CTCA hosts second ‘Annual New Treatments in Oncology’ conference

Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA) at Western Regional Medical Center (Western) is hosting its second Annual New Treatments in Oncology (ANTO) conference, focused on advances in cancer research, new treatments and patient care. As many as 200 participants are expected for the ANTO 2016, set for 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. March 5 at the W Scottsdale hotel.

"Following the success of our first ANTO event last year, we anticipate that presenters will share some of the best new scientific innovations and discoveries that will provide new treatment options for cancer patients," said Dr. Glen Weiss, M.D., M.B.A., who serves as a Medical Oncologist and Director of Clinical Research at CTCA® Western in Goodyear, Ariz., where he supervises more than 20 clinical trials involving hundreds of patients.

Featured speakers include some of the foremost experts in their respective fields of oncology research, and represent prominent doctors from some of the nation's most prestigious cancer research institutes. Among them are:

• Dr. Luis Diaz Jr. of Johns Hopkins University, who has pioneered genomic diagnostic and therapeutic approaches and specializes in advanced pancreatic and colorectal cancers;
• Dr. John Farley of Dignity Health Medical Group, a gynecologic oncologist with affiliations at CTCA at Western, the University of Arizona Schools of Medicine and the U of A Cancer Center at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center; and
• Dr. Ron Korn of Imaging Endpoints, who also serves as Medical Director of the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center at HonorHealth. He is the founder and Chief Medical Officer of Imaging Endpoints Core Lab, a global leader in imaging research that accelerates drug development.

"Last year's ANTO conference was an unqualified success, providing colleagues with a unique opportunity to help each other stay on top of the most recent developments in treating cancer," said Dr. Korn, M.D., Ph.D. "CTCA at Western's sponsorship of this gathering plays an essential role in helping patients receive the best care possible."

Other ANTO 2016 presenters include: Dr. Alexander Drilon, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; Dr. Aaron Hata, Massachusetts General Hospital; Dr. Derek Raghavan, Levine Cancer Institute; Dr. Sandra M. Swain, Washington Cancer Institute; and Dr. Glen Weiss of CTCA at Western. Drs. Diaz, Korn and Weiss were featured presenters at last year's ANTO.

ANTO is designed by CTCA at Western for practicing oncologists, scientists, students, and others in the field of cancer care who are interested in cutting-edge clinical cancer developments and treatment approaches.

The event is structured similarly to meetings of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the nation's two largest cancer and oncology professional organizations.

"We've streamlined this second ANTO into a one-day event to enable more participation in this national forum for cancer-care innovations. Leaders in oncology from across America will share their latest research findings, providing opportunities for a healthier future for all humanity," said Dr. Weiss, whose clinical trials have resulted in FDA-approved treatments.

Organizers hope participants will take away from ANTO: an increased knowledge of new treatments in oncology, including new methods for disease response monitoring; familiarity with the need and importance of drug development, and principles of systemic cancer therapy; and recognition of how new treatments may be incorporated into the care of cancer patients.

Cost of the ANTO 2016 is $100 for physicians; $50 for students and fellows; free for first authors on accepted abstract posters. Venue

The W Scottsdale, 7277 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85251, is one of Arizona's newest high-end resorts, conveniently located in midtown Scottsdale near some of the West's best arts, fashion and entertainment districts. Call for reservations at: 1-480-970-2147. Reference "ANTO CTCA Conference" to receive a 15 percent discount. Accreditation

CTCA at Western is accredited by the Arizona Medical Association to award continuing medical education for physicians. CTCA at Western designates this educational activity for a maximum of 6 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

In Remembrance of Dr. Robert Arceci

The Medical Education Program at CTCA at Western was saddened by the news of Dr. Robert Arceci's sudden passing. Dr. Arceci and his wife Jean attended the first ANTO conference this past May. Dr. Arceci's CME presentation "Transforming Cancer Care: How and Why Biology will Change the Course of Treatment and Survivorship" was an impactful and well received addition to the day and only a small portion of a long list of successes Dr. Arceci provided in the fight against cancer. His presence in the field of Oncology will be greatly missed. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family.