San Antonio, TX -- New York Yankee Darryl Strawberry received news last week that he has cancer of the colon. Thankfully his doctors say the outfielder's prognosis for recovery is excellent. But for many Americans the news is not always as good. Cancer is the country's second-leading killer after heart disease, and while there's been a slight downward trend in the rate of new cases and deaths, it still kills over half a million people each year. On October 7, more than 300 cancer experts from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will gather in San Antonio, Texas, to share ideas and present innovative approaches for fighting this dreaded disease.
VA hosts the 3rd Annual National Oncology Symposium at the Hyatt Regency San Antonio, Oct. 7-9. The theme for this year's conference is "Emerging Therapeutics and Supportive Care." Participants will explore state-of-the art approaches to cancer therapy, including radioimmunotherapy, anti-angiogenesis agents, newer anti-proliferative agents and gene therapy.
"This meeting gives us a unique opportunity to learn from nationally recognized experts in the field of cancer," said Dr. Thomas V. Holohan, MD, FACP, VA's Chief Patient Care Services Officer. "It also provides conferees the chance to network with peers facing similar challenges in treating and managing cancer patients."
The president of the American Society of Clinical Oncology believes the symposium clearly demonstrates the progress being made against cancer. "This conference shows the vitality of cancer research in this country," said Allen S. Lichter, MD.
In addition to feature presentations by leading cancer specialists, the symposium will include a tour of VA's Bone Marrow Transplant Center at the Audie L. Murphy Division of the South Texas Veterans Health Care System. "Our program has greatly contributed to better health for veterans throughout the nation," said Cesar Freytes, MD, FACP, director, Bone Marrow Transplant Program/San Antonio division.
"Since 1986, more than 300 transplants have been performed here. Patients from virtually every state, including Alaska, Hawaii and the Caribbean, have been treated. Many of these patients come to our facility because we're able to provide innovative therapy for hematologic malignancies and other tumors," said Freytes.
A major focus of the meeting will be a review of treatment options for esophageal cancer in all stages from diagnosis to metastatic disease. Cancer of the esophagus is a malignant tumor, which ultimately causes difficulty in swallowing. Most esophageal cancers develop in the middle or lower sections of the esophagus.
"VA treats a large segment of the country's patients afflicted with this type of cancer," said Dr. Monica B. Spaulding, MD, symposium moderator and Chief of Oncology, Buffalo Division of the VA Upstate New York Health Care System. "This meeting will offer the latest in new therapies and clinical trials on esophageal cancer, and will help us enhance quality of care to our patients."
Another highlight will be a presentation on studies and initiatives for improving end-of-life and palliative care. Earlier this year, VA held a national summit for the purpose of developing a comprehensive, system-wide strategy for improving care of veterans at the end of life. VA is well positioned to become a leader in this field because its patient mix tends to be older and more seriously and chronically ill than the general population. The Department has set measurable goals for palliative care, case management and community-based care.
"VA has done some remarkable work in improving care to those approaching the end of life" said Judith A. Salerno MD, MS, VA's Chief Consultant for Geriatrics and Extended Care. "For example, in early 1997, we registered a 15 percent increase in comprehensive planning for patients who had advanced or incurable conditions.
"But there's more to it than just systems and operational innovation. Through education and information about treatment options and supportive services, we're also empowering patients and their families," added Salerno.
During the symposium there will be 40 poster presentations highlighting various cancer research projects, including cancer treatment and prevention studies. This meeting represents a collaborative effort between VA, the Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, and other federal heath care experts in the oncology field.
SPECIAL NOTE FOR EDITORS AND PRODUCERS:
For further information regarding the symposium or interview opportunities, contact Diana Struski at 210-617-5218 or 1-800-SKYTEL2, number 1275384, and Jim Blue at 212-807-3429 or 203-988-1651.
