ATLANTA, GA - Michael K.K. Wong, MD, PhD, Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI), will present preliminary results of a study demonstrating how heparins act to benefit survival in cancer patients by exerting anti-angiogenic effects on tumors at the 47^th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology, December 10-13, Atlanta, GA.

“Heparins Inhibit Tumor Angiogenesis by Sequestering Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) from Tumor Vascular Endothelial Cells” (Abstract # 2662)

Embargoed until Sunday, December 11 - 9 am

Thromboembolic disease, a condition characterized by blood clots carried by the blood stream to distant parts of the body, has been associated with morbidity and mortality among cancer patients. Clinical studies have shown that patients with thromobosis benefit from therapy with heparins, anticoagulants, although the mechanisms have not been determined. This study found that heparins inhibit tumor angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels. This finding provides molecular evidence that heparins exert significant an anti-angiogenic effect by directly sequestering fibroblast growth factor from receptors on tumor endothelial cells.

The American Society of Hematology’s (ASH) annual meeting provides a forum for nearly 20,000 clinicians, scientists and others from around the world to discuss the latest developments in scientific research in hematology. ASH strives to further the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders affecting the blood, bone marrow, and the immunologic, hemostatic and vascular systems, by promoting research, clinical care, education, training, and advocacy in hematology.

Roswell Park Cancer Institute, founded in 1898, is the nation’s first cancer research, treatment, and education center and is the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in Upstate New York. RPCI is a member of the prestigious National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of the nation’s leading cancer centers. For more information, visit RPCI’s website at www.roswellpark.org, call 1-877-ASK-RPCI (1-877-275-7724) or email askrpci@roswellpark.org

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