FDA Approves Thyrogen® for Use in Thyroid Cancer Ablation
In December 2007, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of Thyrogen® (thyrotropin alfa for injection) in combination with radioiodine to ablate, or destroy, the remaining thyroid tissue in patients who have had their cancerous thyroids removed.
Remnant ablation often follows some weeks after surgery in people being treated for differentiated thyroid cancer—papillary, follicular, or variants.
In 2007, about 33,550 new cases of thyroid cancer were estimated in the United States. About 90 percent of all thyroid cancers are well-differentiated, making those patients candidates for the remnant ablation procedure.
Thyrogen was initially approved in the U.S. in 1998 and Europe in 2001 for use as a diagnostic tool in the management of patients being tested for persistent disease or recurrence of well-differentiated thyroid cancer. The product is used instead of thyroid hormone withdrawal, to allow patients to avoid the weeks of symptoms that often accompany thyroid hormone withdrawal. Genzyme, the manufacturer of Thyrogen®, received additional European approval for Thyrogen’s use during remnant ablation procedures in 2005.
Thyrogen® is currently available in more than 45 countries.
In August 2007, USA Today conducted a survey of the experiences of thyroid cancer patients with radioactive iodine treatment. The survey was linked from ThyCa’s web site for one week. It received more than 900 responses.
The survey focused particularly on whether patients stayed in the hospital or went home immediately after treatment, the mode of transportation home, insurance coverage related to inpatient or outpatient treatment, and side effects in the first 24 hours.
The cover story in USA Today’s November 19, 2007 issue included survey results. It was one of 4 articles by reporter Steve Sternberg about I-131 and thyroid cancer. The lead article, on page 1, has links to the other 3 articles.
Below are links to the survey announcement, a summary of results, and the four articles USA TODAY published in November 2007.
Survey Announcement
An announcement was posted, from August 14, 2007 through August 21, 2007, on ThyCa’s website, with a link to the online questionnaire.
USA TODAY Articles, November 2007
Lead Article—Cover Story:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2007-11-18-thyroid-cover_N.htm
Additional Articles:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2007-11-18-thyroid-i131_N.htm
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2007-11-18-thyroid-basch_N.htm
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2007-11-18-thyroid-larson_N.htm
In This Issue:
Mike’s Medullary Story — The Three Pack
What ThyCa Means To Me
ThyCa News Nuggets
USA Today Articles Focus on I-131 and Thyroid Cancer
From the E-Mailbox
More Comments About the 2007 Conference
Meet Theresa Wickerham, Director of ThyCa Local Support Group Operations
ThyCa Exhibits at Medical Meetings
Thank You To Our Donors
The 2-for-1 “Thanks A Million” Cards
Invitation
Every Day…
About ThyCa Journeys and ThyCa
Mike’s Medullary Story — The Three PackBy Michael Desiderio
In late May 2004, I had what was perceived to be a cardiac incident. I awoke that day not feeling well and checked my blood pressure, which I did regularly. My blood pressure was 220/120.
By the time I got to my family practitioner, he was convinced I was having a heart attack. Off to the emergency room I went, where I spent nearly 3 days being checked extensively for cardiac issues. The doctors were baffled because I was at an optimal weight, was not diabetic, and had excellent cholesterol levels.
The only odd thing they noted was that my calcium level was slightly elevated, which it had been for several years. The cardiologist could not be 100% certain there wasn’t a blockage unless he did an angiogram.
Having dealt with bizarre symptoms for more than 20 years I decided to pass on having the angiogram but to finally find the answer that had eluded myself and doctors for more than two decades.
During this hospital stay, my wife and I began calling friends in the medical field and sharing my bizarre symptoms with them. One friend, who is a nurse practitioner, said my symptoms sounded like textbook symptoms for pheochromocytoma. I mentioned this to the doctor in the hospital and he said I didn’t fit the profile since those folks “are wired out of their mind.”
I mentioned that I was always “hyper,” but he replied this was probably just my personality. He did decide to run a test for hyperparathyroid disease assuming the high calcium, and perhaps some of my other symptoms, were being caused by this. He told me that the results would not be back until long after I was discharged but that I should make plans to see an endocrinologist.
We were referred to an endocrinologist by my family practitioner. As we waited for that appointment, we did our own research. I became quite educated about parathyroid disease and pheos. While the rarity of the pheos seemed to make them an unlikely candidate I was convinced this was the issue.
All the research I did gave validity to the symptoms and spells I had battled for years and which had been dismissed by doctors as me being “high strung, probably borderline hypoglycemic, and under a lot of stress”. This was the story I received over and over for years.
When I finally did get to see the endocrinologist, I mentioned to her that I would like her to test me for pheos. She laughed and said, “you MBA types always like to tell doctors what to do. I would run that test anyway but don’t worry, it will come back negative.” Meanwhile she did note that I was probably suffering from hyperparathyroid disease and possibly a thyroid issue as well since her initial physical exam and ultrasound highlighted some irregularities.
A battery of testing began: Ultrasounds, Nuclear scans, CT scans, Sestamibi scans, FNAs, 24 hour urine, and more blood tests than I had ever thought possible.
When the 24-hour urine test came back showing extremely high levels of catecholeamines, epinephrine, etc. my endocrinologist was in shock, but now realized that the other pieces of the puzzle were painting a picture of multiple endocrine neoplasia, type 2A (MEN 2A).
