and MEETINGS AT MEMORIAL SLOAN KETTERING CANCER CENTER and NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC MEETINGS (AACR, ASCO, ASH)

THE 12TH ANNUAL BRIAN ROONEY RUN/WALK IN CENTRAL PARK WAS HELD ON SATURDAY MAY 16, 2009 AT 10AM. THE RUN/WALK WAS A GREAT SUCCESS WITH A BIG TURNOUT... DESPITE THE CHILLY OVERCAST DAY... and THE POST RACE PARTY (INCLUDED IN THE ENTRY FEE) THAT WAS HELD AT THE EAST SIDE TAVERN (LOCATED BETWEEN 82ND AND 83RD STREET ON FIRST AVENUE) FEATURED DELICIOUS SANDWICH 'WRAPS', FRUIT SALAD, DESERT AND COOKIES

Proceeds from the charity run are supplemented by the Lymphoma Foundation to distribute grants for the support of basic lymphoma cell research, monoclonal anti-body research for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and continuing clinical trials and improvements in stem cell transplantation for relapsing lymphoma

And for information concerning a contribution to the Lymphoma Foundation click on the following link
DONATION

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SCIENTIFIC MEETINGS AT THE MEMORIAL SLOAN KETTERING CANCER CENTER

PARTICIPANTS AT THE FOLLOWING MEETINGS AT THE MEMORIAL SLOAN KETTERING CANCER CENTER RECEIVED PARTIAL GRANT SUPPORT THROUGH THE AUSPICES OF THE LYMPHOMA FOUNDATION

UPCOMING RESEARCH MEETING AT THE MEMORIAL SLOAN KETTERING CANCER CENTER

MORTIMER J. LACHER FELLOWS CONFERENCE
Wednesday, June 10, 2009 8:00 – 10:00AM in ZRC-105

Introduction:
Craig Moskowitz, M.D.
Clinical Director, Division of Hematologic Oncology
Associate Member, Lymphoma Service
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
PRESENTATIONS:
James Hoffman, M.D.
Mentor: Hani Hassoun, M.D.
Light Chain Amyloidosis: Diagnostic Pitfalls and Therapeutic Progress
Todd Rosenblatt, M.D.
Mentor: Joseph Jurcic, M.D.
Alpha Particle Radioimmunotherapy of AML
Jonathan Schatz, M.D.
Mentors: Dr. Hans-Guido Wendel, M.D. & Dr. Andrew Zelenetz, M.D., Ph.D.
Emerging Targets: The PIM Family Kinases in Lymphomagenesis and Resistance to Therapy
Marco Davila, M.D.
Mentor: Michael Sadelain, M.D., Ph.D.
Development of a Cell Therapy for B cell Malignancies in Immunocompetent Mice
Stephanie Terezakis, M.D.
Mentor: Joachim Yahalom, M.D.
18FDG-PET with CT Scan Co-Registration for Radiation Treatment Planning of Lymphoma Patients

Concluding Remarks:
Mortimer J. Lacher, M.D.
Consultant, Department of Medicine
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

THE LACHER FELLOWS CONFERENCE JUNE 2008

THE LACHER FELLOWS RESEARCH CONFERENCE OF THE MEMORIAL SLOAN KETTERING CANCER CENTER WAS HELD ON WEDNESDAY MORNING, JUNE 11, 2008 – IN THE ROCKEFELLER RESEARCH BUILDING

The following Fellows and their mentors presented the results of their research of the past year:
James Hoffman, M.D.  Mentor: Raymond Comenzo, M.D.
 CD32B in Plasma Cell Diseases
Bradford Hoppe, M.D.  Mentor: Joachim Yahalom, M.D.
 The Role of PET Imaging & Involved-Field Radiotherapy in Relapsed or Refractory Diffuse Large B cell Lymphoma
Matthew Matasar, M.D.  Mentor: Andrew D. Zelenetz, M.D., PhD
  Late Morbidity in Survivors of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Alison Moskowitz, M.D.  Mentor:  Craig Moskowitz, M.D.
  Improving Outcomes for Relapsed & Refractory Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Todd Rosenblatt, M.D.  Mentor: Joseph Jurcic, M.D.
  Alpha-Particle Immunotherapy for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) With Bismuth-213 and Actinium 225

