SANTA BARBARA, Calif., Oct. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- A lethal, but long-
overlooked cancer will take a major step out of the shadows next week, as The
Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation convenes the First International
Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is a rare, asbestos-related cancer. Research efforts were
overlooked for decades, and effective treatment lags far behind other cancers.
At the same time, incidence in the U.S. and globally is increasing to what
some experts term epidemic proportions. The widely reported asbestos
exposures resulting from 9/11 have increased the urgency of developing
treatments for mesothelioma, in the view of many experts. The Symposium, to
be held at Las Vegas' MGM Grand Hotel October 14-16, 2004, is the first ever
meeting designed to unite the entire mesothelioma-concerned community to focus
on the research needed to cure the disease.
The importance of this effort is gaining national attention. Today, the
Honorable Harry Reid, Nevada Senator and Democratic Whip, confirmed that he
will attend to deliver the Symposium's keynote speech. Jordan Zevon -- son of
critically-acclaimed singer-songwriter Warren Zevon, who died from
mesothelioma one year ago -- will also appear. Washington Senator Patty
Murray will receive an award in the name of Congressman Bruce Vento, who died
from mesothelioma in 2000.
The Symposium combines a scientific and medical conference with workshops
designed specifically for patients, family members, industry representatives
and others interested in the disease. Scientific Co-Chairs Nicholas
Vogelzang, MD, Director of the Nevada Cancer Institute, and Harvey Pass, MD,
Chief of Thoracic Oncology at Wayne State University's Karmanos Cancer Center,
have assembled presentations by the world's leading mesothelioma surgeons,
oncologists, and geneticists. Collectively, they will advance scientific
understanding of the disease, while educating front-line physicians, as well
as patients, families and all who help them, on recent advances, current
treatment options, and emerging potential therapies for mesothelioma.
Additional presentations will address how both America's public and
private sectors can allocate resources toward medical research to improve
mesothelioma treatment. Representatives from government agencies,
pharmaceutical companies, and law firms and corporations who might typically
be found on opposite sides in asbestos litigation are all expected to
participate.
"Bringing together these diverse members of the mesothelioma-concerned
community is the key step needed right now in the effort to solve the
problem," said MARF executive director Chris Hahn. "This is also an important
opportunity for us to build community among patients, family members,
volunteers and patient advocates and provide them with knowledge,
encouragement and hope as they observe first-hand the dedication and
brilliance of those who are working so passionately to unlock the secrets of
this disease."
Hahn continued by thanking the co-chairs, Dr. Vogelzang and Dr. Pass, for
their efforts and expertise in assembling the Symposium, and the financial
sponsors who are helping to make it possible: SimmonsCooper, Brayton Purcell,
Waters & Kraus, Stanley, Mandel & Iola, Wise & Julian, Bergman & Frockt, The
David Law Firm, and Alfacell Corporation.
The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (MARF) is the national
nonprofit organization whose mission is to eradicate mesothelioma as a
life-ending disease. For more information, contact The Mesothelioma Applied
Research Foundation (http://www.marf.org) Executive Director, Christopher E.
Hahn, 805-560-8942, c-hahn@marf.org.
SOURCE Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation
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Related links:
http://www.marf.org
CONTACT:
Christopher E. Hahn, Executive Director of
The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, +1-805-560-8942,
c-hahn@marf.org
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