As we waited for the results of the FNA she did a genetic test for Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN) 2A. Needless to say, it came back showing I had the 634 mutation. I had also received what I refer to as “the three pack” of diseases: hyperparathyroid disease in all four glands, bilateral pheochromocytomas, and medullary thyroid cancer.
My parents were then tested, and thankfully they were both negative, as was my older brother and his children. My sister refused to be tested, but with both my parents being negative that was probably acceptable.
I was listed as having a de novo mutation and the surgery schedule unfolded.
(Ed. Note. Michael’s story continues on the new Medullary Thyroid Cancer Web Site. Michael also was a speaker at the 2006 ThyCa Conference, as well as our Dinner/Auction Research Fundraiser.)
What ThyCa Means To Meby Pat P., Philadelphia, PA
T —There for you when you need them.
H —Helpful with all sorts of information.
Y — You can depend on support from them.
C —Compassionate and caring people.
A —Always ready to answer your requests.
ThyCa Awards Two New Research Grants
We’re proud to announce the 2007 ThyCa Research Grants, including two new grants and two continuation grants. The new grants were awarded to researchers at Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio (and Medical University of Gdansk, Poland) and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York. The continuing grants go to researchers at Cochin Institut, Paris, France, and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland. ThyCa grants are open to researchers and institutions worldwide.
Thank You, Rally for Research Event Organizers!
Special thanks to the volunteers who organized these wonderful recent events: Cheri Lindle for organizing our highly successful Dinner/Auction Fundraiser at the 10th Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference, Kat Adkins of Texas for organizing a benefit concert to raise awareness and funds, and Phil and Susan Schmidt of Maryland for the 5th Annual Schmidt Open Golf Tournament.
Tim’s Tips Now on the Web Site
In the free Pediatric Backpacks, backpack project developer Tim of Maine shares his story and tells what helped him cope with his thyroid cancer. Visit this page to read Tim’s Tips, plus more stories from families with a child or teen with thyroid
ThyCa Launches New Medullary Thyroid Cancer Web Site
We’re excited to announce the first sections of the new Medullary Thyroid Cancer (MTC) website. The site covers the topics most requested by families coping with medullary thyroid cancer. Patients and caregivers have also contributed their stories. Medullary thyroid cancer survivors and caregivers are developing this site, with input and review from physician specialists.
ThyCa Person To Person Gives One-to-One Support, Matched by Diagnosis
Our Person-To-Person volunteers are serving thyroid cancer survivors around the globe. This free support service helps ensure that no one, no matter where they are, will have to feel alone with their thyroid cancer. Our thanks to Peggy Melton, Coordinator.
10th Conference Draws Record Attendance
We’re thrilled that 500 thyroid cancer survivors, family members, friends, and health care professionals came to the 10th International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference in October.
Mark the Dates for 2008!
The 11th International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference will be held in St. Louis, Missouri, October 17-19, 2008. We invite you to download and share the flyer on our web site. Please help spread the word.
Thank You to our Medical Advisors
The newest member of our Medical Advisory Council is Peter A. Singer, M.D., Endocrinologist, Professor of Clinical Medicine, Chief of Clinical Endocrinology, and Director of the Thyroid Diagnostic Center at the Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California. Dr. Singer served as President of the American Thyroid Association during 2002-2003 and in 2004 was honored as Outstanding Clinical Endocrinologist by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. Thank you to all our Medical Advisory Council members.
ThyCa Medical Advisor Named ATA President-Elect
Congratulations to Kenneth D. Burman, M.D., Director of Endocrinology at the Washington Hospital Center in Washington, DC, on being named President-Elect of the American Thyroid Association.
Web Site Grows
Our web site received more than 270,000 hits in November 2007! The web site now has more than 650 pages. More than 50 distinguished physicians plus numerous other specialists give ongoing input and review. We greatly appreciate their wonderful support. The web site expands nearly every week. Visit www.thyca.org often for the latest information updates and news about our free support services and upcoming special events.
Thank You, Volunteers!
More than 300 dedicated volunteers helped ThyCa reach and serve thyroid cancer survivors, caregivers, health care professionals, and the public around the world this year. Our thanks to all of you.
USA Today Articles Focus on I-131 and Thyroid Cancer
The cover story in USA Today’s November 19, 2007 issue was one of 4 articles by reporter Steve Sternberg about I-131 and thyroid cancer.
Included are findings from USA Today’s survey, which gathered information via ThyCa’s web site www.thyca.org.
The lead article, on page 1, has links to the other 3 articles.
Lead Article:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2007-11-18-thyroid-cover_N.htm
Additional Articles:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2007-11-18-thyroid-i131_N.htm
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2007-11-18-thyroid-basch_N.htm
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2007-11-18-thyroid-larson_N.htm
The survey was posted on ThyCa’s web site during one week in August. It received responses from more than 900 thyroid cancer survivors.
Additional survey results and details will soon be available on ThyCa’s web site.
Thank You for a Great 10th!
Dear All,
A BIG “Thank You” to the entire Board and Conference Planning Committee for a wonderful conference. This was my first conference but it will not be my last.
The presenters were competent, personable, and approachable. The workshops were spot on, covering all of the relevant topics that survivors are looking for.
The dinner/auction was so much fun, and it was very invigorating to see how much the attendees care about ThyCa by their generous donations.
I will be sending in my annual membership and offer my assistance to ThyCa to serve in any needed capacity.
Have a wonderful rest of the year and be well,
Lois F.
California
More Comments about Conference 2007
- I’m thankful that we have such great speakers!
