Free education program highlights advancements in treatment of blood cancers, importance of clinical trials

The John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) have come together to host Partners in Progress: An Expert Panel Discussion on Advancing Therapies for Blood Cancers on Tuesday, June 22 in Hackensack, NJ. This free educational program is for patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers. It will feature leading leukemia experts, as well as a myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) survivor and clinical trial participant.

"Thanks to medical advancements, many people with hematological malignancies have the opportunity to live long, productive lives," said Louis DeGennaro, Ph.D., LLS's executive vice president and chief mission officer. "We are excited to partner with the John Theurer Cancer Center to bring much-needed education to patients, their loved ones, and the healthcare providers that support them."

Blood cancers include leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma and account for nearly ten percent of new cancer cases diagnosed each year. An estimated 53,000 Americans will die from blood cancers this year, accounting for nearly ten percent of deaths from cancer.

"The John Theurer Cancer Center is pleased to partner with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to offer this important education program to oncology professionals, and additional support to our patients." said Andrew Pecora, M.D., F.A.C.P., C.P.E., chairman and executive administrative director, the John Theurer Cancer Center.

Topics to be discussed at this program include: describing the decision making process; explaining ways to help patients become active participants in their care; defining informed consent for treatment in a clinical trial; and describing financial health challenges facing patients with blood cancers.

Featured Speakers:

• Louis J. Degennaro, Ph.D.-Executive Vice President and Chief Mission Officer, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
• Stuart L. Goldberg, M.D.-Chief, Division of Leukemia, the John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center and Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey
• Gail J. Roboz, M.D., - Director, Leukemia Program, Associate Professor of Medicine, Weill Medical College of Cornell University
• Maria Baldo, M.S., PA-C-Senior Physician Assistant, Leukemia Service, Weill Medical College of Cornell University
• John J. Hughes-MDS Survivor and Clinical Trial Participant

"Educational discussions such as this are critical to helping patients with blood cancers manage these diseases effectively," said Stuart Goldberg, M.D., chief, Division of Leukemia, the John Theurer Cancer Center. "I am thrilled to join this group of world-class professionals to discuss the latest advancements in blood cancers."

This education program is for patients and caregivers of blood cancers, as well as oncology nurses and social workers involved in the treatment of this class of cancers. It is supported by an educational grant from Genentech and Biogen Idec, and an educational donation from Amgen. Registration is complimentary and 2.0 continuing education contact hours are available for both nurses and social workers.

The program will be held from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at the Hekemian Conference Center at Hackensack University Medical Center, 30 Prospect Avenue, Hackensack, NJ.