International Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma Research

Newswise — In recognition of the extensive studies, long hours and emotional investment of those involved in eradicating mesothelioma, three awards will be presented at the gala dinner on Friday June 27th, day two of The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation's 5th Annual International Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma, to be held Thursday, June 26th through Saturday, June 28th at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill, in Washington, D.C.

Dr. Harvey Pass, professor of cardiothoracic surgery and surgery and director of the division of thoracic surgery and oncology at NYU Langone Medical Center and its NYU Cancer Institute, is the recipient of the Pioneer Award. An expert on mesothelioma—an asbestos-associated malignancy of the chest and abdomen—Dr. Pass is the former chair of the Scientific Advisory Board of the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, which was responsible for awarding mesothelioma research grants to investigators all over the world. Dr. Pass has conducted numerous trials for the treatment of mesothelioma starting at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and he is credited with the discovery of osteopontin as a possible early detection marker for the disease. Dr. Pass has published numerous articles on the molecular genetics of mesothelioma, and edited two books concerning the disease: 100 Questions and Answers about Mesothelioma, and Malignant Mesothelioma: Advances in Pathogenesis, Diagnosis and Translational Therapies.

The symposium, organized annually by the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (the Meso Foundation), will highlight the latest advances in research and treatment for patients and caregivers, offer psychosocial support to them as well as those who have lost someone to the disease, and provide all who are intent on eradicating the vicious and terminal effects of this tragic cancer with significant advocacy and volunteer opportunities. The three-day conference, supported by the generosity of sponsors SimmonsCooper, LLC; Law Offices of Peter G. Angelos, PC; Caroselli, Beachler, McTiernan & Conboy, LLC; Merck & Co., Inc.; and Fujirebio Diagnostics, Inc., is dedicated to the issues of advocacy, science and community, as they relate to mesothelioma.

The Meso Foundation is the nonprofit collaboration of patients and families, physicians, advocates and researchers dedicated to eradicating the life-ending and vicious effects of mesothelioma. The Foundation spurs mesothelioma research and seed money grant funding, with over $5 million awarded to date. The Foundation also provides patients and families with information on mesothelioma treatments, clinical trials and medical referrals through its full-time mesothelioma nurse practitioner and its website, www.curemeso.org. The Meso Foundation also hosts the annual Symposium to educate patients and families on the latest advances in mesothelioma research and treatment, and advocates for a federal commitment to cure the disease.

For more information about the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, please contact Chris Hahn at (805) 563-8400 or Joel Schnur at (212) 489-0600 x204.

ABOUT NYU LANGONE MEDICAL CENTER One of the world's premier academic medical institutions for more than 167 years, NYU Langone Medical Center continues to be a leader in patient care, physician education and scientific research. NYU Langone Medical Center is internationally renowned for excellence in areas such as cardiovascular disease, pediatrics, skin care, neurosurgery, urology, cancer care, rehabilitation, plastic surgery, minimally invasive surgery, transplant surgery, infertility, women's health and day surgery.