- Good information, easy to understand
- All sessions helpful
- I really enjoyed the sessions and learned a lot of good info.
- Fantastic get-together — lots of great info.
- Enjoyed the wealth of knowledge. Great delivery!
- Great information
- Everything is very well run. Interaction with patients, caregivers, and MDs was very helpful.
- Excellent.
- Each session had key points of value to me.
- Keep up good job!
- Your efforts toward organizing really paid off. Thank you!
Meet Theresa Wickerham, ThyCa Volunteer
Director of ThyCa Local Support Group Operations
and Co-Facilitator, ThyCa St. Louis, Missouri, Support Group
Hi to all!
First, I want to thank you, for all you do to help others through your support. We will all be remembered for our efforts, when our time here on earth is through. What more could we ask for?
I’m sure some of you may be wondering why I would take on the position of Director of Support Group Operations. So, I thought I would start with an introduction for those of you who don’t know me.
My journey (as we are all on a journey) with thyroid cancer began when I was a young wife and mother of a 21-month-old and 5-month-old. I was 22 back in 1975 when I went to the doctor for a female infection, only to have him ask how long I had the lump in my throat.
I had surgery the following week and the doctor removed the left side of my thyryoid gland. The tumor was the size of a tennis ball. He wondered how I could swallow, much less talk. The word cancer was shocking. But, when you are young, you feel pretty invincible.
He told me not to worry about it, that thyroid cancer is slow growing and if it came back, it would be at least 20 years. Oh, and he said to use iodized salt. 🙂 Through the years that followed, my OB doctor was religious in taking annual blood tests and sometimes adjusting my dosage. My husband took the approach that I had surgery and was better.
I can’t begin to tell you, except for those of you who have experienced the same, how many times I wondered about different things that were happening, whether it pertained to thyroid cancer, and would it come back. But, I never knew.
I always wondered if I would live long enough to see my children as adults. I had 3 more children after my initial surgery. I also wondered if my children would get it. So many questions left unanswered.
Then in the fall of 1997 and early 1998, I developed a cough that just wouldn’t go away. After antibiotics and lung tests, I had an ultrasound, only to find something again. I had a fine needle aspiration in the doctor’s office and fainted during the excruciating pain. It was nonconclusive.
The doctor hesitated to pursue surgery due to the length of time and scar tissue damage around the vocal cords. But, he said he’d leave it up to me. I just had a feeling (as many of us do) and proceeded with surgery.
The cancer had returned. I had the right side of the thyroid, scar tissue, anbd several lymph nodes removed, as well as 2 parathyroids. One of the parathyroids was transplanted into my shoulder muscle. I had radioactive iodine and was in isolation during a daughter’s high school graduation.
Life went on, but not like before. I took on a new look at everything and wanted to know more this time. I think age has something to do with that. I contacted the American Cancer Society and they sent me some literature. I heard about the ThyCa conference in Chevy Chase, Maryland, in 2000. My sister and I attended.
To be able to talk to someone, finally, after TWENTY- FIVE YEARS WITHOUT EVER KNOWING OR TALKING TO ANYONE WITH THYROID CANCER, was just like Christmas. It was an overwhelming experience. I couldn’t get enough.
So, I started the St Louis, Missouri, support group, in order to be able to bring a little Christmas to everyone during a time of need. I know each of you have a story and I’d love to hear each and every one of them.
To all the support group facilitators, I want to thank you so much for your efforts with support for thyroid cancer survivors. Without you, life would be as it was for me. I’m looking forward to working with you.
Theresa Wickerham
StLouis-MO@thyca.org
ThyCa Exhibits at Medical Meetings
During 2007, ThyCa had exhibits at major medical professionals’ meetings in the United States and Canada. We began exhibiting at medical meetings in 2001.
Our goal in this outreach is to raise awareness of our free services and resources, and to help connect patients, caregivers, medical professionals, and the public with ThyCa’s free materials, support services, education, and special events.
ThyCa volunteers distributed ThyCa materials at the following meetings, plus more than 50 additional health fairs, cancer awareness events and screenings, and educational programs.
- American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting, Los Angeles, California
- American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists Annual Meeting, Seattle, Washington
- American Society of Clinical Oncology, Chicago, Illinois
- American Society of Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology Meeting, Los Angeles, California
- American Thyroid Association Annual Meeting, New York, NY
- American Thyroid Association Spring Meeting, Washington, DC
- Florida Endocrinologists Association, Florida
- Johns Hopkins Thyroid Meeting, Baltimore, Maryland
- National Comprehensive Cancer Network Conference, Hollywood, Florida
- National Organization for Rare Disorders Conference, Rockville, Maryland
- SNM Annual Meeting (Society of Nuclear Medicine), Washington, DC
- The Endocrine Society Annual Meeting, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- The Endocrine Society Clinical Endocrinology Update Meeting, San Antonio, Texas
- University of Southern California Thyroid Meeting, Los Angeles, California
Thank You, 2007 Exhibit Volunteers!
