Rapid Pace of Discovery for Targets of Cancer Therapeutics Highlighted At International Cancer Meeting

Washtington, DC (PROTEXT) - AACR-NCI-EORTC Sponsor First Annual Joint Conference to Exchange Latest Developments. WHAT: More than a thousand leading cancer researchers to share cutting-edge findings at an International Conference sponsored by the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC): "Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics: Discovery, Development, and Clinical Validation." According to the conference co-chairperson and AACR President Daniel D. Von Hoff, M.D.: "The excitement that surrounds this meeting is an indication of the fast pace at which we are translating basic science into new therapeutic strategies for cancer. We anticipate that the data presented here will move the field forward." Research highlights include: -- An extract from licorice root may help decrease or eliminate a specific cell protein, called bcl-2, which is responsible for blocking cell death (known as apoptosis) and therefore allowing the proliferation of cancer cells -- A new way of delivering the tumor suppressor gene p53 holds promise for more effective treatment of prostate cancer -- First results confirming that the gene heparanase is responsible for tumor progression and how its cloning may lead to early detection and treatment of cancer and auto-immune disorders -- Early results of a Phase I study demonstrate rapid and significant tumor regression in 25 percent of patients with advanced cancer using a synthetic immuno-suppressive agent -- Discovery of structural similarity between two naturally occurring compounds -- taxanes (the source for Taxol and Taxotere) and epothilones -- may lead to new methods of interfering with unregulated cell division WHEN: November 16-19, 1999 International Cancer Meeting WHERE: Washington Hilton Hotel and Towers Washington, DC Press Room: State Room, Terrace Level Monday, November 15 (press registration); 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, November 16-18; 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday, November 19; 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon Telephone: (USA) 202-797-4830 Fax: (USA) 202-797-4512 E-mail: pvigliarolo@cwg.com AACR-NCI-EORTC Background Established in 1907, the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) is the oldest and largest scientific organization in the world focused on the multi-disciplinary aspects of basic, clinical, and translational cancer research. With a membership of more than 15,000 scientists from 80 nations, AACR publishes four peer-reviewed journals, the oldest of which, Cancer Research, is the most frequently cited cancer journal in the world. The National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of Health, was established by the United States Congress in 1937 and encompasses a network of regional and community cancer centers, physicians who are cancer specialists, cooperative groups of clinical researchers, and volunteers and community outreach groups. NCI's infrastructure supports activities that encompass all aspects of cancer prevention, detection, diagnosis, treatment, control, and survivorship. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) is an international, non-profit research organization created in 1962 to conduct, develop, coordinate, and stimulate multi-disciplinary research on the experimental and clinical basis of cancer treatment. More than 2,500 scientists and clinical investigators who work in more than 300 hospitals and research institutions located in 32 countries are involved in EORTC's research activities. Overall, more than 25,000 patients are treated and followed according to EORTC protocols each year. ots Original Text Service: AACR-NCI-EORTC Internet: http://www.newsaktuell.de Contact: Peter Vigliarolo, (USA) 212- 886-2213 Cynthia S. Byers, (USA) 215-440-9300 American Association for Cancer Research In DC: Washington Hilton/State Room, (USA) 202-797-4830 Subscribers please note that material bearing the slug "PROTEXT" is not part of CTK's news service and is not to be published under the "CTK" slug. Protext is a commercial service providing distribution of press releases from clients, who are identified in the text of Protext reports and who bear full responsibility for their contents. PROTEXT