Workshop targets awareness
of tissue in myeloma research
Sept. 22, 2009 Contacts for Media Representatives:
Jerry Porter
jerry.porter@gcmail.maricopa.edu 623.845.3605
Patricia Rhodes Vogel
pr.vogel@gcmail.maricopa.edu 623.845.3014
A free workshop intended to enhance awareness of the need for tissue and biospecimens to advance research in myeloma will be conducted from 8:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 26, in Room 104 of the Glendale Community College (GCC) Student Union. The Student Union is located near the center of GCC's main campus at 59th and West Olive avenues.
Myeloma is a cancer of the bone marrow affecting the plasma cells that produce products essential to the immune system. Statistics show more than 20,000 new cases of myeloma and more than 1.4 million cases of all types of cancers are diagnosed annually in the United States.
Researchers must have both normal and abnormal tissue to study in order to develop and evaluate myeloma diagnostic tests, treatments and medicines. The availability of biospecimens – sample specimens obtained from biopsy such as solid and liquid tissues, DNA, and human proteins – has not kept pace with the rapid progress being made in medical research.
Arizona Myeloma Network (AzMN) and the GCC Biotechnology Club will co-host the workshop that begins with a light continental breakfast during on-site registration from 8:30 to 9 a.m. A panel discussion featuring researches, physician and patient members of the Valley cancer community highlights the program. The panel will be followed by networking and opportunities to visit tables featuring a variety of cancer and healthcare information topics.
Although registration is available on the day of the event, preregistration at http://azmyelomanetwork.org/what/index.html is recommended because of limited seating. For more information on the mission and upcoming events of the Arizona Myeloma Network, visit http://www.azmyelomanetwork.org or the Arizona Myeloma Network link on the Events tab of the GCC Biotech Club Web site at http://web.gccaz.edu/biotech.