- Leticia Acosta, California
- Joel Amromin, California
- Gary Bloom, Maryland
- Wendy Dell, Washington
- Jan Halzel, Colorado
- Cindy Hellinger, Washington
- Allison Hoffman, Illinois
- Jessica Jones, Massachusetts
- Tammy Kilhullen, Texas
- Roselle Kovitz, Washington
- Rebecca Lord, Maryland
- Pamela Louie, California
- Patti Malloy, Ohio
- Melissa Mason, Alabama
- Abby Melendez, New York
- Miguel Melendez, New York
- Peggy Melton, Texas
- Dawn Molski, Illinois
- Mary Ellen Norman, Maryland
- Joan Petrie, Ontario
- Wayne Petrie, Ontario
- Calvin Pierce, Maryland
- Jaime Toth, Connecticut
- Mary Van Diepenbos, Michigan
- Mearle Van Diepenbos, Michigan
- Margaret-Mary White, Washington
- Cherry Wunderlich, Maryland
Throughout the year, we mail free brochures and thyroid cancer awareness materials in bulk in response to requests from physicians, hospitals, community groups, and individuals.
Our Appreciation to all our 2007 donors for your generous support of ThyCa.
Financial Supporters
- ThyCa’s Members, Constituents, and Individual Donors
- Genzyme Therapeutics
- Amgen
- AstraZeneca
- Abbott Laboratories
- Exelixis, Inc.
- Fleming and Company
- King Pharmaceuticals
- KRONUS
- OXiGENE
In-Kind Donors of Goods and Services
- Individuals and Families
- Camilles
- Angelshare
- Learning Unlimited Corporation
- Office Depot
- Palm Management Corporation
- Pathways Home Health and Hospice
- Alan Plummer Associates
- San Francisco Chronicle Newspaper
- San Jose Mercury News and Bay Area News Group
- Sheraton St. Louis
- Target
- ThyCa Dallas Support Group
- ThyCa Midsouth Support Group
- Thyca Seattle Support Group
- ThyCa St Louis Support Group
- ThyCa Washington, DC, Support Group
- Togo’s
- Xerox
- The Wellness Community, Walnut Creek, CA
The 2-for-1 “Thanks A Million” Cards
When you let ThyCa “Tribute Cards” do the talking, you send your best wishes and say you care about funding vital Research on all Thyroid Cancer.
Thank You From ThyCa!
We believe that no one should have to be alone when facing thyroid cancer. Our free support services are offered with this as our main goal.
We thank everyone for giving your time and talents to making possible our free services, publications, and events. We’re grateful to you for reaching out to others worldwide, to help connect them with ThyCa’s support services and resources.
We invite you to become a ThyCa volunteer, a ThyCa member, or both. By volunteering, you will help reach others to increase early detection of thyroid cancer, and connect survivors and families with our free support services, publications, and special events. Your membership will support ThyCa’s efforts to serve other thyroid cancer survivors and their families around the world, as well as raise awareness for early detection, and fund grants for thyroid cancer research.
Every day, thousands of people with thyroid cancer, and their families, are offered support, education, and hope by ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association. Your generous support is what makes this possible. It only takes a minute to make a secure donation online in support of ThyCa’s work, so click here to give
(or you are welcome to donate by mail).
We encourage you to share this ThyCa Journeys newsletter with your family and friends. For permission to reprint an article in another electronic or print publication, please contact us.
We welcome ideas and suggestions for future articles, as well as volunteers to help with our newsletters and other publications. The deadlines for news and articles for ThyCa’s newsletters are the first day of each month.
Thank you to the writers, editors, and proofreaders for this issue: Gary Bloom, Michael Desiderio, Ron Green, Mary Ellen Norman, Pat P., Barbara Statas, Barbara Weinstein, Theresa Wickerham, and Cherry Wunderlich.
Copyright (c) 2007 ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc.
About ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc.
ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. is a national non-profit 501(c)(3) organization (tax ID #52-2169434) of thyroid cancer survivors, family members, and health care professionals. We are dedicated to support, education, and communication for thyroid cancer survivors, their families and friends, as well as public awareness for early detection, lifetime health monitoring, and thyroid cancer research fundraising and research grants.
Visit www.thyca.org, e-mail thyca@thyca.org, call 1-877-588-7904, fax to 1-630-604-6078, write to PO Box 1102, Olney, MD 20830-1102.
ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. is proud to announce the 2007 ThyCa Research Grants, including two new grants and two continuation grants.
First awarded in 2003, and continuing every year since then, ThyCa’s grants are the first-ever thyroid cancer research grants to be funded entirely by thyroid cancer patients, caregivers, and friends.
The grants are open to researchers and institutions worldwide. An independent expert panel of the American Thyroid Association (ATA), the leading professional organization of thyroidologists in the U.S., evaluated the grant proposals and selected the projects to be funded. ThyCa extends thanks from all of us to the ATA for its wonderful support.
This year’s new ThyCa grant recipients are:
- Krystian Jazdzewski, M.D., Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Medical University of Gdansk, Poland, and Visiting Scientist, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio. Dr. Jazdzewski’s research will focus on the role of miR146a in papillary thyroid carcinoma.
- Mabel Ryder, M.D., Assistant Attending Physician, Division of Endocrinology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York. Dr. Ryder’s team will examine the role of Tumor-Associated Macrophages (TAMs) on thyroid cancer progression.
In addition, ThyCa has awarded a second year of funding to its two 2006 grant recipients:
- Lionel Groussin, M.D., Ph.D., Cochin Institut, Paris, France, who is studying how particular enzymes in thyroid cells may suppress thyroid cancer.
- Xianmin Xia, Ph.D., Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, who is studying a factor that may affect proliferation of human medullary thyroid cancer cells, as well as anaplastic and poorly differentiated papillary thyroid cancer cells.
Thanks to all of us, who have joined together to raise funds for thyroid cancer research. Whether small or large, all of our contributions count.
