The John Theurer Cancer Center and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Partner to Host Panel Discussion with Leading Blood Cancer Experts

HACKENSACK, N.J., June 9 /PRNewswire/ -- The John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) have come together to host Partners in Progress: An Expert Panel Discussion on Advancing Therapies for Blood Cancers on Tuesday, June 22 in Hackensack, NJ. This free educational program is for patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers. It will feature leading leukemia experts, as well as a myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) survivor and clinical trial participant.

"Thanks to medical advancements, many people with hematological malignancies have the opportunity to live long, productive lives," said Louis DeGennaro, Ph.D., LLS's Executive Vice President and Chief Mission Officer. "We are excited to partner with the John Theurer Cancer Center to bring much-needed education to patients, their loved ones, and the healthcare providers that support them."

Blood cancers include leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma and account for nearly ten percent of new cancer cases diagnosed each year. An estimated 53,000 Americans will die from blood cancers this year, accounting for nearly ten percent of deaths from cancer.

"The John Theurer Cancer Center is pleased to partner with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to offer this important education program to oncology professionals, and additional support to our patients," said Andrew Pecora, M.D., F.A.C.P., C.P.E., chairman and executive administrative director, the John Theurer Cancer Center.  

Topics to be discussed at this program include: describing the decision making process; explaining ways to help patients become active participants in their care; defining informed consent for treatment in a clinical trial; and describing financial health challenges facing patients with blood cancers.  

Featured Speakers:

• Louis J. DeGennaro, Ph.D.-- Executive Vice President and Chief Mission Officer, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
• Stuart L. Goldberg, M.D. -- Chief, Division of Leukemia, the John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center and Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey
• Gail J. Roboz, M.D., -- Director, Leukemia Program, Associate Professor of Medicine, Weill Medical College of Cornell University
• Maria Baldo, M.S., PA-C -- Senior Physician Assistant, Leukemia Service, Weill Medical College of Cornell University
• John J. Hughes -- MDS Survivor and Clinical Trial Participant

"Educational discussions such as this are critical to helping patients with blood cancers manage these diseases effectively," said Stuart Goldberg, M.D., chief, Division of Leukemia, the John Theurer Cancer Center. "I am thrilled to join this group of world-class professionals to discuss the latest advancements in blood cancers."  

This education program is for patients and caregivers of blood cancers, as well as oncology nurses and social workers involved in the treatment of this class of cancers. It is supported by an educational grant from Genentech and Biogen Idec, and an educational donation from Amgen. Registration is complimentary and 2.0 continuing education contact hours are available for both nurses and social workers.

The program will be held from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at the Hekemian Conference Center at Hackensack University Medical Center, 30 Prospect Avenue, Hackensack, NJ. To register, call toll-free (866) 992-9950, extension 315 or go to www.LLS.org/advancingtherapies. Those who cannot attend in person may participate by telephone or webcast by calling the number above or visiting www.LLS.org/survivorship.

About the John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center

The John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center is New Jersey's largest and most comprehensive center dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, management, research, screenings, and preventive care as well as survivorship of patients with all types of cancer. The 15 specialized divisions covering the complete spectrum of cancer care have developed a close-knit team of medical, research, nursing, and support staff with specialized expertise that translates into more advanced, focused care for all patients. Each year, more people in the New Jersey/New York metropolitan area turn to the John Theurer Cancer Center for cancer care than to any other facility in New Jersey. Housed within a 775-bed not-for-profit teaching, tertiary care, and research hospital, the John Theurer Cancer Center provides state-of-the-art technological advances, compassionate care, research innovations, medical expertise, and a full range of after care services that distinguish the John Theurer Cancer Center from other facilities. For more information please go to humccancer.org.

About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society® (LLS) is the world's largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world and provides free information and support services.  

Founded in 1949 and headquartered in White Plains, NY, LLS has chapters throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more, visit www.LLS.org or contact the Information Resource Center at (800) 955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET. www.lls.org.

SOURCE John Theurer Cancer Center