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Contact:

Tara Withington, CAE (iSBTc Executive Director)
International Society for Biological Therapy of Cancer
555 E. Wells St., Suite 1100, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Phone: 414-271-2456 • Fax: 414-276-3349
Email: twithington@isbtc.org
Website: www.isbtc.org

NOTE: Members of the media are encouraged to attend the Workshop on "Cancer and Inflammation; Promise for Biological Therapy" free of charge by presenting their press credentials at the iSBTc registration desk.

For Immediate Release

WORKSHOP TO ADDRESS CANCER AND INFLAMMATION

Milwaukee, WI --- The International Society for Biological Therapy of Cancer's (iSBTc) "Workshop on Cancer and Inflammation: Promise for Biological Therapy" (Workshop) will address the double-edged sword of inflammation in regard to cancer, in both promoting and inhibiting tumor formation.

Developed by iSBTc and organized by Lisa M. Coussens, PhD, University of California, San Francisco; Steven Dubinett, MD, University of California, Los Angeles; Michael Karin, PhD, University of California, San Diego; Michael T. Lotze, MD, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute; and George J. Weiner, MD, University of Iowa, the Workshop will take place in San Diego, CA on Thursday, October 30, 2008 at the Westin Gaslamp Quarter Hotel.

The format of the Workshop will promote a scientific discussion about the use of biologic approaches in modifying inflammation and the significant scientific, regulatory and legal issues faced by the various stakeholders in their development and optimized clinical use of biological agents. Workshop attendees will participate in state-of-the-science lectures and breakout sessions on such key issues as:

  • Defining Inflammation
  • Genetic Polymorphisms and Factors which Modulate Inflammation and Cancer
  • Animal Models of Cancer and Inflammation
  • Causes and Molecular Targets in Cancer and Inflammation
  • Current Clinical Evidence for Targeting Inflammation to Prevent Cancer
  • Novel Therapeutics and Clinical Trial Development to Treat Cancer

"The use of immunotherapeutic approaches has been widely considered the best chance for successful eradication of disseminated cancers," said Workshop Organizer, Dr. Michael T. Lotze. "Developing clarity about diagnostic strategies and biomarkers and surrogates to help guide the field and enable both early diagnosis and monitoring during therapy would seem to be critical."

With cancer therapies increasingly reliant on agents which modify the inflammatory response, including anti-inflammatory agents such as glucocorticoids and COX2 inhibitors as means of cancer prevention, this interactive Workshop is both timely and of significance to all stakeholders within cancer research. The Workshop proceedings will ultimately be used to formulate a guidance document addressing the use of biological therapies in modifying inflammation.

Registration is still open to attend this event. Details and a complete Workshop schedule can be found at iSBTc's website at www.isbtc.org.

Founded in 1984, the International Society for Biological Therapy of Cancer is a not-for-profit organization of clinicians, researchers, students, post-doctoral fellows, and allied health professionals dedicated to improving cancer patient outcomes by advancing the development and application of biological therapy through interaction, innovation and leadership.

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