47th Annual Meeting and Exposition
December 10-13, 2005

Georgia World Congress Center
Atlanta, Georgia

Corporate Friday Symposia
Friday, December 9

ASH would like to thank our corporate partners for their participation in the Corporate Friday symposia. ASH views Corporate Friday as a strong example of the healthy partnership between the Society and the corporate community. We appreciate the supportive role that members of this community continue to play in our efforts to provide members with quality programs.

The following are confirmed symposia as of June 2005. The Corporate Friday symposia are not part of the official 2005 ASH Annual Meeting and are planned solely by the sponsoring organization. Detailed information and invitations will be sent directly from the sponsoring organization prior to the meeting. An ASH badge is not needed to attend these symposia.

Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria: The Challenges of Diagnosis, Treatment, and Management
7:00 – 11:00 am • Georgia World Congress Center • B405-B407

This program is sponsored by Thomson American Health Consultants and supported by Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is an extremely uncommon disorder of unknown frequency that has been referred to as the “great impersonator” because of the variety of symptoms observed during the initial manifestation and course of the disease. This symposium will discuss the etiology, incidence, prevalence, pathophysiology, and definition of PNH, as well as our latest understanding of and therapeutic approaches to the diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients with this truly unique clinical syndrome.

For more information, contact Milo Falcon, Thomson American Health Consultants Programs.
Phone: 404-262-5541
Fax: 800-888-3904
E-mail: milo.falcon@thomson.com

Cytokines and Their Role in Improving Health Care
7:00 – 11:00 am • Omni Hotel at CNN Center • International Ballroom

This program is sponsored by Curatio CME Institute and supported by Amgen.

Sequelae of cytotoxic cancer therapies, including anemia, neutropenia, mucositis, and the onset of chronic thrombocytopenia, are becoming more treatable, as are bone complications associated with multiple myeloma. Newly emergent recombinant or rationally designed cytokines and growth factors may impact cure rates by making the completion of scheduled cycles of cytotoxic therapy more likely. This program will provide physicians with data and treatment strategies to help assess the potential value of these agents and identify the most appropriate patients for intervention.

For more information, contact Mary Seltzer-McAdams, Curatio CME Institute.
Phone: 215-550-8249
Fax: 215-550-8260
E-mail: mary.seltzer-mcadams@curatiocme.com

Innovative Therapies in CLL and Low-Grade Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
7:00 – 11:00 am • Georgia World Congress Center • B206

This program is sponsored by the Postgraduate Institute for Medicine and supported by Berlex Laboratories, Inc.

This symposium will focus on treatment advances in CLL and low-grade, non-Hodgkin lymphoma (LgNHL). The most recent safety and efficacy data on treatment regimens using monoclonal antibodies, both in single-agent and combination therapy, will be presented. Faculty will discuss prognostic factors, the role of monoclonal antibodies in allogeneic transplantation, and future novel therapeutic strategies for use in relapsed/refractory CLL and LgNHL. Clinical challenges will be addressed using case studies and audience-response technology.

For more information, contact Julie Niznik, Discovery Institute of Medical Education.
Phone: 312-553-8000
Fax: 312-553-8080
E-mail: julie.niznik@DIMedEd.org

Emerging Therapies in the Treatment of Hematologic Malignancies
7:00 – 11:00 am • Marriott Atlanta Marquis • Marquis Ballroom

This program is sponsored by the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine and supported by Medical Communication and Research, Inc.

This program will highlight new promising agents as well as new uses of existing agents in treatment of hematologic malignancies and myelodysplasia. A case-based approach will be used to emphasize the appropriate clinical setting and timing for integration of new agents into current treatment patterns.

For more information, contact Jaye Harden, Network for Oncology Communications and Research.
Phone: 404-845-3771
Fax: 404-252-9869
E-mail: jharden@nmcr.com

Modulation of Methylation Status: Innovation in the Treatment of Hematologic Malignancies
7:00 – 11:00 am • Georgia World Congress Center • B302-B305

This program is sponsored by University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and supported by MGI Pharma, Inc.

