February 18, 2019
In February, The University of Kansas Cancer Center hosted reviews of the annual American Society of Hematology (ASH) meeting and San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS). Both meetings draw in thousands of oncologists and researchers each year. Attendees learn the latest advances in research that are improving clinical practices in their respective fields.
According to Abdulraheem Yacoub, MD, KU Cancer Center hematologist and ASH Review organizer, local reviews allow professionals who are unable to travel to the international meetings the opportunity to learn about major research findings. More than 150 people each attended the ASH and SABCS Reviews hosted by KU Cancer Center.
“The ASH Review aims to feature the most important medical advances presented at ASH – which is the largest international hematology conference – and brings the high-yield points to the attention of the practicing physicians,” Dr. Yacoub said. “The local meeting also aims to create a collaborative environment for physicians to meet, exchange insights and learn from experts at KU Cancer Center as well as others.”
Both reviews featured a variety of experts from National Cancer Institute-designated centers across the U.S. ASH Review speakers included Elihu Estey, MD, hematologist and researcher at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and Frederick Lock, MD, immunology expert from Moffitt Cancer Center.
SABCS Review guest speakers included Mark Robson, MD, of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Hope Rugo, MD, of UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, Matthew Goetz, MD, of Mayo Clinic, Ian Krop, MD, PhD, of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Sara Hurvitz, MD, of UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Priyanka Sharma, MD, KU Cancer Center breast oncologist, presented at the December SABCS meeting and organized the local SABCS review. Findings discussed at SABCS have the potential to shift the way physicians approach breast cancer treatments.
“Several important advances were reviewed at our meeting, including the emerging role of immunotherapy for patients with triple-negative breast cancer, as well as the results of the KATHERINE trial, which establishes a new standard of care for some patients with HER2-positive breast cancer,” Dr. Sharma said.