Together, we are able to accomplish what most of us cannot do individually—fund independently reviewed research toward cures for all thyroid cancers!
ThyCa has two Research Funds. One fund supports research on follicular-cell-derived thyroid cancer, including papillary, follicular, anaplastic, and variants. The other fund supports research on medullary thyroid cancer.
Both funds welcome contributions of any size. ThyCa is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and all donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Our Research grants are open to all researchers and institutions worldwide. The American Thyroid Association donates the crucial peer review service and administrative costs to ThyCa, ensuring that 100% of all money donated to ThyCa for research goes directly into research. ThyCa greatly appreciates the support of the ATA.
“ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association is thrilled to raise much-needed funds for thyroid cancer research, and is grateful for the opportunity to work with the ATA. We’re especially pleased that we have the opportunity to provide these funds to the best thyroid cancer research projects proposed by young investigators, with applications open to researchers and research centers worldwide,” said ThyCa Executive Director Gary Bloom.
“These grants are an important ongoing step as ThyCa constituents around the globe continue to raise funds urgently needed for research to improve the treatment and find cures for all thyroid cancer,” said Bloom. “We are grateful to everyone in the ATA for their commitment, concern, and support for people coping with thyroid cancer.”
In 2003, ThyCa proudly awarded our first thyroid cancer research grant. We continue to award at least one grant per year. In 2005, 2006, and 2007, we awarded two 2-year grants.
Grant recipients from 2003 – 2007 include researchers at the following institutions:
- Cochin Institut, Paris, France
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio and Medical University of Gdansk, Poland
- Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
- University Hospital Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany
- University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
Our thanks to all our generous donors and volunteers for making these grants possible.
ThyCa invites everyone to join us in our quest to find a cure for all Thyroid Cancer, one of the few cancers that is increasing in incidence.
To find out more about our Research Funds, Rally for Research, and opportunities to contribute through the Combined Federal Campaign and other programs, visit http://www.thyca.org/how-to-help/research-funds/.
ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc, is pleased to announce that Peter A. Singer, M.D. has been named to its Medical Advisory Council.
Peter A. Singer, M.D., Endocrinologist, has been Professor of Clinical Medicine, Chief of Clinical Endocrinology, and Director of the Thyroid Diagnostic Center at the Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, since 1991. He has been Course Director of the Annual Thyroid Symposium, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, since 1978. He also was a speaker at the 10th International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference.
A graduate of the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Medical School, Dr. Singer received postdoctoral training at the Los Angeles County-University of Southern California (LAC-USC) Medical Center Keck School of Medicine, and a Special Research Fellowship from the US Public Health Service. He is extensively involved in medical education as well as service in professional organizations, and is the author of numerous articles.
Dr. Singer served as President of the American Thyroid Association during 2002-2003, served on ATA’s Board of Directors for several years, and has chaired ATA’s Education and Standards of Care Committees. He has been named among the Best Doctors in America (1995–Present) and in 2004 was honored as Outstanding Clinical Endocrinologist by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists.
ThyCa’s Medical Advisory Council has 22 members, who are world recognized experts in the field of thyroid cancer. This board provides valuable counsel and supports ThyCa’s goals in education, treatment, and research.
More than 50 distinguished specialists provide ongoing review and input for ThyCa’s web site and materials. ThyCa’s web site has more than 650 pages of thyroid cancer information, free downloadable publications, connections with support services, and other free resources.
ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. is a national non-profit organization of thyroid cancer survivors, family members, and health care professionals, dedicated to education, communication, support, awareness for early detection, and thyroid cancer research fundraising and research grants. For more information, call 1-877-588-7904, send e-mail to thyca@thyca.org, write to PO Box 1545, New York, NY 10159-1545, or visit www.thyca.org.
ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. is pleased to announce the ThyCa Central Coast California Support Group, which will meet on the third Sunday afternoon of each month from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. beginning Sunday, November 18, 2007. The meetings are held at the Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center Auditorium, 1010 Murray Avenue, San Luis Obispo, California.
Meetings are free and open to people at all phases of testing, treatment, and follow-up for thyroid cancer, as well as their family members and friends.
Jill Fitzgerald is the group’s volunteer facilitator. For more information, e-mail centralcoast-ca@thyca.org or visit the group’s web page.
“Meeting other thyroid cancer survivors in person offers a wonderful opportunity to share experiences and receive and give support,” said ThyCa’s Support Groups Coordinator Sara Brenner. “We thank Jill Fitzgerald for starting the group for California’s Central Coast area.”
Free thyroid cancer support groups are available in several other areas of California, as well as coast to coast in the United States, and in Costa Rica and Philippines.
ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. is a national nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization of thyroid cancer survivors, families, and health care professionals, advised by internationally recognized thyroid cancer specialists.
For more information about ThyCa’s free year-round support services, education, publications, and special events, e-mail to thyca@thyca.org, call toll-free 1-877-588-7904, write to PO Box 1545, New York, NY 10159-1545 USA, or visit the ThyCa web site.
ThyCa’s CFC # is 11675
Funds Raised Will Provide Education, Support, Resources and Research To Benefit Those with the Most Common Endocrine Cancer
ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivor’s Association has been accepted into the world’s largest workplace giving campaign.
Federal civilian, postal, and military employees are now able to choose ThyCa as a recipient of their workplace donations through the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). This federal employees’ charitable giving campaign raises millions of dollars each year for thousands of nonprofits providing health and human services throughout the world.