This symposium will discuss the development of DNA methyltransferase inhibitors for the treatment of hematological malignancies. Particular attention will be given to the clinical impact of hypomethylating agents on MDS and AML, diseases that have a poor prognosis and are most common in elderly patients who are ineligible for intensive chemotherapy. Application of the knowledge from recent studies to the wider clinical setting to optimize the future clinical impact of these agents will be discussed.

For more information, contact Elizabeth Wilson, Darwin Grey Communications.
Phone: 44-1865-822574
Fax: 44-1865-822551
E-mail: elizabeth.wilson@darwingrey.com

The Promise of Proteasome Inhibition: Future Directions in Lymphoma and Multiple Myeloma
7:00 – 11:00 am • Georgia World Congress Center • Sidney Marcus Auditorium

This program is sponsored by Physicians’ Education Resource and supported by Millennium Pharmaceuticals.

Recently, a variety of new agents, including proteasome inhibitors, have demonstrated efficacy in both multiple myeloma and lymphoma, expanding the options for treatment. Using an interactive case-based approach, this symposium will review the use of these agents alone and in combination with traditional treatment strategies including transplantation. Management of specific patient subgroups, including the elderly, will be discussed, and strategies for optimizing the therapeutic index while preserving patient quality of life will be reviewed.

For more information, contact Susanne Blassingille, Physicians’ Education Resource.
Phone: 214-820-7236
Fax: 214-818-7463
E-mail: susanneb@baylorhealth.edu

Transplantation for the Older Patient: More Choices for Improving Outcomes
7:00 – 11:00 am • Georgia World Congress Center • B312-B314

This program is sponsored by the Medical College of Wisconsin and supported by the National Marrow Donor Program.

Transplantation is becoming widely accepted as an option for patients over the age of 50. These patients present different clinical scenarios than the younger patient, but with appropriate decision-making in evaluation, treatment selection strategies, and supportive care, transplantation can be an effective option. This program will focus on the most recent outcomes data and provide practical considerations for evaluating and treating older patients who may benefit from transplantation.

For more information, contact Darlene Haven, National Marrow Donor Program.
Phone: 612-362-3402
Fax: 612-627-5877
E-mail: dhaven@nmdp.org

Expanding Treatment Options in the Hematologic Malignancies: New Therapies, New Findings, New Clinical Insights
7:00 – 11:00 am • Omni Hotel at CNN Center • Grand Ballroom

This program is sponsored by Health Science Center for CME and supported by Novartis Oncology.

This symposium will present the audience with the latest data evaluating the real-world impact of targeted therapies on the quality of life and survival of patients with chronic myleogenous leukemia (CML), enabling them to make more informed decisions regarding patient care. Data on these disease therapies continues to evolve, suggesting that an increase in efficacy is possible as treatment options are optimized, with a focus on monitoring and managing patients responding to or resistant to imatinib mesylate.

For more information, contact Rebecca Norwood, Health Science Center for CME.
Phone: 212-849-7750
Fax: 212-741-7615
E-mail: rnorwood@health-ny.com

Achieving Hemostasis: What Are the Optimal Monitoring and Treatment Options?
7:00 – 11:00 am • Georgia World Congress Center • C202-C204

This program is sponsored by HealthAnswers Education and supported by Novo Nordisk.

The results of standard coagulation tests may not correspond with the pharmacokinetics of hemostatic agents and do not predict response to treatment. This symposium will discuss how to optimally monitor therapies and tailor the treatment to individual patients. The faculty also will review the management of patients who are being treated with several anticoagulants. The potential use of prophylactic therapy to prevent hemophilia-associated arthropathy in hemophiliac patients with high-titer inhibitors also will be evaluated.

For more information, contact Jennifer Kelly, HealthAnswers Education.
Phone: 215-412-5950
Fax: 215-412-0205
E-mail: jennifer.kelly@healthanswers.com

Fungal Infections in High-Risk Patients: Modern Strategies for an Evolving Epidemiology
7:00 – 11:00 am • Westin Peachtree • Peachtree Ballroom

This program is sponsored by the University of Wisconsin Medical School and supported by Schering-Plough Corporation.

