TGen findings highlighted at 7th annual cancer conference

The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) will present its latest research about a cancer known as multiple myeloma at a free public conference hosted by the Arizona Myeloma Network (AzMN).

More than 300 people are expected at AzMN's 7th annual "Living with Myeloma" conference, planned from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday, March 23, at the Chaparral Suites Ballroom, 5001 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, Ariz.

The conference is designed to provide patients, their families, friends, caregivers, researchers, physicians and healthcare professionals with cutting-edge information about the latest research and the newest therapies for myeloma, which is a complex and often misdiagnosed cancer of bone marrow plasma cells, which attack and destroy bone.

TGen's Dr. Bodour Salhia, an Assistant Professor in TGen's Integrated Cancer Genomics Division, will present her research, looking into new approaches for targeting multiple myeloma.

Dr. Salhia's focus is on the affects of epigenetic changes—heritable changes in DNA that do not affect an individual's DNA sequence—and how those changes might play a role in affecting the function of genes.

"I am thrilled to once again be presenting at AzMN's annual Living with Myeloma conference," Dr. Salhia said. "I will be talking specifically about the focus of research ongoing in my lab that revolves around understanding the epigenetic changes underlying multiple myeloma.

"My hope is to translate these findings into epigenetic therapies for patients, especially in treatment resistant myeloma," Dr. Salhia said. "I think this is a great venue to share some of the latest in this research to the this patient-based audience."

In addition to TGen's Dr. Salhia, other nationally recognized myeloma experts from Arizona and across the nation scheduled for the conference are: Dr. Robert Kyle, Mayo Clinic, Rochester; Dr. Joseph Mikhael, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale; Dr. Jeffrey Schriber, Bone Marrow Institute, Scottsdale Healthcare's Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center.

"This year, our myeloma conference will focus on collaboration among researchers, clinicians, and patient advocates in creating a roadmap to a cure for myeloma," said Barbara Kavanagh, Founder and President of the Arizona Myeloma Network. "This is a key opportunity for patients and families to learn about this rare form of blood cancer, and other cancers, to feel less alone, and find hope for the future."

Registration is online at http://www.azmyelomanetwork.org/what/2013confreg.html, or from 8-9 a.m. at the conference. Free continental breakfast and lunch will be provided, and 5.75 Continuing Medical Education credits are available to medical professionals.

Provided by The Translational Genomics Research Institute