TGen to present new research about multiple myeloma at AzMN conference

Arizona Myeloma Network focuses conference on 'living' with cancer

The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) will present new research about the blood-cell cancer known as multiple myeloma at a free public conference hosted by the Arizona Myeloma Network (AzMN).

More than 300 people are expected at AzMN's 6th annual "Living with Myeloma" conference, planned from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday, March 24, at the Chaparral Suites Ballroom, 5001 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, Ariz.

The conference is designed to provide patients, their families, friends, caregivers, researchers, physicians and healthcare professionals with cutting-edge information about the latest research and the newest therapies for myeloma, which is a complex and often misdiagnosed cancer of bone marrow plasma cells that attacks and destroys bone.

TGen's Dr. Bodour Salhia, an Assistant Professor in TGen's Integrated Cancer Genomics Division, will present her research, looking into novel approaches for targeting multiple myeloma.

"It's exciting to be able to present at this conference," Dr. Salhia said. "Forums like the Living with Myeloma conference help to empower people living with myeloma to have knowledge and hope; two critical elements of recovery."

In addition to TGen's Dr. Salhia, other nationally recognized myeloma experts scheduled for the conference are: Dr. Robert Kyle and Dr. Joseph Mikhael of the Mayo Clinic, Dr. Bart Barlogie of the University of Arkansas, Dr. Cristina Gasparetto of Duke University, and Dr. Jeffrey Schriber of Scottsdale Healthcare's Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center and Arizona Oncology.

"Our myeloma conferences have become an important opportunity for patients and families to learn about this rare form of blood cancer, and other cancers, and feel less alone," says Barbara Kavanagh, Founder and President of the Arizona Myeloma Network.