“Joining the ranks of the Combined Federal Campaign helps ThyCa provide needed services and research funding to support those who are touched by this life-altering cancer,” said Gary Bloom, Executive Director. “Thyroid cancer is one of the few cancers that is increasing in incidence. It’s extremely important to strengthen and expand support services for those affected by it, as well as to increase research to find cures for all thyroid cancer.”
ThyCa; Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc., is a national nonprofit 501 (c)(3) service organization of thyroid cancer survivors, families, and health care professionals advised by nationally recognized experts on thyroid cancer and dedicated to education, communication, support, awareness for early detection, and thyroid cancer research fundraising and research grants.
Free year-round support services and resources include ThyCa’s award-winning educational web site, a Person To Person Network, local support groups coast to coast, regional one-day workshops, nine e-mail support groups, a toll-free survivors’ telephone number, an online newsletter, and the expanded 6th edition of the free downloadable Low-Iodine Cookbook. Free ThyCa materials, including the Cookbook, are also available in Spanish.
ThyCa began awarding grants to fund thyroid cancer research in 2003, and has awarded grants each year since then, including two new 2-year research grants in 2007.
In addition, ThyCa’s annual international conference brings together hundreds of thyroid cancer survivors, families, and experts in thyroid cancer treatment and research. The 11th International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference will take place October 17-19, 2008, at the Sheraton Westport Hotel in St. Louis, Missouri.
Information about thyroid cancer, ThyCa’s free support services and publications, awareness outreach materials, and the annual workshops and conference is available by writing to PO Box 1545, New York, NY 10159-1545, e- mailing to thyca@thyca.org, calling toll free 1-877-588-7904, or visiting www.thyca.org.
IN THIS ISSUE
Newest California Support Group Begins Meeting
ThyCa Awards Two New Research Grants
Tenth Annual Conference Draws Record Numbers
Person-To-Person Network Serves Survivors Around the Globe
Pediatric Backpacks Go to More States and Canada
Preview of the Medullary Thyroid Cancer Web Site
Peter A. Singer, M.D., Named to Medical Advisory Council
Rally for Research Events Raise Awareness and Funds
ThyCa Medical Advisor Named ATA President-Elect
ThyCa in the Combined Federal Campaign – CFC
Have You Visited the Web Site Lately?
Our Free Guestbook
Thank You From ThyCa
Volunteer Opportunities
Are You a ThyCa Member?
Every Day…
Newest California Support Group Begins Meeting
ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. is pleased to announce the ThyCa Central Coast California Support Group, which will meet on the third Sunday afternoon of each month from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. beginning Sunday, November 18, 2007.
The meetings are held at the Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center Auditorium, 1010 Murray Avenue, San Luis Obispo, California.
All ThyCa Support Group meetings are free and open to people at all phases of testing, treatment, and follow-up for thyroid cancer, as well as their family members and friends.
Jill Fitzgerald is the group’s volunteer facilitator. For more information, e-mail centralcoast-ca@thyca.org or visit the group’s web page.
“Meeting other thyroid cancer survivors in person offers a wonderful opportunity to share experiences and receive and give support,” said ThyCa’s Director of Support Group Development,Sara Brenner. “We thank Jill Fitzgerald for starting the group for California’s Central Coast area.”
ThyCa Awards Two New Research Grants
ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. is proud to announce the 2007 ThyCa Research Grants, including two new grants and two continuation grants.
First awarded in 2003, and continuing every year since then, ThyCa’s grants are the first-ever thyroid cancer research grants to be funded entirely by thyroid cancer patients, caregivers, and friends.
The grants are open to researchers and institutions worldwide. An independent expert panel of the American Thyroid Association (ATA), the leading professional organization of thyroidologists in the U.S., evaluated the grant proposals and selected the projects to be funded. ThyCa extends thanks from all of us to the ATA for its wonderful support.
This year’s new ThyCa grant recipients are:
- Krystian Jazdzewski, M.D., Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Medical University of Gdansk, Poland, and Visiting Scientist, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio. Dr. Jazdzewski’s research will focus on the role of miR146a in papillary thyroid carcinoma.
- Mabel Ryder, M.D., Assistant Attending Physician, Division of Endocrinology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York. Dr. Ryder’s team will examine the role of Tumor-Associated Macrophages (TAMs) on thyroid cancer progression.
In addition, ThyCa has awarded a second year of funding to its two 2006 grant recipients:
- Lionel Groussin, M.D., Ph.D., Cochin Institut, Paris, France, who is studying how particular enzymes in thyroid cells may suppress thyroid cancer.
- Xianmin Xia, Ph.D., Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, who is studying a factor that may affect proliferation of human medullary thyroid cancer cells, as well as anaplastic and poorly differentiated papillary thyroid cancer cells.
Thanks to all of us, who have joined together to raise funds for thyroid cancer research. Whether small or large, all of our contributions count.
Together, we are able to accomplish what most of us cannot do individually—fund independently reviewed research toward cures for all thyroid cancers!
Tenth Annual Conference Draws Record Numbers
Nearly 500 thyroid cancer survivors, family members, friends, and health care professionals took part in the 10th International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference held in San Francisco, October 19 through 21, 2007. The conference was sponsored by ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc.
Attendees came from 37 states, the District of Columbia, Canada, and Brazil. Participants ranged from people being tested for possible thyroid cancer to long-term survivors of every type of thyroid cancer—papillary, follicular, medullary, anaplastic, and variants.