The Conference was chaired by Dr. Craig Moskowitz, Clinical Director, Division of Hematologic Oncology and Dr. Mortimer J. Lacher provided concluding remarks

SCIENTIFIC MEETINGS AT THE MEMORIAL SLOAN KETTERING CANCER CENTER

2007 - On June 6, 2007 the Department of Radiation Oncology held a special Grand Rounds at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center to honor the Lymphoma Foundation and Dr. Mortimer J. Lacher, MD.  Brad Hoppe, MD, the designated Lacher Lymphoma Radiation Oncology Fellow for 2007-2008 presented and reviewed the data regarding unique treatments of "Relapsed and Primary Diffuse Large Cell Lymphoma" ... Michelle Klem, MD, the Radiation Oncology Lacher Fellow 2005-2006 reviewed the current Consortium results of the Breast Cancer survey of patients irradiated for Hodgkin's disease. Dr. Joachim Yahalom introduced the speakers and Dr. Lacher summarized data with regard to secondary side-effects of radiation and chemotherapy in Hodgkin's patients.

THE LACHER FELLOWS RESEARCH CONFERENCE WAS HELD AT THE MEMORIAL SLOAN KETTERING CANCER CENTER - THE ROCKEFELLER RESEARCH LABORATORY BUILDING on WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13, 2007 - 8:30AM to 11:30AM

Introduction: Tarun Kewalramani, M.D.
Presentations:

Justin Bekelman, M.D. Mentor: Joachim Yahalom, M.D. and Deborah Schrag, M.D.
Radiotherapy Quality: Perspectives from Randomized Trials and Practice
David Chung, M.D., Ph.D. Mentor: James Young, M.D.
Regulatory T cells Induced by Human Dendritic Cells Expressing Indoleamine 2, 3-Dioxygenase Suppress Antitumor Immunity

Robert Jenq, M.D. Mentor: Miguel Perales, M.D.
Combining DNA Tumor Vaccines with Vaccine Adjuvants and Immune Reconstituting Agents to Enhance Graft versus Tumor Responses after Allogeneic Bone Marrow Transplantation

Alexander Lesokhin, M.D. Mentor: Alan Houghton, M.D.
Immunosuppressive Elements in the Tumor Microenvironment

Matt Matasar, M.D., M.S. Mentor: Andrew Zelenetz, M.D.
Clinical and Pathologic Collaboration between Public Hospitals and MSKCC in the Management of Lymphoma

Concluding Remarks: Mortimer J. Lacher, M.D.

2006 - THE LACHER FELLOWS RESEARCH CONFERENCE WAS HELD AT THE MEMORIAL SLOAN KETTERING CANCER CENTER - THE ROCKEFELLER RESEARCH LABORATORY BUILDING on WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7, 2006

Introduction: Tarun Kewalramani, M.D.

Michelle Klem, M.D. - Breast Cancer in Patients Irradiated for Hodgkin Lymphoma – Mentor – Dr. Joachim Yahalom
Breast Cancer in Patients Irradiated for Hodgkin Lymphoma: A Review of 92 Cancers in 77 Patients  Michelle L Klem, M.D., Elena Elkin Ph.D. and Joachim Yahalom, M.D. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Department of Radiation Oncology INTRODUCTION: Modern therapy confers excellent survival in Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) patients.  Increased survival after therapy leads to an increase in detection of the long term consequences of therapy.  HL patients who receive supradiaphragmatic radiation (RT) are at particularly increased risk for development of breast cancer (BC). Understanding the unique presentation, treatment options and outcome of this group is important.  METHODS: We performed a review of patients with DCIS or invasive BC from 1975-2005 who had a history of supradiaphragmatic radiation for HL. Patients were identified from the center’s database.  Local control (LC) and BC event free survival (EFS) were calculated using the Kaplan Meier method. RESULTS: Seventy seven patients had 92 cancers, including 12 bilateral synchronous and 9 metachronous cases. Median age at radiation for HL was 24 years (range 12-47). Median dose was 39Gy (range 15-48). Sixty one patients (80%) were under 30 years of age at the time of HL radiation. Median age at initial BC was 43 years (range 26-61), and median interval to first BC was 18 years (range 1-40). Twenty two cases were DCIS (24%), 40 stage I (44%), 15 stage II (17%), 10 stage III (11%), and 3 stage IV (3%). Twenty nine cases were detected by the paient (32%), 6 by clinician (7%), and 36 on mammogram (39%). Most patients were treated with unilateral (35) or bilateral (25) mastectomy. Eleven patients received adjuvant radiation: 7 with external beam, 3 with brachytherapy, and 1 with combination therapy. In 10 patients who received repeat radiation, acute toxicity was limited to skin reactions. Of 52 patients at risk for contralateral BC, 9 developed metachronous lesions (17%). Median follow up was 3.9 years. Five year LC in treated cancers was 90%.  Five year event free survival (EFS) in treated patients was 83%. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients who developed BC after radiation for HL had early stage disease. A significant number of bilateral synchronous and metachronous lesions were seen. Most patients were treated with unilateral or bilateral mastectomy, but breast conserving therapy has been employed with acceptable acute toxicity. More work is needed to elucidate the clinical outcome of breast cancer in this setting. This study will be enhanced by matching this cohort with primary BC patients that have not been irradiated.

