Hematological malignancies conference to provide update on blood-borne cancer

John Theurer Cancer CenterApr 20 2010

Leading experts in blood-borne cancers to present upcoming innovative approaches while patients learn more about cancer care and novel therapies

John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center will host a hematological malignancies conference for physicians and patients on Friday, April 23 and Saturday, April 24. The event, entitled "Current and Innovative Modalities in the Management of Hematological Malignancies", is part of John Theurer Cancer Center's commitment to provide both healthcare professionals as well as patients with an update on the newest advances in the field of blood-borne cancers.

Hematologic malignancies include lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and leukemia, and affect an estimated 140,000 patients a year in the United States. This number represents approximately 10 percent of all new cancer diagnoses. The incidence of these cancers has been steadily rising, up nearly 20 percent in the last six years alone.

On April 23rd, the John Theurer Cancer Center will bring oncology experts from leading cancer institutions, including the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Dana Farber Cancer Center Institute in Boston, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha and Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center in Chicago as well as experts from Germany, to discuss important trends in blood-borne cancers to enhance patient care and to incorporate novel therapies through clinical trials. Registration and food are complimentary, and attendees can receive up to 6.5 continuing medical education (CME) credits.

"John Theurer Cancer Center strives to provide the best continuing education programs so that we can further advance cancer treatments and tackle the most complicated cases," Andrew Pecora, M.D., F.A.C.P., C.P.E., Chairman and Executive Administrative Director, John Theurer Cancer Center. "We are proud to bring high-caliber medical leaders to share their expertise with our doctors and healthcare professionals, as well as with the greater medical community."

Key topics of this CME conference include: an update on the management of the main types of lymphomas as well as multiple myeloma; recognizing new prognostic markers in lymphoma including the impact of PET scan imaging; incorporating emerging molecular stratification of both lymphoid and myeloid malignancies; and new trends in autologous and allogenic stem cell transplantation.

Featured Speakers:

• Ken Anderson, M.D. -Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Professor, Department of Medical Oncology/Hematologic Neoplasia
• Frederick R. Appelbaum, M.D.-Director, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
• James Armitage, M.D.-University of Nebraska Medical Center, Professor, Section of Hematology & Oncology
• Thomas E. Witzig, M.D.-Mayo Clinic, Professor, Departments of Hematology and Laboratory Medicine and Pathology
• Volker Diehl, M.D.-University of Cologne, German Hodgkin Study Group
• Steven Rosen, M.D.-Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Genevieve Teuton Professor of Medicine
• Martin Tallman, M.D.-Upcoming Chief of Leukemia Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center , NY
• Kip Piper, M.A., F.A.C.H.E.-President, Health Results Group, LLC

This CME conference is directed primarily for medical oncologists and hematologists, as well as nurses and other healthcare professionals in the oncology field who are interested in the treatment of hematological malignancies. The conference will be held from 7:00 am to 4:30 pm. Online registration for the CME conference is available at: humccancer.org/CMEConference.

The John Theurer Cancer Center's patient education program will bring together patients, families, oncologists and other health care professionals to participate in an open dialogue about specific cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma, as well as bone marrow transplantation.

Oncologists representing each of these divisions within the John Theurer Cancer Center will engage in roundtable discussions exploring treatment options, diagnoses, and clinical trials. Cancer support groups including the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation will be present as well to provide information to patients and their families.

"We understand that navigating through the maze of cancer decisions can be overwhelming and frightening for many patients and caregivers," said Andre Goy, M.D., Deputy Director, Chief, Division of Lymphoma and Director, Cancer Research, John Theurer Cancer Center. "This gives us a chance to help our patients and their loved ones understand more about the newest trends in care and what their options are."

This event will also feature Candace Sue, a sarcoma survivor, as the keynote speaker. Diagnosed with sarcoma, an often fatal form of cancer, Sue underwent six cycles of chemotherapy and is now cancer free. She has been a Sarcoma Foundation of America Board Member since 2004 and is the Communications Chairperson and a Gala Benefit Committee Member. In her Board role, she championed new branding for the organization, updated its mission and vision, and helped establish the annual patient education conference. Candace also works in Worldwide Communications at Pfizer and is responsible for global, enterprise-wide communications. She holds an MBA from Columbia Business School and an undergraduate degree from Boston University. She is also a Reiki Master with the Center of Living Light in New York.

This patient education day program will be held from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. Both the patient and physician program will be hosted in the Hekemian Conference Center Auditorium located at Hackensack University Medical Center, 30 Prospect Ave., Hackensack, New Jersey.