Highlights of the conference’s 100-plus sessions included more than 40 physician presentations and Ask-a-Doctor sessions covering treatment and initial and long-term follow-up, as well as recent advances in targeted therapies and clinical trials testing new treatments.
Speakers also included dentists, a pharmacist, a nurse, mental health professionals, specialists in complementary approaches to well-being, survivors of each type of thyroid cancer, and caregivers.
“Attending the conference was the most important thing I’ve done since my diagnosis,” wrote one thyroid cancer survivor.
“We are thrilled that so many thyroid cancer survivors and their families attended,” said ThyCa Executive Director Gary Bloom, a 12-year thyroid cancer survivor.
Our thanks to the more than 100 wonderful volunteers who helped with the conference, on site at the conference, from their homes during the year-round planning and outreach, or both.
We are excited to announce that the 11th International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference will be held in St. Louis, Missouri, October 17-19, 2008. We invite you to download and share the flyer on our web site, to help spread the word.
Person-To-Person Network Serves Survivors Around the Globe
Thyroid cancer survivors around the United States and around the globe receive one-to-one support through ThyCa’s Person To Person Network.
Our Person to Person Network volunteers believe that no person should have to face thyroid cancer alone. We are a support network of thyroid cancer survivors who support the emotional and psychological needs of people with thyroid cancer, as well as their families and caregivers. We match people with thyroid cancer as closely as possible with a volunteer who has experience with the same form of thyroid cancer.
Volunteers answer questions based on their own experiences and offer insights on how they are coping with thyroid cancer. They offer an empathetic listening ear to others in the same situation. Volunteers do not give medical advice or medical opinions of any kind. They are not health professionals and do not offer guidance for individual situations. They simply share their experiences and offer emotional support.
The Person to Person Network offers this support service free of charge.
Peggy Melton, facilitator of the ThyCa Dallas, Texas, Support Group, is ThyCa’s Director of the Person To Person Network.
Pediatric Backpacks Go To More States and Canada
Most recently, the free Pediatric Backpacks for children and teens with thyroid cancer have gone to families in Oregon, Virginia, Missouri, North Carolina, Oregon, Utah, Wisconsin, and Quebec, Canada.
Preview of the Medullary Thyroid Cancer Web Site
Our web site has the Home Page Preview of the new MedullaryThyroid Cancer Web Site and soon will launch new sections of the site. Medullary thyroid cancer survivors and caregivers are developing this site, with input and review from physician specialists. For the Preview, visit the right side of the Home Page.
Peter A. Singer, M.D., Named to Medical Advisory Council
We are pleased to announce that Peter A. Singer, M.D. has been named to ThyCa’s Medical Advisory Council.
Peter A. Singer, M.D., Endocrinologist, has been Professor of Clinical Medicine, Chief of Clinical Endocrinology, and Director of the Thyroid Diagnostic Center at the Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, since 1991.
He served as President of the American Thyroid Association during 2002-2003, served on ATA’s Board of Directors for several years, and has chaired ATA’s Education and Standards of Care Committees. He has been named among the Best Doctors in America (1995–Present) and in 2004 was honored as Outstanding Clinical Endocrinologist by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists.
Rally for Research Events Raise Awareness and Funds
Special thanks to the volunteers who have organized these wonderful October events:
- Cheri Lindle for organizing our highly successful Dinner/Auction Fundraiser at the 10th Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference
- Kat Adkins of Texas for organizing a benefit concert to raise awareness and funds
- Phil and Susan Schmidt of Maryland for the 5th Annual Schmidt Open Golf Tournament
ThyCa Medical Advisor Named President-Elect of American Thyroid Association
Congratulations to Kenneth D. Burman, M.D., Director of Endocrinology at the Washington Hospital Center in Washington, DC, on being named President-Elect of the American Thyroid Association.
ThyCa Accepted into the Combined Federal Campaign – CFC
ThyCa’s CFC # is 11675
Funds Raised Will Provide Education, Support, Resources and Research To Benefit Those with the Most Common Endocrine Cancer
ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivor’s Association has been accepted into the world’s largest workplace giving campaign.
Federal civilian, postal, and military employees are now able to choose ThyCa as a recipient of their workplace donations through the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). This federal employees’ charitable giving campaign raises millions of dollars each year for thousands of nonprofits providing health and human services throughout the world.
Have You Visited the Web Site Lately?
Our web site has more than 650 pages. More than 50 distinguished physicians plus numerous other specialists give ongoing input and review. We greatly appreciate the wonderful support of these medical specialists.
The web site expands nearly every week. Visit www.thyca.org often for the latest information updates and news about special events.
To receive our free online newsletter, plus announcements of ThyCa events and activities, fill out ourGuestbook form.
We believe that no one should have to be alone when facing thyroid cancer.
Our free support services are offered with this as our main goal.
We thank everyone for giving your time and talents to making possible our free services, publications, and events. We’re grateful to you for reaching out to others worldwide, to help connect them with ThyCa’s support services and resources.
Each volunteer makes a big difference in our efforts to reach out and support other thyroid cancer survivors, families, and friends. We invite you take part in our efforts by becoming a volunteer.
We have one-time tasks that you can do in your home. We also have projects that need regular help, usually on a flexible timetable.
We invite you to join ThyCa. Your membership will support ThyCa’s efforts to serve other thyroid cancer survivors and their families around the world, as well as raise awareness for early detection, and fund grants for thyroid cancer research.
