The GIST Group Switzerland, an association that supports people affected by gastrointestinal stromal tumors, has awarded its science prize for the thirteenth time. The GIST Prize 2023, worth CHF 10,000, is awarded to Dr. med. Johanna Falkenhorst in recognition of her research work in the field of gastrointestinal stromal tumors. The title of her work is:

«Genomic evolution of resistance in gastrointestina stromal tumor : KIT AP/AL Mutations Are a Key Mechanism of Kinase-Inhibitor Escape»

Published in the «Journal of Clinical Oncology».

The laudatory speech was held by Dr. Michael Montemurro, Lausanne, medical advisor and member of the prize committee of the GIST Group.

The award ceremony took place on November 23, 2023 as part of the "SAKK Award Ceremony" during the Swiss Oncology & Hematology Congress (SOHC) 2023.

GIST is an extremely rare cancer of the gastrointestinal tract and belongs to the sarcomas, a group of malignant tumors that occur in connective tissue, bones and muscles. Around 10 to 15 cases per 1 million inhabitants are affected each year. As a non-profit organization, SAKK also conducts research trials in the field of such rare cancers.

Dr. med. Michael Montemurro, Dr. med. Johanna Falkenhorst with her Baby Clara and Helga Meier from GIST Switzerland.