma community. Each person should make his or her own decision about participation.

Synovate Healthcare, a leader in global market research, is conducting a study on soft tissue sarcoma (STS). We would like to invite individuals diagnosed with STS to contact us for possible participation in this study.

Study Purpose: This research is being undertaken to shed more light on the journey of individuals with this condition and understand some of the challenges tied to the availability of support for both patients and caregivers. Your input will enable our client to provide helpful tools to assist new sarcoma patients as they go through the process of diagnosis and treatment. No attempts will be made to sell anything to you. This is for educational purposes only so that others may have an improved experience upon diagnosis.

Recruitment: All interested persons who are diagnosed with STS are invited to call Jody at Schlesinger Associates, 1-866-861-0395 x229. She will help to determine the feasibility of your participation

Participation: Study participation involves completion of a brief written description of your journey from diagnosis to present by using stories, pictures, or other means. After completion of this exercise, you will be asked to participate in a 75-minute phone discussion in which you will be encouraged to share your story. All aspects of the study are completed in the comfort of your own home with all expenses paid. Your confidentiality will be maintained at all times. Only your first name will be used during the phone discussion.

Incentive: Synovate is offering a generous token of appreciation in exchange for your participation on this study. This will be paid out after full participation on the study has been completed

June 28, 2011, Sarcoma Community Event, Mountain View, CA

Sarcoma patients, survivors and caregivers are invited to join 23andMe for a night of sarcoma education at our Sarcoma Community Event! This event will take place on Tuesday, June 28 from 6:15 - 9:00 PM at 23andMe Headquarters in Mountain View, California. Mix and mingle with fellow sarcoma patients while learning about patient and caregiver support opportunities and 23andMe’s Sarcoma Research Initiative. Engage in informational talks by top sarcoma physicians from Stanford and UCSF as well as patient advocacy leaders. Drinks and hors d'oeuvres will be served.

Event Speakers
Dr. Kristen Ganjoo, Stanford Medical Oncologist
Dr. Eric K. Nakakura, UCSF Cancer Surgeon
Nathalie Criou, Survivor and Beat Sarcoma Founder
Arthur Beckert, Sarcoma Alliance Executive Director

Registration and Reception at 6:15 PM; official agenda will begin at 7 PM.
The event will take place at 23andMe Headquarters: 1390 Shorebird Way, Mountain View, CA 94043.
Registration is complementary. Please RSVP to sarcoma-help@23andme.com. Space may be limited