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- Posted Monday March 16, 2015
Arizona Myeloma Network hosts 9th annual Living with Myeloma Conference
TGen scientists featured with others experts March 20-21 in Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - March 16, 2015 - Translational
Genomics Research Institute (TGen) scientists will present
research findings to the Arizona Myeloma Network (AZMN) when it
hosts its 9th annual Living with Myeloma Conference on March 20-21
in Scottsdale.
On March 20, from noon to 5:30 p.m. the conference includes a
scientific roundtable in the Ballroom of Chaparral Suites, 5001 N.
Scottsdale Road.
On March 21, the public is invited from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the
same location to hear about the latest myeloma research and the
newest and most exciting therapies for myeloma cancer
patients.
Annually, the free conference attracts more than 300 participants,
and is open to all patients, caregivers, family, friends, health
care providers, cancer researchers and the business
community.
TGen's Dr. Bodour Salhia and Dr. Jonathan Keats will be joined by
Mary DeRome, Translational Research Manager of the Multiple Myeloma
Research Foundation (MMRF), during the March 20 roundtable to
discuss the latest findings in Multiple Myeloma, including a
landmark multiple-year, 1,000-patient, research project at TGen
funded by MMRF.
TGen is analyzing patient samples using an unprecedented breadth
of genomics platforms. The data emerging from this work should
provide the most comprehensive view of myeloma at the molecular
level. It also should enable the research community to better
understand what drives a patient's response to treatment, or to
disease progression, and should generate new leads for targeted
drug development.
"With MMRF's support, we believe this unparalleled research
initiative should make a significant difference in the way multiple
myeloma is treated," said Dr. Keats, head of TGen's Multiple
Myeloma Research Laboratory.
"The rigor and breadth of this effort will enable a much more
sophisticated understanding of the molecular changes that give rise
to myeloma, and that affect a patient's course of disease. Our hope
is that this study will result in the next significant
breakthroughs against this disease," said Dr. Keats, who also is an
Assistant Professor in TGen's Integrated Cancer Genomics
Division.
"We believe our scientific studies will lead to better treatments,
and perhaps someday a cure, for this awful disease," said Dr.
Salhia, also an Assistant Professor in TGen's Integrated Cancer
Genomics Division. "I think there is great value in sharing some of
our latest discoveries with AzMN's patient-based audience."
Multiple Myeloma is a complex and often misdiagnosed cancer of
bone marrow plasma cells, which attack and destroy bone.
This year's conference also highlights a partnership with
Scottsdale's Cure Corridor, a string of biotechnology and medical
facilities that generally run along Shea Boulevard, east of Loop
101, and the conference will feature a welcome talk on March 21 by
Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane.
"We are excited to be partnering with Scottsdale's Cure Corridor
to bring a wealth of information and support resources to patients
and families," says Barbara Kavanagh, Founder and President of the
Arizona Myeloma Network. "Our myeloma conferences continue to be a
place for those affected by myeloma to learn about this rare form
of blood cancer and feel less alone."
Medical faculty for the conference includes: Dr. Robert Kyle, Mayo
Clinic, Rochester, MN; Dr. Frits Van Rhee, the Myeloma Institute
for Research and Treatment, University of Arkansas; Dr. Javier
Munoz, Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center; Dr. Clarence Adoo, AZ
Center for Cancer Care; and Dr. Rafael Fonseca, Mayo Clinic,
Scottsdale.
"There have been tremendous advances in the study and treatment of
myeloma over the course of the past decade. I am pleased to share
the latest treatment and clinical trial options with participants
of the Arizona Myeloma Network conference," said Dr. Fonseca, a
hematologist and Chair of Internal Medicine at Mayo Clinic in
Arizona, who also will be a featured speaker at the
conference.
Registration is available online at www.azmyelomanetwork.org as
well as at the conference, starting at 8 a.m. March 21 A
continental breakfast and lunch will be provided, and 5.75
Continuing Medical Education credits are available to medical and
healthcare professionals.
"Successfully taking great challenges begins with assembling a
great team," said AZBio President and CEO Joan Koerber-Walker.
"AzMN will again gather the team this year as myeloma/oncology
researchers and clinicians, medical educators and students, cancer
organizations, insurance and pharmaceutical representatives, and
community oncologists, come together to share ideas on how we can
all work on behalf of myeloma patients and their caregivers.
Conversations lead to collaborations and collaborations can lead to
cures.AZBio is honored to support the AzMN in this important
effort."
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About Arizona Myeloma Network
Myeloma is a complex and often misdiagnosed cancer of bone marrow
plasma cells that attacks and destroys the bone. Founded in
2004, the Arizona Myeloma Network (AZMN) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
charity organization that conducts outreach events and education
programs, with special consideration for the underserved
African-American, Asian-Pacific, Hispanic and Native American
populations. Volunteers and donations are always welcomed -
see www.azmyelomanetwork.org.
Media Contact:
Barbara Kavanagh, AzMN Founder/President
Phone: (623) 388-6837
Fax: (623) 243-6580
[email protected]
About TGen
Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) is a Phoenix,
Arizona-based non-profit organization dedicated to conducting
groundbreaking research with life changing results. TGen is focused
on helping patients with cancer, neurological disorders and
diabetes, through cutting edge translational research (the process
of rapidly moving research towards patient benefit). TGen
physicians and scientists work to unravel the genetic components of
both common and rare complex diseases in adults and children.
Working with collaborators in the scientific and medical
communities literally worldwide, TGen makes a substantial
contribution to help our patients through efficiency and
effectiveness of the translational process. For more information,
visit:www.tgen.org.
Press Contact:
Steve Yozwiak
TGen Senior Science Writer
602-343-8704
[email protected]