The incidence of invasive fungal infections (IFIs) has grown dramatically over the past two decades, likely a result of an increased at-risk population with immune deficiencies, including chemotherapy patients and transplant recipients. Even with proper diagnosis and treatment, mortality in these patients is unacceptably high. This symposium will discuss modern advances in the management of IFIs, with special emphasis on the latest research with newer antifungal agents and appropriate therapeutic selection.

For more information, contact Vesna Drenovac, PharmaWrite, LLC.
Phone: 609-524-2330
Fax: 609-497-0136
E-mail: vdrenovac@pharmaw.com

The Puzzle of MDS: How Do the Pieces Fit?
7:00 – 11:00 am • Georgia World Congress Center • C306-C308

This program is sponsored by Educational Review Systems and supported by the Myelodysplastic Syndromes Foundation, Inc.

MDS is a complex, multifaceted group of syndromes that present clinicians and patients with numerous interrelated challenges. These challenges begin with the ‘diagnosis of MDS,’ including proper classification of the subtype of MDS and development of an accurate prognostic score. Effectively meeting this diagnostic challenge correlates directly with the clinical decision-making process and assessment of risk-adapted treatment strategies for individual patients. Risk-adapted treatment strategies are imperative in MDS, given the broad range of severity and prognostic factors. Clinicians must also understand the challenges facing patients and reflect these challenges in the decision-making process to ensure that patients receive the highest possible quality of life coupled with enhanced survival. This symposium will address these issues from the viewpoint of the clinician and patient and attempt to provide participants with better tools to complete the intricate puzzle called MDS.

For more information, contact Kathy Heptinstall, KMH Medical Communications, Inc.
Phone: 609-298-1600
Fax: 609-298-0590
E-mail: kheptinstall@mds-foundation.org

Biology and Clinical Implications of Iron in the Anemia of Chronic Disease
7:00 – 11:00 am • Georgia World Congress Center • B216-B217

This program is sponsored by Medical Education Resources, Inc., and supported by Watson Pharma, Inc.

This symposium is designed to inform and update the practicing hematologist, oncologist, researcher, and trainee on recent developments in cancer-related anemia with particular emphasis on IV iron in treating this patient population. Emerging concepts of the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and clinical implications will be addressed. The symposium utilizes a mix of didactic sessions and panel discussion, including presentations covering recent data involving the use of IV iron in the treatment of cancer-related anemia. At the end of the program, participants will have acquired contemporary information on the causes, impact, diagnosis, and management of cancer-related anemia.

For more information, contact Jamie-Regina Egbert, Fallon Medica.
Phone: 732-345-3511
Fax: 732-212-1927
E-mail: jamier@fallonmedica.com

Seventh Annual Review of Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura: Current Issues in Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Management
12:30 – 4:30 pm • Georgia World Congress Center • Sidney Marcus Auditorium

This program is sponsored by Weill Medical College of Cornell University and supported by Baxter Healthcare Corporation.

Dynamic presentations and individual case studies by experts in hematology/oncology will provide the latest diagnostic and treatment strategies for patients with primary or secondary ITP. Aspects of platelet antibodies and platelet production will be discussed, along with new developments in treating both adults and children. Issues in the diagnosis and management of secondary ITP will be covered, in particular antiphospholipid syndrome, infections including HIV, hepatitis C, and H. pylori, and common variable immunodeficiency.

For more information, contact Robin Simak, Jonathan Wood Associates.
Phone: 201-594-0400
Fax: 201-594-0409
E-mail: jwa02@jwoodassoc.com

Antithrombotic Therapy: Evidence-Based Recommendations, Unresolved Issues, and Future Directions
12:30 – 4:30 pm • Georgia World Congress Center • C202-C204

This program is sponsored by the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine and supported by Bayer Healthcare AG.

