A unique session for local media reveals the latest scientific breakthroughs in oncology
Beirut, February 6th, 2010: Hoffmann-La Roche, leader in research-focused healthcare, organized today a media induction providing the latest updates and breakthroughs in oncology therapy. The session took place at Le Royal hotel in Dbayeh and was conducted by renowned international and local experts in the field of cancer treatment.
"This meeting will provide background material for health journalists to understand the basic science and the clinical achievements in angiogenesis related cancer therapy," explained Abed Al Rahman Sabra, Business Unit Director at Hoffmann-La Roche. "Participants will have an opportunity to discuss and interact with experts as well as receive updates on the latest advances in the field", he added.
The session highlighted the most effective approaches to treating cancer and revealed the most recent clinical practices through a case study presentation that portrayed the benefits of the advanced treatments. This initiative marks the World Cancer Prevention day and is part of Roche's mission to inform the general public through a comprehensive overview on medical findings in the angiogenesis development.
Dr. Ali Shamesddine, Professor of Clinical Medicine and Head of Hematology-Oncology division at the American University of Beirut-Medical Center, stated that cancer patients have been given hope with the availability of biological treatments that inhibit the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) "Through precise angiogenesis control, biological therapy is one of the advanced approaches to treating cancer which has consistently proven breakthrough efficacy across a number of tumor types, including colorectal cancer, breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, brain cancer and renal cell carcinoma".
"Roche's personalized healthcare strategy aims at providing medicines that enable tangible improvements in the health, quality of life and survival of patients; while continuing to research whether the benefits of its medicine can be extended to broader groups of patients who need more treatment options", concluded Abed Al Rahman Sabra
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About angiogenesis
Angiogenesis has a limited role in healthy adults only occurring in processes such as wound healing and embryonic development. During angiogenesis, the VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) protein stimulates the growth, survival, and repair of blood vessels. Tumours release VEGF which initiates the growth of new blood vessels towards the tumour, enabling the tumour to get nutrients and oxygen. This process is critical for continued tumour development. This tumour-initiated growth of new blood vessels is called tumour angiogenesis.
© Press Release 2010