John Gerecitano, M.D., Ph.D. - Proteasome Inhibition and the Treatment of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphomas– Mentor – Dr. Owen O’Connor
INTRODUCTION: The ubiquitin-proteasome pathway is the major extralysosomal pathway for the elimination of intracellular proteins.  At the heart of this pathway is the 26S proteasome, which plays a vital role in degrading regulatory proteins that govern cell cycle, transcription factor activity, apoptosis and cell trafficking.  Among the key proteins that are temporally degraded by this pathway during the cell cycle are the cyclins and the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors p21 and p27 ^Kip1.   Both p21 and p27 can induce cell cycle arrest by inhibiting the cyclin D-, E- and A-dependent kinases.  Interfering with the temporal degradation of these molecules by blocking proteasome function can thereby arrest the growth of malignant cells.  Another important target of the proteasome is the Nuclear factor-B (NF-B) signal transduction pathway, which regulates the expression of adhesion molecules and anti-apoptotic factors. Bortezomib is a dipeptidyl boronic acid inhibitor with high specificity for the chymotryptic moiety of the proteasome.  Preclinical studies have demonstrated its ability to prevent proteasome-mediated degradation of ubiquitinylated proteins, including p16, p21 and IB, and to inhibit proliferation in many different cancer-derived cell lines.  Phase I studies suggest activity in a variety of neoplasms including lymphoma.  Based on the results of Phase II and III studies in multiple myeloma, bortezomib has become the first FDA approved proteasome ihibitor for use in this disease. CURRENT TRIALS: Our group has shown that bortezomib has promising activity as a single agent against indolent lymphomas, even in heavily pretreated patients.  Furthermore, preclinical data in our lab and others have shown that bortezomib potentiates the effects of cyclophosphamide and rituximab in a schedule-dependent manner. In order to exploit the non-cross-resistant mechanism of action of bortezomib, we are studying it in combination with these other drugs.  Current first line treatments for indolent lymphomas include multi-drug regimens such as rituximab, cyclophosphamide and prednisone (R-CVP).  Vinca alkaloids have not been shown to have independent activity in indolent lymphomas, and these agents can cause neuropathy, which is also the most common dose limiting effect of bortezomib.  In the context of a phase I/II trial, we are sequentially enrolling patients with indolent lymphoma to be treated with a fixed dose of rituximab, cyclophosphamide and prednisone and escalating doses of bortezomib.  Toxicity of bortezomib in this multi-drug combination is being closely tracked.  After the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of bortezomib is determined in the phase I portion of the trial, patients will be enrolled in the phase II portion, where response rate and time to relapse will be assessed in relapsed/refractory patients.  In a related study, tissue microarray analysis is being performed on diagnostic samples from patients treated with single-agent bortezomib at MSKCC.  Immunhistochemistry will be used to assess the expression profile of proteins involved in signal transduction, cell cycling, apoptosis and metastasis.  This profile will then be correlated with response to see which pathways may be most important in the antineoplastic action of bortezomib.  Finally, a second-generation proteasome inhibitor, PR-171, is being tested in a multicentered phase I trial.

Carlos Ramos, M.D. - Accerlerating Hematopoietic Recovery with Chemokines – Mentor – Dr. Shahin Rafii/ Dr. Mark Heaney
INTRODUCTION: Lineage specific cytokines, such as G-CSF, are ineffective in reconstituting the early phases of hematopoiesis after myelosuppression induced by radiation or chemotherapy. Our group has shown that administration of stem cell active chemokines, such as Stromal Derived Factor 1 (SDF-1) and Fibroblast Growth Factor 4 (FGF-4), promotes rapid hematopoietic recovery and prevents initial phases of cytopenia induced by chemotherapy, even in the absence of lineage specific cytokines. We hypothesized that SDF-1, FGF-4 and their analogues support the timely reconstitution of hematopoiesis after radiation or chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression, by promoting rapid recruitment of stem and progenitor cells from specific bone marrow (BM) niches. In addition, FGFs and angiogenic factors released in response to SDF-1 likely contribute to the rapid reconstitution of hematopoiesis after chemotherapy or radiation, by accelerating the regeneration of the BM vascular network. We assessed the potential for stem cell active chemokines (SDF-1 analogues and FGF-20) to accelerate hematopoietic reconstitution after chemotherapy or radiation induced myelosuppression. Also, we began to determine the mechanisms by which these chemokines and other angiogenic factors may protect against chemotherapy or radiation induced myelosuppression, by studying gene expression differences between wild type animals and specific cytokine knock-outs.

Daniel Persky, M.D. - Biomarkers in Relapsed/Refractory Hodgkin's Lymphoma – Mentor – Dr. Craig Moskowitz  High dose chemoradiotherapy and ASCT may overcome the prognostic importance of bcl-2, bim, and p53 overexpression in relapsed/refractory Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Daniel O. Persky, MD, Alexander Filatov, MD, Julie Teruya-Feldstein, MD, Tarun Kewalramani, MD, Pauline D. Bonner, BA, Alexia Iasonos, Ph.D, Andrew D. Zelenetz, MD, Ph.D and Craig H. Moskowitz, MD. Department of Medicine, Pathology, and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
INTRODUCTION: Approximately twenty percent of patients with Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL) relapse or have primary refractory disease. About 50% of these patients achieve long-term remissions after high-dose chemoradiotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (HDT/ASCT). At MSKCC, ICE (ifosfamide, carboplatin, etoposide) was incorporated as second-line chemotherapy prior to HDT/ASCT in a comprehensive treatment program. In addition to chemosensitive disease, a clinical prognostic model that emerged from this study identified 3 risk factors - B symptoms at relapse, extranodal disease, and complete remission duration of less than 1 year (Blood. 2001 Feb 1;97(3):616-23). This model was used to intensify treatment according to the number of risk factors, with stratification overcoming the significance of poor prognostic features (Blood. 2003 Nov 16;102(11), abstract #403). RESULTS: Ninety one patients had sufficient tissue available. Forty five patients (49%) had disease progression and 36 (40%) died. Median EFS was 4.7 years, median OS was not reached, and median follow-up was 6.5 years. Bcl-2 was overexpressed in 37/91 (41%), bim in 9/72 (13%), and p53 in 38/89 (43%) patients. Overexpression of bcl-2, bim, or p53 had no significant association with EFS or OS. Estimated 5-year EFS rates for positive vs. negative cases were 59% vs 46% for bcl-2, 52% vs 44% for bim, and 47% vs 53% for p53 (all p=NS). The 3 factor clinical model (B symptoms at relapse, extranodal disease and complete remission duration of less than 1 year) remained highly significant (0/1 vs 2/3 factors) for EFS and OS (p=0.0005 and p<0.00005, respectively). CONCLUSION: Despite the evidence that p53 and bcl-2 over expression may predict a worse prognosis with initial treatment, it appears that at relapse such over expression is either not prognostically significant or that the treatment with ICE and HDT/ASCT overcomes its significance. Further studies will focus on other pathways that are thought to play a role in relapsed/refractory HL outcomes. Bim is a novel pro-apoptotic marker from the bcl-2 family that is expressed on RS cells. Subsequent studies should address its role in both initial and relapsed/refractory setting.

Conference Summation: Mortimer J. Lacher, M.D.
In his summation, in part,  Dr. Lacher noted the special importance of seeking means to avoid the radiation induced late onset breast cancers as reported by Dr. Klem, et al.. In a concise presentation he emphasized the role of reducing the size and amount of radiation and the controversy surrounding the concept of completely eliminating radiation therapy in favor of chemotherapy.

MEMORIAL SLOAN KETTERING CANCER CENTER LACHER FELLOWS SCIENTIFIC MEETING  - June 2005
At a Special Hematology Oncology Seminar on Wednesday, June 22, 2005 starting at 8:30AM in the Rockefeller Research Laboratory Building (Room 116) of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center the following recipients of the MORTIMER J. LACHER, MD HEMATOLOGY/ONCOLOGY AND RADIATION THERAPY FELLOWSHIPS (2004-2005) presented their research of the past year.

Dr. John Gerecitano MD,PhD (mentored by Dr. Owen O'Connor and Dr. David Spriggs) - Proteasome Inhibition and the Treatment of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphomas - J. Gerecitano, et al

Dr. Daniel Persky, MD (mentored by Dr. Craig Moskowitz) The Utility of Upfront High Dose Chemoradiotherapy and Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation (HDC/ASCT) - D. Persky, et al

Dr. Deborah Mulford, MD (mentored by Dr. Joseph Juric and Dr. David Scheinberg) - Antibody based therapy in Acute Myeloid Leukemia - D. Mulford, et al

Dr. Jeffrey Halaas, MD,PhD (mentored by Dr. Andrew Zelenetz) - The Follicular International Prognostic Index (FLIPI) is Superior to WHO/REAL Histological Grade for Identifying High-Risk Patients: A Retrospective Review of the MSKCC Experience in 260 Patients with Follicular Lymphoma - J. Halaas, et al

Dr. Welela Tereffe, MD (mentored by Dr. Joachim Yahalom) - Reduction of breast, lung, and heart exposure using involved field radiation therapy for Hodgkin's disease - W. Tereffe, et al

►►THE MORTIMER J. LACHER, MD HEMATOLOGY/ONCOLOGY AND RADIATION THERAPY FELLOWSHIP RECIPIENTS of the MEMORIAL SLOAN KETTERING CANCER CENTER  2003-2004 presented the results of their research of the past year at a Special Hematology Oncology Seminar on Wednesday, June 16, 2004 in the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center  Rockefeller Research Laboratory Building. The following presentations were made by
Dr. Adam Boruchov - Modulation of Fc gamma receptors on human Dendritic Cells for optimizing immunotherapy
Dr. Jeffrey Halaas - Feasibility and preliminary efficacy of Rituxin-CHOP-14 in patients with diffuse large B-Cell Lymphoma
Dr. Nicole Lamanna - Sequential therapy with fludaribine, high dose cyclophosphamide, and rituximab induces a high incidence of complete response in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Dr. Deborah Mulford - Antibody based therapy for elimination of minimal residual disease in acute myeloid leukemia
Dr. Kathryn Beal - Excellent long term experience with primary bone lymphoma: Analysis of prognostic factors

►►FOLLOW THIS LINK TO VIEW ABSTRACTS OF THE LACHER FELLOWS MEETING JUNE 16, 2004

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NATIONAL and INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC MEETINGS - 2009
 

American Society of Clinical Oncology  (ASCO)2009
Phone: 703-299-0150

45th ASCO Annual Meeting
May 29-June 2, 2009
Orlando, Florida

ABOUT ACCESS TO THE ABSTRACTS: "NOTE: The 2009 Annual Meeting Abstracts will be available for viewing on Thursday, May 14 at 6:00 PM EDT. All presented and publish only abstracts will be included in the launch. The Late Breaking Abstracts will become available during the Annual Meeting no later than Sunday, May 31, 12:00 PM EDT. The abstracts can be accessed at www.abstract.asco.org.

2009 ASCO Electronic Health Records Symposium
Harnessing the EHR: From Incentives to Sustainability
October 6-7, 2009 | San Francisco, CA
San Francisco Marriott

Lymphoma & Myeloma 2009
An International Congress on Hematologic Malignancies
October 22, 2009 - October 24, 2009
New York, NY United States
Contact:Customer Service Phone:770-751-7332 Fax:770-751-7334 E-Mail:meetings@imedex.com

Chair: Morton Coleman, MD
Co-Chairs: John P. Leonard, MD, Ruben Niesvisky, MD, and Richard R. Furman, MD
 

American Society of Hematology (ASH)2009
Phone: 202-776-0544

The American Society of Hematology
51st Annual Meeting and Exposition
December 5-8, 2009
Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
New Orleans, LA

American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) SPONSORED MEETINGS

CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium
December 9-13, 2009, San Antonio, TX
Abstract submission deadline: June 15, 2009

The symposium will present a balance of clinical, translational, basic, and prevention research, providing a forum for interaction, communication, and education for a broad spectrum of researchers, health professionals, and those with a special interest in breast cancer. Please make plans to join us in San Antonio.

Be sure to save the date for these upcoming AACR conferences:

Metabolism and Cancer
September 13-16, 2009, La Jolla, CA

Frontiers in Basic Cancer Research
October 8-11, 2009, Boston, MA

Advances in Breast Cancer Research: Genetics, Biology, and Clinical Applications
October 13-16, 2009, San Diego, CA

Fifth International Conference on Tumor Microenvironment: Progression, Therapy, and Prevention
October 20-24, 2009, Versailles, France

AACR-NCI-EORTC Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics
November 15-19, 2009, Boston, MA

Eighth Annual AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research
December 6-9, 2009, Houston, TX

Genetics and Biology of Brain Cancers
December 13-15, 2009, San Diego, CA

AACR 100th Annual Meeting 2009 MEETING CONCLUDED

April 18 - 22, 2009
Colorado Convention Center
Denver, CO
Phone: 215-440-9300

ABOUT THE MEETING (FROM THE AACR WEBSITE): "The AACR 100th Annual Meeting 2009, with the theme of "Science, Synergy, and Success," highlighted the best cancer science and medicine from institutions all over the world. The complex nature of cancer requires an interdisciplinary approach to research. We have come upon an age when large research teams must work together to make further progress. The collaborations that naturally ensue from informal interactions at the AACR Annual Meeting create the synergies that have led to past successes in the field and will drive research faster toward future cures. The AACR 100th Annual Meeting 2009 provided an opportunity to stretch your boundaries, attend sessions outside of your own areas of expertise, and learn how to apply the exciting new concepts, tools, and techniques to your own research."

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FUND RAISING EVENTS FOR THE LYMPHOMA FOUNDATION

A PRO-AM TENNIS MATCH - FUND RAISING EVENT

ON SUNDAY AFTERNOON APRIL 6, 2008at the BETHPAGE STATE PARK TENNIS CENTER a  successful charity Pro-Am tennis event in honor of Madeline Fischbach Zausner (who was under intense chemotherapy treatment at that time) raised funds to support research grants to be distributed by the Lymphoma Foundation. The event was well attended and the tennis professionals David Fischbach (Madeline's son) and Keith Kambourian concluded the tennis event by hosting a bountiful buffet of various pasta dishes and deserts.

Madeline was able to enjoy many months of partial remission of her non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (that was first diagnosed in July 2007) until September 2008 when the lymphoma progressed in an uncontrollable fashion. Then Madeline developed the sudden onset of respiratory failure and despite heroic efforts at resuscitation Madeline died on October 17, 2008.

Dick Zausner, Madeline's husband, has asked friends and family members to honor Madeline's memory by sending donations to the Lymphoma Foundation.

And for information concerning a contribution to the Lymphoma Foundation click on the following link
DONATION

THE 11TH ANNUAL BRIAN ROONEY RUN/WALK IN CENTRAL PARK, NEW YORK CITY TOOK PLACE ON SATURDAY MORNING MAY 17, 2008

 Proceeds from the charity run supplemented by the Lymphoma Foundation were distributed as research grants for the support of basic lymphoma cell research, monoclonal anti-body research for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and continuing clinical trials and improvements in stem cell transplantation for relapsing lymphoma

This year's Rooney Run added a special sense of tragedy as well as urgency toward the accomplishment of its mission as it is marked by the recent  death of Brian's mother who also died from a non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Once again...  this event convened to raise awareness to the pressing need to continue to promote and support basic and clinical treatment knowledge of the lymphomas and allied diseases (e.g. leukemia, breast cancer, colon cancer, ovarian cancer, NF!, myeloma). to help determine the genetic nature of the lymphomas... to define the familial nature of the lymphomas and how can all persons be benefited with re-adjustment of older forms of treatment and by the application of new forms of treatment.

Work in progress supported by Lymphoma Foundation grants addresses these issues: Dr. Offit continues to seek the answers to the genetic riddle associated with the lymphomas, breast cancer, colon cancer and the inter-relationship of these tumors and inheritance and 'normal' aging; Drs. O'Connor, Straus, Comenzo, Kewalramani, Yahalom, Moskowitz, Sabbatini, Aghajanian, Spriggs, Cooper, Coleman and Leonard have added new forms of chemotherapy, new protocols of treatment, and monoclonal antibody therapy to treat the lymphomas and other cancers; Drs. Spangrude, Counter and Nimer seek basic answers to the nature of the primary lymphoma cell origins and how cancer cells and normal cells react to form cancers, age and die (apoptosis) or resist aging by adjusting the ends of chromosomes called telomeres; others including Drs. Scheinberg, Jhanwar, Yahalom, and Offit have concentrated on unique approaches to cancers and blood disorders in children (leukemia, NF1); Dr. Houghton continues to advance his research seeking an effective vaccine against the lymphomas and other cancers. Each of these efforts are 'works in progress' and your support will help achieve the results that benefit all mankind. 

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A SPECIAL LYMPHOMA FOUNDATION FUND RAISING EVENT was held on May 21, 2005

RUNNERS GATHERED AT THE STARTING LINE FOR ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL BRIAN ROONEY RUN/WALK (THE EIGHTH ANNUAL RUN/WALK) THAT WAS HELD IN CENTRAL PARK IN NEW YORK CITY ON SATURDAY MAY21, 2005 AT 10AM This special event held each spring in memory of Brian, an avid runner, who died at the age of 32  from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma... has raised funds each year for the past eight years to support clinical and basic lymphoma research.
 

Colin, Tricia and Diana getting ready to 'run'

EVENTS - 2004

►►THE BRIAN ROONEY RUN WALK OF 2004

►►FOLLOW THIS LINK TO VIEW SELECTED ABSTRACTS FROM THE 40TH ANNUAL AMERICAN SOCIETY OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGISTS (ASCO) MEETING in June 5-8, 2004

The Annual Spring Time Brian Rooney Run/Walk in Central Park, New York City



The 2002 Logo for the Brian Rooney Run/Walk in Central Park

The Annual Brian Rooney Run/Walk in Central Park raises research funds for the Lymphoma Foundation in honor and memory of Brian Rooney who died at a young age from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The family and friends of Brian Rooney generously donate their time and resources to make this tribute to Brian a success each year it has been run since 1997
 

UPDATE: ON A HAZY, SUNNY MORNING IN CENTRAL PARK IN NEW YORK CITY ON SATURDAY, MAY 22, 2004 THE 7TH ANNUAL BRIAN ROONEY RUN/WALK WAS ATTENDED BY MANY FAMILY MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OF BRIAN ROONEY AND FRIENDS OF THE LYMPHOMA FOUNDATION. (CLICK ON THIS LINK TO ACCESS ADDITIONAL PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT).   BECAUSE OF THE GENEROSITY OF SO MANY VOLUNTEERS AND DONORS... FUNDS WERE RAISED FOR RESEARCH GRANTS THAT WILL EVENTUALLY LEAD TO THE CURE OF ALL PATIENTS WITH LYMPHOMA AND ALLIED DISORDERS.

Andrew Bresnahan and Tricia Cooney Bresnahan have been the coordinators of the Run/Walk each year and this year (2004) their first child Colin Andrew Bresnahan (born October 14, 2003) joined the Run/Walk with his parents... although we must tell you that Colin did more sleeping than running or walking.

In the year 2000 it was sunny and nice. In 2002 it was freezing cold and raining although you couldn't tell that from the up-beat logo of 2002.

On May 17, 2003 it was overcast in the morning and then sunny later in the day.  Some believe that the best part of the Run/Walk is after the 'race' when everyone gathers at the Snapper Creek Tavern on First Avenue between 82nd and 83rd Street to enjoy a wonderful repast of tasty sandwiches, pasta, fruit, cake and cookies hosted by Brian's old friends the owners of Snapper Creek.

WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF GRANTS FROM THE ROONEY FUND OF THE LYMPHOMA FOUNDATION...we have been able to support valuable lymphoma research by clinician/scientists including Dr. Dennis Cooper, Director of the Stem Cell Transplant Program, Yale Cancer Center, Yale University Medical School, Dr. Janet Cuttner and Dr. Janice Gabrilove, Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York City and Dr. Gerald Spangrude, Professor of Oncological Sciences, Department of Hematology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City.

Acknowledging grant support by the Brian Rooney Fund of the Lymphoma Foundation the following research papers were published:
Allogenic Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation for High-risk Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma S. Seropian, E. Bahceci and D. L. Cooper from the Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT. Their experience with poor prognosis patients with Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma to improve the outcome of allografting indicated that patients who relapse after an autologous transplant can be salvaged with an allogenic transplant. Bone Marrow Transplantation  (2003) 32, 763-769

Characterization of Thymic Progenitors in Adult Mouse Bone Marrow S. Scott Perry, L. Jeanne Pierce, William B. Slayton, and Gerald J. Spangrude from the Departments of Pathology, Pediatrics, Oncological Sciences and Hematology: University of Utah Medical Center. They described the phenotype of an adult mouse bone marrow population highly enriched for rapidly engrafting, long-term thymocyte progenitors and noted that the disparity in B and T cell expansion from this lymphoid progenitor population suggests it contains the progenitor responsible for seeding the thymus throughout life. The Journal of Immunology, 2003, 170:1877-1886

Early Stages of Hematopoietic Differentiation G. J. Spangrude, S. Scott Perry, and W.B.Slayton Departments of Oncological Sciences, Pathology, Pediatrics, and Medicine, Division of Hematology: University of Utah Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah. They concluded: The potential of defined cell populations to differentiate as T or B lymphocytes in vivo was dependent upon the time post transplant at which animals were evaluated. These studies underscore the need for caution in the interpretation of lineage potentials evaluated by both in vitro and in vivo assays. Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 996:186-194 (2003)

Aspects of Early Lymphoid Commitment H. Wang, and G. J. Spangrude. Departments of Pathology, Oncological Sciences and Medicine, Division of Hematology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah. They reviewed the progress "in understanding the molecular under pinning of commitment to the lymphoid pathways of differentiation..." Current Opinion in Hematology 2003, 10:203-207

NOTE: The Rooney Fund of the Lymphoma Foundation recently funded Dr. Scott Perry in Dr. Spangrude's laboratory and is now funding the career development of  Dr. H. Wang. Her research is directed toward identifying molecules that may play important roles in early hematopoiesis (blood production) and may also function as targets for oncogenic (cancer) transformation in the T and B lymphocyte cell lineages.

It's Ancient History now... but the OCTOBER 10th, 2002

GALA DINNER is still in our memory and we hope to be able to repeat its success at a future date.

On October 10, 2002 a Gala Fund Raising Dinner at Taste, Eli Zabar's Restaurant on Third Avenue and 80th Street in Manhattan, was successful in raising much needed research funds.  The Dinner was coordinated by Diana Berner, the Executive Administrator of the Lymphoma Foundation. The first notices were sent out in June 2002 followed by an up-dated notice to the participants as all the arrangements were being completed. It was a hectic period with some uncertainty as the restaurant was closed for a complete renovation for three months and re-opened just in time for the Lymphoma Foundation affair a few days before October 10th.

OCTOBER 10, 2002

GALA DINNER

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR GALA DINNER COMMITTEE MEMBERS

ROBERT P. CASTRIGNANO

JOAN AND WILLIAM R. GRUVER

KAREN  AND JEFFERSON HUGHES

JOYCE AND ROBERT MENSCHEL

LISA AND ANTHONY SCARAMUCCI

DEANNE AND EDWARD  SPIEGEL

ADRIENNE AND MARTIN ZAUSNER

AND FOR THE GENEROUS SUPPORT OF THIS GALA DINNER BY ALL OF OUR GUESTS AND ESPECIALLY

SANDY and ELLEN LEVIN

WILLIAM SAFIRE

SHARON AND FRED STEIN

WILLIAM D. ZABEL, ESQ.

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The Lymphoma Foundation is a nationwide not for profit foundation dedicated to funding clinical and basic laboratory cancer research and applying the knowledge developed by the clinician scientists for the general welfare and education of all cancer patients. 

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