This symposium will provide an update of evidence-based clinical recommendations for antithrombotic therapy, with a focus on how patients are currently managed and the unresolved issues that hematologists face in clinical practice. The most recent data from clinical trials of current and new antithrombotic therapies will be reviewed. In addition, a perspective from the FDA will provide valuable insight into the issues regarding the clinical development of new antithrombotic drugs relevant to clinical practice.

For more information, contact Rajni Dogra, Chameleon Medical Communications.
Phone: 44-208-832-1253
Fax: 44-208-832-3748
E-mail: rajni@chameleon-uk.com

Radioimmunotherapy for the Treatment of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma – A Global Perspective
12:30 – 4:30 pm • Omni Hotel at CNN Center • International Ballroom

This program is sponsored by Curatio CME Institute and supported by Biogen Idec, Inc.

Ongoing research in NHL indicates improvement in the management, quality of life, and, possibly, outcomes of patients treated with RIT. This symposium will highlight clinical evidence supporting the use of approved radioimmunotherapeutics. Evolving strategies that are defining the optimal placement of RIT in the treatment continuum for patients with NHL will be discussed.

For more information, contact Danielle Hesser, ApotheCom Associates, LLC.
Phone: 215-550-8122
Fax: 215-550-8122
E-mail: danielle.hesser@apothecom.com

Immunomodulatory Drugs: The Emerging Treatment Paradigm for Hematologic Malignancies
12:30 – 4:30 pm • Omni Hotel at CNN Center • Grand Ballroom

This program is sponsored by the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine and supported by Celgene.

This symposium will educate the oncologist/hematologist on the latest advances in the field of immunomodulatory therapy. Recognized thought leaders will discuss the data supporting various treatment strategies with the goal of providing the most thorough analysis of all currently available and emerging data likely to be presented in the following days. Faculty and audience discussion will be fostered with a focus on how the new data fit into current practice of hematology.

For more information, contact Jaye Harden, Network for Oncology Communications and Research.
Phone: 404-845-3771
Fax: 404-252-9869
E-mail: jharden@nmcr.com

Current Treatment Strategies for B-Cell Malignancies
12:30 – 4:30 pm • Marriott Atlanta Marquis • Marquis Ballroom

This program is sponsored by the Center for Biomedical Continuing Education and supported by Genentech BioOncology and Biogen Idec.

A variety of case-based presentations on aggressive and indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) will be presented, and treatment scenarios will be discussed. An additional section on chronic lymphocytic lymphomas will also be included. This symposium has been designed to engage attendees by utilizing a highly interactive meeting format; discussion and questions and answers will be encouraged.

For more information, contact Donna Morin, the Center for Biomedical Continuing Education.
Phone: 214-260-9024
Fax: 214-260-0408
E-mail: dmorin@thecbce.com

Clinical Advances in Idiotype Vaccine Therapy for NHL
12:30 – 4:30 pm • Westin Peachtree • Peachtree Ballroom

This program is sponsored by the Center for Biomedical Continuing Education and supported by Genitope Corporation.

Idiotypic vaccine therapy has produced very encouraging results in lymphoma patients, with responding patients demonstrating impressive overall and event-free survival rates. Phase III randomized trials of idiotype vaccines are currently under way, and novel vaccine approaches are being tested. This program, chaired by Ronald Levy, MD, a renowned expert in the field of immunotherapy, will update physicians on recent advances in the use of personalized vaccine therapy for the treatment of hematologic malignancies.

For more information, contact Tipp Nelson, Cadent Medical Communications.
Phone: 972-929-1900
Fax: 972-929-1901
E-mail: tnelson@cadentmed.com

DNA and RNA Medicines – A Therapeutic Approach Coming of Age
12:30 – 4:30 pm • Georgia World Congress Center • B405-B407

This program is sponsored by Thomson Professional Postgraduate Services and supported by Genta Incorporated.

