The seventh Lymphoma Research Foundation (LRF) Mantle Cell Lymphoma Consortium (MCLC) Scientific Workshop brought together more than 80 of the world’s top investigators and clinicians to review their latest research findings and discuss methods of transforming study results into optimal treatments for MCL patients. Presentations were heard March 24-25, 2010 at the Hilton Atlanta Airport in Atlanta, GA.

The aim of this annual workshop is to accelerate advances made in the understanding and treatment of MCL by creating a forum in which to share data, exchange ideas, foster collaboration within the MCL research community and identify and prioritize areas of clinical and translational research that will have the largest impact for patients.

LRF’s new CEO, Diane Blum, who attended this meeting for the first time, opened the meeting with optimism as she introduced herself and shared notes on the current state of funding for MCL.

"LRF has many loyal and generous friends who support the work of the esteemed physicians and scientists who are members of the Mantle Cell consortium," she said. "I am honored to have the opportunity to be working with you to fulfill the mission of the Lymphoma Research Foundation to eradicate lymphoma."

Errol Cook, LRF’s Chairman of the Board, also addressed the Consortium with thanks and encouragement.

Workshop attendees, comprised of LRF’s Scientific Advisory Board, MCL grantees, members of LRF’s Mantle Cell Lymphoma Consortium and other investigators conducting cutting-edge MCL research, heard 33 diverse oral presentations over two days covering the following subjects:

   Clinical Research in MCL

   Cellular Therapy, Stem Cell Transplantation (SCT) and Vaccines

   Novel Targets (for therapy)

   MicroRNA’s in Lymphoma and CLL

   Pathogenesis

   Prognostic Markers and Minimal Residual Disease (MRD)

Attendees were privileged to hear the distinguished keynote speaker Carlo Croce, MD, from The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, speak on Causes and Consequences of microRNA Dysregulation in Cancer. Invited speakers from Celgene, Novartis and Calistoga Pharmaceuticals also spoke on their research and clinical trials.

The meeting ended with a sense of fulfilled collaboration as MCLC Executive Committee Chair Michael Williams, MD, from the University of Virginia School of Medicine, expressed gratitude for the efforts of the Consortium and excitement for future workshops.

The Lymphoma Research Foundation is pleased to acknowledge the sponsors for our 2010 Mantle Cell Lymphoma Workshop: Millennium - The Takeda Oncology Company and Celgene Corporation for their support and continuing contributions to LRF and our efforts to cure lymphoma.

 

 

 

April 2, 2010