The symposium will describe and discuss novel genetic targets for drug development; genome instability and pathways leading to cell death; cellular controls regulated by the tumor suppressor gene p53; and the role of tyrosine kinase inhibitors for the treatment of cancer, with particular focus on CML.

"These new approaches to the development of cancer therapeutics are possible thanks to the explosion of knowledge in recent years concerning the molecular mechanisms of control of mammalian cells," said Enrico Mihich, MD, Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics and Symposium Co-Chairman.

"Early clinical exploitation of this knowledge will be discussed as these new approaches have demonstrated validity for the treatment of human cancer," noted Gerold Bepler, MD, PhD, Department of Medicine and Symposium Co-Chairman.

The October 12 morning session, "Genomics and Target Identification" will include presentations on Telomerases; Insertional Mutagenesis and Gene Expression Fingerprinting in the Molecular Pharmacology of Cancer.

The afternoon session, "Nuclear Controls," will include presentations on Regulation of DNA Damage-Induced Apoptosis; Genetic Control of Genome Stability; Regulation of Chromatin Remodeling and will conclude with a round table discussion of Translational Relevance.

The October 13 morning session, "Cell Cycle Regulation and Apoptosis" will include presentations on pRb-p53 Cross-Talks; p53 Regulation; Checkpoints and Cell Cycle Control; and Genetic Analysis of p53 Expression, Activation and Function.

The afternoon session, "Clinical Implications" will include presentations on Molecular Targets and Translational Therapeutics; ST1571: A Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor for the Treatment of CML - Validating the Promise of Molecular Targeted Therapy and Onyx Approaches.

Invited participants are Susan Arbuck, MD, National Cancer Institute; Maria Laura Avantaggiati, MD, PhD, RPCI; Neil Copeland, PhD, National Cancer Institute; Brian Druker, MD, University of Oregon Health Sciences; William Kaelin, MD, Dana Farber Cancer Institute; Richard Kolodner, PhD, Ludwig Institute of Cancer Research; Frank McCormick, PhD, University of California Cancer Research Center; Ronald de Pinho, PhD, Dana Farber Cancer Institute; Charles Sherr, MD, PhD, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital; George Stark, PhD, The Cleveland Clinic; Jean Wang, PhD, University of California at San Diego; John Weinstein, PhD, National Cancer Institute; Robert Wittes, MD, National Cancer Institute and Alan Wolffe, PhD, NICHD, National Institutes of Health.

"Molecular sites of Intervention for Cancer Therapeutics" is supported in part by unrestricted educational grants from Indena Company, Roche Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer Central Research, Immunex Corporation and Merck Research Laboratories.

Roswell Park Cancer Institute, founded in 1898, is the nation's first cancer research, treatment and education center and is the only National Cancer Center Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in Western New York.

[Contact: Deborah Pettibone]

06-Sep-2000