The focus of this symposium is the emerging class of DNA/RNA therapeutics and their potential as therapeutic agents in the treatment of cancer. The animal and cellular models in which the utility of antisense molecules has been demonstrated will be reviewed. The clinical status and future of antisense therapy will be discussed, as it begins to be investigated in conjunction with both targeted and cytotoxic chemotherapies that have complementary mechanisms of action.

For more information, contact Yvonne Yarker, Thomson Scientific Connexions.
Phone: 215-860-2202
Fax: 215-860-2207
E-mail: yvonne.yarker@thomson.com

Horizons in Diagnostics and Therapeutics: Developing Patient-Targeted Therapy
12:30 – 4:30 pm • Georgia World Congress Center • B302-B305

This program is sponsored by Meniscus Educational Institute and supported by Genzyme Corporation.

This interactive symposium is designed to enhance clinicians’ critical understanding of the role of molecular markers in the diagnosis and treatment of malignant hematological diseases. Five dynamic speakers will discuss (1) challenges in testing and validating diagnostic and therapeutic molecular markers in clinical trials; (2) the current state of clinical development of these molecular tools with specific examples for ALL and CLL; and (3) relevant ethical and legal issues.

For more information, contact Rebecca Finley, Meniscus Educational Institute.
Phone: 610-834-1810
Fax: 610-834-8856
E-mail: rfinley@meniscus.com

Progress and Pitfalls in the Management of Venous Thromboembolic Disorders
12:30 – 4:30 pm • Georgia World Congress Center • B216-B217

This program is sponsored by McMaster University and supported by GlaxoSmithKline.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common risk for patients undergoing abdominal, cancer, hip-replacement, and other major surgeries. Anticoagulant prophylaxis and therapy rely largely on heparin. Although low-molecu-lar-weight heparins have lower risk for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), HIT is still underdiagnosed and under-treated. This symposium will focus on challenges and advances in the diagnosis and treatment of VTE and HIT. Evidence-based approaches and existing and emerging pharmacotherapy options will be discussed.

For more information, contact Audrie Tornow, Global Edge, Inc.
Phone: 212-293-2310
Fax: 212-293-2301
E-mail: atornow@globaledge-us.com

Cellular Therapy: Present and Future
12:30 – 4:30 pm • Georgia World Congress Center • B312-B314

This program is sponsored by Medical Education Collaborative and supported by Miltenyi Biotec GmbH.

Novel protocols will be presented for cellular therapy for hematological, viral, or cardiovascular diseases, for the purpose of improving disease management and the quality of life of patients. Such protocols have become possible due to novel cell-separation technologies. Investigators will discuss strategies for graft engineering in allogeneic stem cell transplantation as well as the use of DLI for GVHD prevention or GVL promotion. The potential use of stem/progenitor cells for treatment of damaged heart tissue will also be addressed.

For more information, contact Lee Buckler, Malachite Management, Inc.
Phone: 604-874-4004
Fax: 604-874-4378
E-mail: lbuckler@malachite-mgmt.com

Malignancy and Thrombosis: Pathogenesis, Risk Stratification, and Treatment Options
12:30 – 4:30 pm • Georgia World Congress Center • B211-B212

This program is sponsored by Loyola University and supported by Pfizer, Inc.

Malignancy-associated thrombosis is an added pathogenic burden contributing to mortality in cancer patients. Risk stratification, early diagnosis, and clinical management require specific guidelines and represent an unmet medical need. This interactive symposium will increase awareness, review pathogenic mechanisms, and provide recommendations on diagnosis and clinical management of patients with malignancy-associated thrombosis with particular reference to anticoagulant drugs. An objective review of clinical trials and guidelines from the ACCP, IUS, and ISTH/SSC will be included.

For more information, contact Lisa Moser, Medical Education Resource Group.
Phone: 201-225-2640
Fax: 201-225-2603
E-mail: lmoser@ergnj.com

The Importance of Purine Nucleoside Analogs in Stem Cell Transplantation
12:30 – 4:30 pm • Georgia World Congress Center • B206

This program is sponsored by the Center for Biomedical Continuing Education and supported by SuperGen, Inc.

