Cancer (see more articles like this)

The Florida Hospital Cancer Institute (FHCI) treats more cancer patients than any other health system in the state and houses the largest cancer research program in the community. To ensure local cancer patients receive state-of-the-art care and treatment, the FHCI formed the National Advisory Board (NAB). The NAB is made up of distinguished cancer experts from around the world who collaborate with FHCI physicians to provide advice on treatments for patients right here in Central Florida.

This Thursday (October 21) and Friday (October 22), the FHCI will bring leading cancer doctors to Orlando for the 2nd NAB Symposium. During the event, doctors will discuss issues, strategies and research that will continue to revolutionize cancer care for patients in Central Florida and beyond. The theme of the Symposium is “Portals of Progress – Insights from the Past – Future Directions.” Doctors will also celebrate past medical breakthroughs and look toward the future in advancing cancer treatments.

Since most cancer patients are older than 55, and the risk of developing some form of cancer increases with age, finding cures is key. “We are thrilled to have access to many doctors who can help establish treatment plans for a variety of cancers. These collaborative efforts will continue to be invaluable for cancer patients,” said Dr. Rebecca Moroose, medical director, Florida Hospital Cancer Institute. During the Symposium, doctors will discuss treatment approaches, future clinical trials and research breakthroughs in their fields of expertise. Disease categories will include gene therapy, melanoma, breast cancer, gynecologic oncology, testicular cancer, thoracic, leukemia and more.

CANCER FACTS:

Please note: All doctors mentioned below will be attending the Symposium

• In 1966, Dr. Henry Lynch, MD described the first hereditary cancer family syndrome – known as “The Lynch Syndrome.”
• In 1969, Dr. Lynn Spitler, MD co-founded the UCSF Melanoma Clinic. She later founded the Northern California Melanoma Center, which has served as a site for clinical research and therapy.
• In 1974, Dr. Lawrence Einhorn, MD developed a combination of chemotherapy protocol to treat metastatic testicular cancer resulting in a 50 percent cure rate.
• In 1988, Dr. Dennis Slamon, MD, PhD, helped create Herceptin, an antibody drug for breast cancer.
• In 2001, the National Advisory Board created for the FHCI.
• In 2002, FHCI treated more than 3,700 cancer patients.

POSSIBLE STORY ANGLES:

• One cancer specialty that has seen vast statistical improvements in recent of years is lung cancer. In 2000, 49 percent of adults in the United States who ever smoked cigarettes had stopped smoking. That is a vast improvement from 1946, when 46 percent of the population reportedly smoked. FHCI launched a thoracic program last year and has since treated almost 300 patients.
• Melanoma is a fast-growing, deadly form of skin cancer. The number of cases has grown drastically in recent years. Last year, FHCI teamed up with some of Central Florida’s leading dermatologists and plastic surgeons to launch a Melanoma program. The group ensures FHCI has the latest treatments for skin cancer.
• Every year, targeted therapies help an increasing number of oncology patients. Just as treating the disease itself has become more targeted in recent years, so has treating the emotional impact on the person. Florida Hospital provides care coordinators who help cancer patients navigate through the system every step of the way. Care coordinators help breast, thoracic, colorectal, prostate and melanoma patients. 

WHEN: The symposium will be held October 21-22. If you are interested in covering a certain topic or presentation, please contact Media Relations to make arrangements.

WHERE: The event will be held at Disney’s Contemporary Resort in Orlando, Florida (located at 4600 North World Drive in Lake Buena Vista).
 
VISUALS/I-VIEWS: 
Come pick up b-roll of the Florida Hospital Cancer Institute’s state-of-the-art technology
Interview cancer experts about cutting-edge technology, research breakthroughs and more

CONTACT: For more information, call Florida Hospital Media Relations at (407) 303-1917.