News Release

Moffitt doctor's talk on ovarian cancer receives international first place award

Grant and Award Announcement

University of South Florida (USF Health)

Tampa, FL (Oct. 26, 2004)-- Johnathan Lancaster, M.D., Medical Director, Lifetime Cancer Screening & Prevention Center and member of the Gynecologic Oncology Program at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, University of South Florida, received a first-place award of $500 for his lecture at the Tenth Biennial Meeting of the International Gynecologic Cancer Society (IGCS), Edinburgh, Scotland.

His presentation, "Prediction of Response to Platinum-Based Chemotherapy for Advanced Stage Epithelial Ovarian Cancers Using Gene Expression Profiles," explained an effort to individualize therapy for patients with advanced stage ovarian cancers. Lancaster sought to develop gene expression profiles that predict response to platinum-based chemotherapy using microarray expression analysis. Data obtained from cancers of patients who demonstrated a complete response to platinum-based therapy was compared with those from patients who did not respond.

At the IGCS conference, leaders from around the world came together to examine current issues surrounding gynecologic cancer. Members had the opportunity to share their expertise by presenting their research before international leaders. Lancaster's presentation was one of 18 chosen from 1,000 submitted for presentation.

The IGCS is a scientific and medical organization that educates its members in the areas of prevention, treatment and study of gynecologic cancer. The IGCS collaborates with other professional medical organizations and makes available its knowledge in the area of gynecologic cancer to achieve communication between professionals in the field and maintain high standards of research and training.

In 2001, the National Cancer Institute awarded Moffitt the status of a Comprehensive Cancer Center in recognition of its excellence in research and contributions to clinical trials, prevention and cancer control. Additionally, Moffitt is a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, a prestigious alliance of the country's leading cancer centers, and is listed in the U.S. News & World Report as one of the top cancer hospitals in America. Moffitt's sole mission is to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer.

###


Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.