Ideally, the suppression of grafted stem cells to prevent the deleterious consequences of GVHD could be accomplished without abrogating the graft-versus-tumor effect. New treatment schemes with these parameters in mind are currently under investigation in the prophylactic and treatment settings for GVHD. As not all patients respond to corticosteroids, novel treatment options for acute and chronic GVHD are needed for steroid-resistant or refractory patients. This symposium will include case-based presentations encompassing novel strategies for the prophylactic treatment of GVHD as well as the treatment of patients with acute or chronic GVHD.

For more information, contact Michelle Smith, Cadent Medical Communications.
Phone: 972-929-1900
Fax: 972-929-1901
E-mail: msmith@cadentmed.com

Emerging Concepts in Genetics and Epigenetics in Managing the Hematologic Malignancies
12:30 – 4:30 pm • Georgia World Congress Center • C306-C308

This program is sponsored by the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry and supported by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

This symposium encompasses new genetic approaches to the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma (blood-related cancers), including advances in: a) epigenetic abnormalities as targets for therapy; b) single nucleotide polymorphisms as causal factors in onset of hematologic malignancies; c) fetal genetic alterations of blood cells as causal factor in postnatal leukemia incidence; d) gene expression as a technique to provide refined classification of hematologic malignancies based on genotype rather than solely phenotype; and e) the use of genetic techniques to assess the success of therapy in the hematologic cancers.

For more information, contact Allyson Bodin, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Phone: 914-821-8838
Fax: 914-821-3638
E-mail: bodina@lls.org

State of the Art in Gaucher Disease: Current Concepts and Recent Advances
6:00 – 10:00 pm • Georgia World Congress Center • B216-B217

This program is sponsored by Medical Education Resources and supported by Actelion Pharmaceuticals, US, Inc.

This symposium will provide a comprehensive update on the pathogenesis, diagnosis and assessment, and state-of-the-art management of Gaucher disease, the most common glycosphingolipid lysosomal storage disorder. Interactive technology will allow those attending to contribute in real time to faculty assessments and discussions of clinical tools and case-based management plans for patients with Gaucher disease.

For more information, contact Laura Holtzman, Concepts in Medicine, Inc.
Phone: 212-532-0700
Fax: 212-532-0026
E-mail: lholtzman@conceptsinmedicine.com

Management of Anemia and Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) in Hematology/Oncology Practice
6:00 – 10:00 pm • Omni Hotel at CNN Center • International Ballroom

This program is sponsored by Curatio CME Institute and supported by Amgen.

The management of patients with anemia and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) is common in hematology-oncology practice. Critical questions include the means to achieving and optimizing hemoglobin levels, the place of erythropoietic agents and iron supplementation as therapy, the extent to which anemia is an underlying result of the disease state itself, and the management of MDS. This program will provide physicians new data and treatment strategies with the aim of improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

For more information, contact Mary Seltzer-McAdams, Curatio CME Institute.
Phone: 215-550-8249
Fax: 215-550-8260
E-mail: mary.seltzer-mcadams@curatiocme.com

Advances in the Management of Fungal Infections
6:00 – 10:00 pm • Georgia World Congress Center • B312-B314

This program is sponsored by Imedex, Inc., and supported by Astellas Pharma US, Inc.

This program will summarize current trends and new clinical data regarding detection, prophylaxis, and management of fungal infections in at-risk patients – in particular SCT patients – in the hospital setting. This program is aimed at oncologists, hematologists, and infectious disease specialists who treat SCT patients and other patient populations at risk for fungal infection. Persons attending should have a working knowledge of basic microbiology and/or infectious diseases.

For more information, contact Christopher Bolwell, Imedex, Inc.
Phone: 770-751-7332
Fax: 770-751-7334
E-mail: c.bolwell@imedex.com

CML: A Paradigm for Translating Science to the Bedside
6:00 – 10:00 pm • Omni Hotel at CNN Center • Grand Ballroom

This program is sponsored by Physicians’ Education Resource and supported by Bristol-Myers Squibb Company.

