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- Posted Wednesday March 2, 2016
'Living with Myeloma' Conference promotes advocacy for cancer patients and caregivers
10th annual free event sponsored by AzMN features TGen myeloma researcher Dr. Jonathan Keats
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - March 2, 2016 - Dr.
Jonathan Keats of theTranslational
Genomics Research Institute (TGen) will present research
findings to the Arizona Myeloma Network (AzMN) when it hosts its
10th annual Living with Myeloma Conference on March 18-19.
On March 18, 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 19, 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, this 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.
Dr. Keats, an Assistant Professor and TGen's Director of
Bioinformatics, is supervising the CoMMpass Study, a 10-year effort
sponsored by the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF). The
study includes a clinical trial, which in September had enrolled
all of its planned 1,000 multiple myeloma patients at 120 sites
worldwide.
There has been progress in addressing the disease. Only a decade
ago, the median survival was about 3 years, Dr. Keats said.
"Treatments have improved so much in the last decade that median
survival in now closer to 8-10 years," said Dr. Keats, who is using
data from the CoMMpass study to identify better treatment options
for these patients.
Dr. Keats is scheduled to present during the March 18 Myeloma
Scientific Research Roundtable.
The March 19 public session is the only one if its kind to provide
patient advocacy and education for the families, caregivers and
those affected by this rare, often misdiagnosed, bone marrow
cancer. It is designed to bridge the communication gap between
researchers, healthcare professionals, patients and
caregivers.
Each participant will leave with a better understanding and new
information on treatment options, said Barbara Kavanagh, Founder
and President of AzMN.
"After hosting this event for the last decade, we've seen
tremendous advances for myeloma patients," Kavanagh said. "Myeloma
continues to affect over 22,000 people each year. It is not
curable, but thanks to new research, patients are living longer and
more quality lives. Our objective is to be a place for those
affected by myeloma to learn about this rare form of blood cancer,
to promote collaboration, awareness, education and advocacy, and
feel less alone."
The conference will be moderated by Honorary Chair Joan
Koerber-Walker, President and CEO of the AZ BioIndustry
Association. Other presenters include: Dr. Robert Kyle of Mayo
Clinic Rochester; Angela Mayo and Dr. Joseph Mikhael of Mayo Clinic
Scottsdale; Dr. Bart Barlogie of Mount Sinai New York; Mary DeRome
of the MMRF; Dr. Kenneth Anderson of the Dana Farber Cancer
Institute; Dr. Jason Salganick of Ironwood Cancer & Research
Centers; and Robyn Wachsman, Oncology Nurse Educator with InSys
Therapeutics.
Registration begins at 8 a.m. March 19, and includes a continental
breakfast, luncheon, panel discussions, breakout sessions and
workshops conducted by top experts throughout the day. For more
information and to register, please visitwww.azmyelomanetwork.org or
call (623) 466-6246.
# # #
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 neurological disorders, cancer, 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. Follow TGen onFacebook,LinkedInandTwitter @TGen.
Press Contacts:
Steve Yozwiak
TGen Senior Science Writer
602-343-8704
[email protected]
About the 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 - visit www.azmyelomanetwork.org or
call
623-426-6246.
Media Contact:
Tisha Pelletier
Details Events & Marketing
480-570-2615
[email protected]
