Making a diagnosis for a genetic or rare disease can often be challenging. Healthcare professionals typically look at a person’s medical history, symptoms, physical exam, and laboratory test results in order to make a diagnosis. The following resources provide information relating to diagnosis and testing for this condition. If you have questions about getting a diagnosis, you should contact a healthcare professional.
Research helps us better understand diseases and can lead to advances in diagnosis and treatment. This section provides resources to help you learn about medical research and ways to get involved.
Support and advocacy groups can help you connect with other patients and families, and they can provide valuable services. Many develop patient-centered information and are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct you to research, resources, and services. Many organizations also have experts who serve as medical advisors or provide lists of doctors/clinics. Visit the group’s website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD.
Living with a genetic or rare disease can impact the daily lives of patients and families. These resources can help families navigate various aspects of living with a rare disease.
These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.
Don’t Miss the NCATS Toolkit for Patient-Focused Therapy Development Event
August 31, 2017
Funding Opportunities Now Available for the Undiagnosed Diseases Network (UDN) Phase II
August 30, 2017
IRDiRC Goals 2017-2027: New Rare Disease Research Goals for the Next Decade
August 10, 2017
Rare Tumors Initiative Symposium Strategies to Develop Therapies for Rare Tumors: Small Numbers, but Big Opportunities
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
Location: NIH Natcher Conference Center,
Bethesda,
MD
Description: The goals of this symposium are to increase communication and build networks between researchers working in rare tumors across NIH, and to get input from patient groups, industry, and the FDA on how to overcome the biggest hurdles in the development of therapies for rare tumors. The Rare Tumors Initiative at NCI, CCR will use this information to prioritize goals for the future and will prepare a white paper summary to help guide researchers worldwide.
Contact: Dr. Karlyne Reilly,(301) 846-7518, reillyk@mail.nih.gov
Co-funding Institute(s): National Cancer Institute, Office of Rare Diseases Research
Overcoming Barriers to International Clinical Trials for Rare Cancers
Friday, December 10, 2010
Location:
Bethesda,
Maryland
Description: The goals of this conference were to introduce key institutional players to the topic of international clinical trials in rare cancers and to establish an ongoing dialogue. Participants left the meeting with a set of specific priorities that need to be enacted to promote these trials. The meeting promoted consensus on the way that resources are prioritized to address rare cancers. Participants were asked to convey the content of the meeting to their constituencies and to follow up with pilot concepts.
Contact: Jack Welch, M.D., Ph.D., jack.welch@nih.govjack.welch@nih.gov
Co-funding Institute(s): National Cancer Institute, Office of Rare Diseases Research
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Questions sent to GARD may be posted here if the information could be helpful to others. We remove all identifying information when posting a question to protect your privacy. If you do not want your question posted, please let us know. Submit a new question
My sister was diagnosed with a leiomyosarcoma and soon after passed away. Is there a test to screen for this? See answer
Our son has had surgery and a tumor was found on the right colon. It was removed and first thought to be a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), but because of CD117 and CD34 testing we were told it was leiomyosarcoma. We have been to 2 oncologists, one says chemo and the other says chemo is not effective for this type. We are totally confused. See answer