The advent of agents targeting the BCR-ABL oncogene introduces new options for the treatment of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), but also introduces new levels of complexity into patient management. This symposium will provide an overview of current management strategies for patients with CML at different stages of disease and will also discuss mechanisms of and strategies for overcoming resistance, combination therapies under investigation, and optimization of stem cell transplantation.

For more information, contact Sussane Blassingille, Physicians’ Education Resource.
Phone: 214-820-7236
Fax: 214-818-7463
E-mail: susanneb@baylorhealth.edu

New Agents and New Opportunities for Multiple Myeloma: Today and Tomorrow
6:00 – 10:00 pm • Georgia World Congress Center • B405-B407

This program is sponsored by the Institute for Continuing Healthcare Education and supported by the International Myeloma Foundation.

Moderated by Professor Douglas Joshua and co-chaired by experts Dr Bart Barlogie and Dr Brian Durie, this symposium will provide a forum to discuss the latest treatment options for patients with multiple myeloma. Given the availability of additional new data about thalidomide and bortezomib, and the recently announced data about lenalidomide, panel members will have an opportunity to address these new treatment approaches and identify the role of newer agents with respect to existing therapies.

For more information, contact Haleh Kadkhoda, Institute for Continuing Healthcare Education.
Phone: 215-446-8088 ext.1170
Fax: 215-592-9085
E-mail: hkadkhoda@iche.edu

Current Approaches and New Directions: Addressing the Challenges of Relapsed/Refractory Lymphoma
6:00 – 10:00 pm • Georgia World Congress Center • C202-C204

This program is sponsored by CME Consultants, Inc., and supported by Merck & Co., Inc.

Management of aggressive lymphomas represents a clinical challenge; although current therapies are associated with acceptable response rates, relapse and progression are usual. Current research is addressing the role of novel therapies, e.g., HDAC inhibitors in CTCL, and aggressive treatment strategies. This symposium will review management of cutaneous and peripheral T-cell and AIDS-related lymphomas, but will also consider the supportive care issues which arise and appropriate interventions, notably initiation of antifungal therapy.

For more information, contact Elena Urso, Strategic Consultants International.
Phone: 44-1442-210125
Fax: 44-1442-210169
E-mail: eurso@strategic-consultants.co.uk

Improving Therapeutic Outcomes in Multiple Myeloma
6:00 – 10:00 pm • Marriott Atlanta Marquis • Marquis Ballroom

This program is sponsored by Curatio CME Institute and supported by the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation.

The emergence of therapies that target tumor cells and their microenvironment represents a new paradigm for multiple myeloma treatment. Less traditional agents such as thalidomide, bortezomib, and immunomodulatory drugs are being incorporated into clinical practice, impacting the current and future standards of care. New therapeutic targets continue to be identified. This symposium, chaired by Kenneth C. Anderson, MD, will provide practicing hematologists/oncologists with an overview of the current and near-future therapeutic options for patients with multiple myeloma.

For more information, contact Kristen Petro, Curatio CME Institute.
Phone: 610-363-1619, ext. 114
Fax: 610-363-7410
E-mail: kristen.petro@curatiocme.com

Optimizing Transfusion Outcomes: Raising the Standard of Care for Patients with Hematologic Disorders
6:00 – 10:00 pm • Georgia World Congress Center • Sidney Marcus Auditorium

This program is sponsored by Health Science Center for CME and supported by Novartis Oncology.

The positive clinical benefits of transfusion therapy have become increasingly apparent in patients with SCD, thalassemia, and MDS, both for improving quality of life and prolonging survival. Thus, regularly scheduled transfusion therapy programs are being instituted. Unfortunately, the clinical benefits of chronic transfusion therapy are often overshadowed by the inevitable build-up of iron in the body. Secondary iron overload adversely affects the function of the heart, liver, and other organs, increasing morbidity and mortality. Current therapies for removal of excess body iron have several limitations, including difficulties with administration as well as various organ toxicities. This symposium will convene key thought leaders to present the latest data evaluating the current management strategies for SCD, thalassemia, and MDS, while also informing them of new iron chelation options in clinical development which have the potential to significantly impact their practices and the health of patients under their care.

