ASCO 2010 Chicago

The ASCO (American Society of Clinical Oncology) is the largest conference attended by members of the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation.  As mentioned previously, Mark and I attended the 4 day event. 
Has anyone ever been at McCormick Center, Chicago?  It is HUGE in fact, where it not for the steps, small commuter trains would be helpful for transportation purposes.  I have long learned to leave at home the fashionable shoes and replace it with some sensible footwear. 
I believe, around 40 thousand people were in attendance and at times, it seems as if we are all heading in the same direction, simultaneously.
The Patient Advocate Lounge provided by ASCO is a real sanctuary for weary heads and hurting feet.  Here we can mingle with other advocates and share knowledge and experience and in my case learn from those old-timers very familiar with the advocate programs. 
These for days always are hectic, tiring but oh so enriching, too. 
Mark and I had a full schedule and I will try to recall a few of the things most pertaining to all our members.
I had to attend several meetings mandated by specific task forces however; it left plenty of time for the other interesting sessions and poster presentations.

Patient and Survivor Care:

I attended an Oral Abstract Session re: Neulasta the prevention of pegfilgrastim (Neulasta) -induced bone pain something discussed previously on our board. 

Complications associated with low white blood cells counts can lead to dose reductions and delays in chemotherapy.  Neulasta boosts the while blood cell count and helps reduce the risk of infection for those patients receiving strong chemotherapy.

A significant side-effect of Neulasta is the associated bone pain which can be severe and ultimately can cause chemotherapy to be discontinued or lessened in dosage.

This trial was conducted with 510 patients including 17 separate sites.  Patients were given a dose of 500mg of  Naproxen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. It works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body. 
The study concluded that those patients with no known contraindications would benefit greatly from the above recommended dosage of Naproxen.

Trials in Progress Poster Session:

This is a 4 months pilot study to come: This study will be based on the observance of cancer survivors struggling with cognitive, effective, and physical adaption.  It will include patients and caregivers.  It will be an experimental mixed method designed to integrate intervention results with experience descriptions.  Eligible adult patients-caregiver couples, who are planning first time cancer chemotherapy for new or recurrent cancer, will be randomized to the intervention arm.  This arm will provide a weekly introduction and educational telephone session with a research staff member.  Couple members will be provided with a personal health journal in order to record the various aspects of their personal cancer experience. 
The outcome will be compared to the randomized standard of care assigned couples.

I am hoping to see a significant increase of cancer support by the medical staff for those patients undergoing chemotherapy.   

Oral Abstract session

A randomized, controlled trial of more than 400 cancer survivors and the effectiveness of Yoga.

This study measured the sleep quality, fatigue and quality of life for cancer survivors. 
Patients underwent a 4