Every day, thousands of people with thyroid cancer, and their families, are offered support, education, and hope by ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association. Your generous support is what makes this possible. It only takes a minute to make a secure donation online in support of ThyCa’s work (or you are welcome to donate by mail), so click here to give.
ThyCa NEWS NOTES
Copyright (c) 2007 ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc.
We encourage you to send these News Notes to your family and friends. For permission to reprint in another electronic or print publication, please contact us.
ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. is a national non-profit 501(c)(3) organization (tax ID #52-2169434) of thyroid cancer survivors, family members, and health care professionals.
We are dedicated to support, education, and communication for thyroid cancer survivors, their families and friends, as well as public awareness for early detection, lifetime health monitoring, and thyroid cancer research fundraising and research grants.
E-mail thyca@thyca.org, call 1-877-588-7904, fax to 1-630-604-6078, write to PO Box 1102, Olney, MD 20830-1102, or visit www.thyca.org.
Nearly 500 thyroid cancer survivors, family members, friends, and health care professionals took part in the 10th International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference held in San Francisco, October 19 through 21, 2007. The conference was sponsored by ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. <www.thyca.org>.
“We are thrilled that so many thyroid cancer survivors and their families attended,” said ThyCa Executive Director Gary Bloom, a 12-year thyroid cancer survivor.
Attendees came from 37 states, the District of Columbia, Canada, and Brazil. Participants ranged from people being tested for possible thyroid cancer to long-term survivors of every type of thyroid cancer—papillary, follicular, medullary, anaplastic, and variants.
Highlights of the conference’s 100-plus sessions included more than 40 physician presentations and Ask-a-Doctor sessions covering treatment, initial and long-term follow-up, and recent advances in targeted therapies and clinical trials testing new treatments.
Physician specialists came from leading cancer and medical centers around the country, incuding the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Mayo Clinic, major medical centers in California, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, and several other major centers. “We are grateful to the dedicated thyroid cancer specialist physicians who so generously gave of their time in support of patient education, said Bloom. “Thyroid cancer requires lifelong management, and this conference is designed to help patients manage their care and quality of life over the long term.”
More than 30 additional speakers included dentists, a pharmacist, a nurse, mental health professionals, specialists in complementary approaches to well-being, survivors of each type of thyroid cancer, and caregivers.
“Attending the conference was the most important thing I’ve done since my diagnosis,” wrote one thyroid cancer survivor.
“Thyroid cancer is one of the few cancers where the incidence rate is increasing” explained Bloom. “In fact, among all cancers, it’s had the fastest growth in incidence among women. If detected early, it’s usually treatable. However, in some patients it can be aggressive and difficult to treat. It’s crucial that we provide patient education and support, as well as information about the latest advances in treatment, testing, and clinical trials.”
The 11th International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference will be held in St. Louis, Missouri, October 17-19, 2008.
ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. is an international nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization of thyroid cancer survivors, family members, and health professionals, dedicated to education, communication, support, awareness for early detection, and thyroid cancer research fundraising and research grants. For more information about thyroid cancer and ThyCa’s free year-round support services, education, and publications, e-mail to thyca@thyca.org, call toll-free 1-877-588-7904, write to PO Box 1545, New York, NY 10159-1545, or visit the ThyCa web site.
Unique Event Features More Than 100 Sessions Designed for Those Impacted by Thyroid Cancer
October 2, 2007 –ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivor’s Association Inc. has released its comprehensive list of expert speakers for the 10th International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference, to be held October 19-21, 2007, at the Sofitel San Francisco Bay Hotel, 223 Twin Dolphin Drive, Redwood City, California.
Four past presidents of the American Thyroid Association, plus numerous other top experts from major medical centers around the country, will be among the more than 60 presenters for more than 100 sessions.
This unique educational and supportive conference will feature presentations on the latest medical research and advances in thyroid cancer care, specialists in insurance and employment, Ask-a-Doctor sessions, and survivor-caregiver roundtables. People have already registered from all around the United States, plus other countries, for this event designed to create learning and support opportunities for patients, families, friends, and caregivers.
Among the presenters, experts are coming from the following centers:
- Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Ohio
- Mayo Clinic, Minnesota
- New York University Cancer Center, New York
- Ohio State University College of Medicine, Ohio
- Stanford University Medical Center, California
- University of California at Davis, California
- University of California at San Francisco Medical Center, California
- University of California at Los Angeles Medical School, California
- University of California at San Diego, California
- University of Florida Shands Cancer Center, Florida
- University of Southern California, California
- University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Texas
- Washington University Medical School, Missouri
Speakers also include Joanna L. Morales, Esq., Attorney, Director of the Cancer Legal Resource Center in Los Angeles; mental health professionals, and long-term survivors of every type of thyroid cancer, as well as caregivers.
The event is open to the public, whether in process of being tested for possible thyroid cancer, newly diagnosed or recently treated, a survivor of many years, or a caregiver, friend, or health care professional. People may come for one, two, or all three days. Registration opens at 8 a.m. each day. Cost for the complete conference is $50, and scholarships are available upon request. Walk-in attendees are welcome.
“This conference offers a terrific opportunity to learn in depth from leading thyroid cancer experts, to ask questions and receive answers, and to meet others and share experiences in coping with this disease,” says Gary Bloom, ThyCa Executive Director and Conference Coordinator. “We welcome everyone interested in thyroid cancer.”
For details about the conference and the free year-round support services and education available from ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc., please visit the ThyCa web site , e-mail toconference@thyca.org or thyca@thyca.org, or call (877) 588-7904.