For more information, contact Caroline Ramig, Health Science Center for Continuing Medical Education.
Phone: 212-849-7768
Fax: 212-741-7728
E-mail: cramig@health-ny.com

Impact of Anemia on Quality of Life: Cancer to Comorbid Disease in the Elderly
6:00 – 10:00 pm • Georgia World Congress Center • C306-C308

This program is sponsored by the University of Alabama at Birmingham and supported by Ortho Biotech Clinical Affairs.

Anemia is a common concern in geriatric health with estimates of occurrence as high as 61% in men and 41% in women. Emerging Medicare data support the correlation between anemia and morbidity, mortality, and hospitalization. Recent findings have shown that anemia can lead to cardiovascular and neurologic complications, such as congestive heart failure and impaired cognitive function. In addition, the disease burden of cancer-related anemia in elderly patients can impair patient functioning, negatively impact their quality of life (QOL), and may contribute to poor treatment outcomes. Available data have shown that the successful management of anemia not only improves QOL in the elderly but may prevent the worsening of anemia. Clinical guidelines recently published by the American Society of Hematology, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network for cancer and treatment-related anemias recommend the use of epoetins to improve functional capacity, prevent deterioration of QOL, and maximize patient outcomes. This program will provide clinicians with the most current information on the early recognition and management of anemias in the elderly.

For more information, contact Anne Wolters, Jobson Education Group.
Phone: 303-799-1930
Fax: 303-858-8841
E-mail: awolters@jobson.com

Managing Myelodysplasia in 2005 – Promise or Practice? Demythologizing DNA Demethylation and Other New Therapies
6:00 – 10:00 pm • Georgia World Congress Center • B206

This program is sponsored by the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine and supported by Pharmion Corporation.

This program will utilize a case-based format to explore the current and developing treatment options for myelodysplastic syndromes. Clinically relevant information about new molecular diagnostic techniques, effective supportive care, and aggressive interventional maneuvers will be included. Faculty and audience discussion will be fostered with a focus on how the new data fit into current practice of hematology.

For more information, contact Jaye Harden, Network for Oncology Communications and Research.
Phone: 404-845-3771
Fax: 404-252-9869
E-mail: jharden@nmcr.com

Iatrogenic Thrombosis: Mechanisms and Management
6:00 – 10:00 pm • Georgia World Congress Center • B211-B212

This program is jointly sponsored by The University of Cincinnati and The Exeter Group, and supported by an educational grant from sanofi-aventis.

That venous thromboembolism complicates malignancy has been appreciated since Trousseau described the association of migratory thrombophlebitis with gastric cancer in 1865. The association between treatment of malignancy and thrombosis is less often stressed. This program will explore iatrogenic thrombosis, primarily in the treatment of malignant and non-malignant hematologic disease. It will consider thrombosis associated with HIT, the appropriate duration of thromboprophylaxis in patients with malignancy, and failure to provide adequate thromboprophylaxis as a cause of iatrogenic thrombosis.

For more information, contact Cora Van Birnbaum, The Exeter Group.
Phone: 212-644-1017
Fax: 212-644-6762
E-mail: cora.vanbirnbaum@exeter-group.com

Management of Patients with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) and Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS): Evaluating the Roles of Targeted Therapies
6:00 – 10:00 pm • Georgia World Congress Center • B302-B305

This program is sponsored by University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and supported by Tibotec Therapeutics.

This symposium aims to help raise awareness of current and future treatment options for patients with AML and MDS. This program is designed to discuss a variety of issues related to the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of AML and MDS, new and emerging treatment options, and strategies for incorporating new agents into the treatment of patients with AML and MDS. The activity includes interactive learning and case studies to gain insights into emerging treatment options.

For more information, contact: Mike Sampar, Medical Action Communications
Phone: 973-257-4704
Fax: 973-257-4539
E-mail: michael.sampar@quintiles.com