Advanced targeted therapies effective as first-line treatment for l...( SAN FRANCISCO August 1 2009 The wor...),Health

SAN FRANCISCO, August 1, 2009 The world's top lung cancer specialists, medical professionals and researchers are convening this week in San Francisco, CA for the 13th World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC), organized by the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC). According to a series of studies presented today at the WCLC, targeted therapies, as first-line treatment, have the potential to slow cancer growth and improve patient outcomes. Unlike traditional chemotherapy-based treatments, which destroy cancerous and non-cancerous cells alike, targeted therapies are designed to inhibit only cancer cell replication and tumor growth and are generally well tolerated by patients.

"The studies presented at the WCLC confirm that targeted therapies are on the forefront of treatment innovation and show improved efficacy and prolonged progression-free survival time compared to chemotherapy and combination treatments," said David Gandara, M.D., WCLC program chair. "Moreover, since the medicines are orally administered, patients can receive treatment in-home versus in a hospital setting, easing the burden on patients and caregivers."

To dial in to press conference:
U.S. Toll-free Dial-In Number: (800) 230-1074
International Dial-In Number: (612) 234-9959
Verbal Passcode: "lung cancer press conference"
To view press conference slides:
http://www.2009worldlungcancer.org
Click on Press and Media link

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