For Immediate Release
April 13, 2008

BUFFALO, NY – Cellular interactions enable multiple myeloma (MM) cells to survive, proliferate and render chemotherapy ineffective. Kelvin P. Lee, MD, The Jacobs Family Chair in Immunology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI), will describe these interactions and outline molecular targets that improve the activity of chemotherapy, at the 2008 annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), April 12-16, in San Diego, CA.

“Pro-survival and immunosuppressive responses in myeloma cells via CD28-CD86 interactions”
Abstract # 1028
Embargoed until Sunday, April 13, 1 pm PST
Section 10, Exhibit Hall B-F, San Diego Convention Center

MM is an incurable cancer of the bone marrow and the second most common hematological malignancy in the United States. To survive, MM cells rely on interactions between themselves and bone marrow stromal cells by creating an environment that protects them from chemotherapeutic assault.

Dr. Lee will describe these cellular interactions as well as a novel molecular interaction between MM cells themselves and immature dendritic cells that suppresses the immune system and helps MM cells resist cell death.

 “The availability of new treatments for multiple myeloma has extended survival, yet many patients relapse after treatment with chemotherapy. In this study, we have targeted specific molecules that can improve the activity of cancer drugs,” said Dr. Lee.

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. Roswell Park has affiliate sites and collaborative programs in New York, Pennsylvania, and in China. For more information, visit RPCI’s website at www.roswellpark.org, call 1-877-ASK-RPCI (1-877-275-7724) or e-mail askrpci@roswellpark.org.

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