MD Anderson convenes global network of cancer-fighting institutions

Delegates from 25 countries bring ideas to three-day conference 

MD Anderson News Release May 08, 2017

More than 800 cancer doctors, nurses and scientists from all over the world will gather at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center May 9-11 to share progress and expand collaborations in the fight against cancer.

Delegates to the GAP 2017 Conference represent more than 25 countries and are drawn from the largest academic network focused on cancer, supported by MD Anderson’s Global Academic Program, which includes 34 Sister Institutions.

“By learning about the latest advances and then connecting in groups with a shared interest, the network refreshes and extends collaborations that are vital to worldwide progress against cancer,” said Oliver Bogler, Ph.D., senior vice president for academic affairs at MD Anderson.

The conference combines plenary sessions featuring updates on MD Anderson’s Cancer Moon Shots ProgramTM with more than 40 breakout workshops on different cancers or areas where progress is fast paced, such as immunotherapy, precision medicine and big data. The conference also offers a nursing track with sessions devoted to clinical care, research and leadership development.

Her Royal Highness Princess Ghida Talal, chairperson of the King Hussein Cancer Foundation in Jordan, and Her Excellency Dra. Isaura Nyusi, first lady of the Republic of Mozambique, will deliver opening remarks.

A topic of focus will be cancer care in resource-challenged environments, with an emphasis on strategies for capacity building in Africa. Work is underway in this area through MD Anderson’s partnerships with groups including the National Cancer Institute, Pink Ribbon Red Ribbon and the University of Pennsylvania and University of Miami as well as members of the Sister Institution network.

This day is supported by a key sponsor of this work, the National Breast Cancer Foundation, whose co-founder and CEO, MD Anderson Board of Visitors Member Janelle Hail, will speak about her commitment and support for elevating cancer knowledge in developing countries. Sessions are focused on pain and palliative care, radiation therapy, education and telementoring strategies and nursing care.

More information about the conference is available at www.mdanderson.org/gapconference.