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Cancer Symposium draws 1,514 to San DiegoAn innovative scientific program offering fresh new insights intoclinical research, novel therapies and an impressive slate of distinguishedguest speakers drew 1,514 attendees – including 1,098 physicians– to the 59th Annual Cancer Symposium in San Diego.Program Chair Dr. Heidi Nelson, Rochester, MN, credits themeeting’s “big picture” focus and dedicated faculty participants,who assembled informative scientific presentations, as keys to itsoverall success.“The ideal model for SSO meetings is to provide a conduit forbasic research to be integrated into the clinical aspects of ourfield,” she said. “Several presentations – specifically those gearedto breast cancer and gastrointestinal disease – took evolving clinicaland research agendas and brought them together.“This approach gets people thinking about the bigger pictureand encourages all sides to work harder for the benefit of thepatients we serve. I hope future meetings continue to embracethis intersection,” she added.Other highlights from the four-day meeting included“Controversies in Surgical Oncology: Can We Define andEvidence-Based Standard of Care?” This panel discussion, moderatedby Dr. Daniel C. Coit, New York, NY, addressed animportant topic for many SSO members, evidenced by the sheernumber of attendees in the standing room only crowd.During the President’s Banquet, SSO presented the 2006 James EwingLayman Award to Paula Kim, a leading advocate and founder of thePancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN), for her dedication toincreasing cancer awareness, education and research advocacy efforts.An excellent series of guest lectures, meanwhile, further contributedto the meeting’s success:Dr. Bruce Stillman, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, presented theAmerican Cancer Society/SSO Basic Science Lecture, “GenomicApplications for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer.”Dr. Murray F. Brennan, New York, NY, this year’s John WayneResearch Lecturer, offered his thoughts on “Lessons Learnedfrom 30 Years of Clinical Research.”Dr. James S. Economou, Los Angeles, CA, presented “SurgicalOncology in the Genome Era,” as the James Ewing Lecturer.Dr. Timothy J. Eberlein, St. Louis, MO, in his final address tothe Society as its President, presented “Assessing the State ofSurgical Oncology: The Future is Now.”In praising the 59th Annual Cancer Symposium as an overallsuccess, attendees gave high marks to the meeting’s scientificofferings. Several expressed their appreciation of how comprehensivethe program has become. Guests also praised San Diegoas a welcoming site for future meetings. Popular Annual Meeting slide presentationsnow posted on SSO websiteSlides from two of the most popularsessions from the 59th Annual CancerSymposium are now available for viewingon the Society’s Website, WebsiteCommittee Chair Dr. Funda Meric-Bernstam, Houston, TX, reported.To access slide presentations from themeeting’s “Molecular Targeted CancerTherapies” and “Clinical Update inColon Cancer” sessions, log ontowww.surgonc.org, then click on the“2006 Annual Meeting SlidePresentations” icon found on the site’sHomepage.Slides available for viewing, and theirrespective presenters, are:Molecular Targeted CancerTherapies:Anti-angiogenic Targets for CancerTherapy, Dr. Lee M. Ellis, Houston,TX;Targeting Her2/Neu for Breast CancerTherapy, Dr. Edward H. Romond,Lexington, KY;EGFR as a Molecular Target for CancerTherapy, Dr. Roman Perez-Soler, NewYork, NY.Clinical Update in Colon Cancer:Primary Prevention and Screening forColon Cancer in the General Population,Dr. Monica M. Bertagnolli, Boston,MA;Screening and Management of Patientswith a Familial Risk for Colorectal Cancer,Dr. Jose G. Guillem, New York, NY;Management of the Malignant Polyp in theColon and Rectum, Dr. SanthatNivatvongs, Rochester, MN;Prognosis of the Patient with Colon Cancer,Dr. Hartley S. Stern, Ottawa, ON,Canada. View Symposium highlightson CD-ROMHighlights of the scientific program fromthe 59th Annual Cancer Symposium arenow available on CD-ROM.The CD-ROM set, produced by Blue SkyBroadcast, gives viewers a unique opportunityto hear state-of-the-art lectures andview speaker slides from home or office.The CDs allow PC users to start at anypoint during a presentation; pause, rewind,fast forward or exit at any time; and searchvia subject, keyword, author or title.An order form is enclosed with this issueof SSO News. The CD-ROM is availableto SSO members for $99, $129 for nonmembers.Mail or fax orders to:Blue Sky BroadcastP.O. Box 825Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067Phone: (877) 925-8375Fax: (619) 839-3764www.blueskybroadcast.com 3

Dr. Raphael Pollock elected SSO PresidentDr. Raphael E. Pollock, Houston, TX,was elected SSO President during the59th Annual Cancer Symposium in SanDiego, CA. He succeeds Dr. Timothy J.Eberlein, St. Louis, MO.Dr. Pollock is the Head, Division of Surgery;Professor and Chairman, Department ofSurgical Oncology at the University of TexasM. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston,where he also holds the Senator Aiken Jr.,Distinguished Chair. In addition, he isProfessor of Surgery and Director of theSection of Surgical Oncology, Departmentof Surgery at the University of Texas HealthSciences Center.Dr. Pollock previously served on theExecutive Council as President-elect, VicePresident and Secretary; is past chair of theMembership Committee, and has servedon the ad-hoc Planning Committee.He has represented SSO as a member ofthe American College of Surgeons’ Boardof Governors, and chaired the SSOContinuing Medical Education andScientific Program Committees. Dr.Pollock also served on the Editorial Boardof Annals of Surgical Oncology.Newly elected members of the ExecutiveCouncil serving with Dr. Pollock include:• Dr. Nicholas J. Petrelli, Newark, DE,President-elect;• Dr. William G. Cance, Gainesville,FL, Vice President;• Dr. Mitchell C. Posner, Chicago, IL,Treasurer;• Dr. Peter W. T. Pisters, Houston,TX, Council Member;• Dr. Lisa A. Newman, Ann Arbor, MI,Council Member;• