From April 5-9, we attended the American Association for Cancer Researcher’s (AACR) annual conference in San Diego, CA.
AACR is a global leader in cancer research, and aims to prevent and cure cancer through research, education, communication, and collaboration. The conference is attended by over 17,000 researchers, nonprofits, clinicians, government officials, biomedical companies each year. The Anal Cancer Foundation was present at the conference to announce the winner of our translational research grant, learn about new research trends, connect with colleagues, and ensure the anal cancer community was represented.
Earlier this year, the President’s Cancer Panel issued a report entitled: Accelerating HPV Vaccine Uptake: Urgency for Action to Prevent Cancer. The report highlights the importance of increasing HPV vaccination rates. Government and scientific representatives held a panel discussion on this report. Participants discussed the importance of increasing vaccination rates among 11-12 years olds, especially for males. View the Panel’s report.
At this conference, we announced the recipient of our collaborative $1.2 million award: the Stand Up To Cancer-Farrah Fawcett Foundation Translational Research Grant. The researchers are Dr. Ellis L. Reinherz, M.D., Ph.D and Dr. Robert I. Haddad, M.D. doctors at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. The three-year grant will research HPV-related cancer immunotherapy and therapeutic vaccines for patients with recurrent oral, anal and cervical cancer.
Trends in cancer discussed at the conference included immunology and challenges for researchers with limited government funding available. With immunology a consistent trend in the advancement of cancer investigation, our collaborative grant is truly on the cutting edge of research.
Throughout the conference, we raised awareness about HPV and anal cancer at the Anal Cancer Foundation table in the main conference hall! We provided researchers and biotech companies with information about our programs. We gave out the popular “Kick Cancer’s Ass” bracelets, and had the opportunity to network with other organizations on patient and research programs.
Leaving the conference we are rich with new ideas, contacts and hope for innovation as we continue to seek new ways to move the HPV research field forward.
