FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 2, 2008

CONTACT:
Danielle Potuto
703-519-1422
potutod@asco.org

Presscast on January 23 (1:00 PM EST) to Feature Noteworthy Studies

Alexandria, Va. – For the fifth consecutive year, key research on the prevention, screening and treatment of GI cancers will be the focus of the Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium press program. Study authors will discuss notable research in an embargoed presscast (press briefing via live webcast) on January 23 from 1:00 to 2:00 PM (EST).

Featured research includes:

• A study on the association between insurance status and the extent of colorectal cancer spread at the time of diagnosis.
  
  
• A study on the role of chemotherapy before surgery in fighting esophageal cancer.
  
  
• A study evaluating whether a blood serum-based marker called colon cancer-specific antigen-2 (CCSA-2) can aid in the detection of colorectal cancer.
  
  
• A study assessing the benefit of treatment with a monoclonal antibody called panitumumab for colorectal cancer patients based on their tumors’ molecular signatures.

In addition to the presscast just prior to the Symposium, a working newsroom will be available onsite at the meeting for reporters. Experts will be available for comment and perspective upon request.

The Symposium, which takes place January 25–27 at the Orlando World Center Marriott, will feature nearly 600 abstracts on a variety of gastrointestinal cancers including cancers of the esophagus, stomach, intestinal tract, liver and related organs, and pancreas. These cancers are diagnosed in approximately 263,000 people in the U.S. every year.

Four leading medical specialty societies co-sponsor the three-day, multidisciplinary symposium including the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Institute, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO) and the Society of Surgical Oncology (SSO).

Registration: To register to attend the meeting, visit www.asco.org/presscenter or contact Tiffany Reynolds at reynoldt@asco.org or 703-519-1423. Registration for the presscast will be available in mid-January.

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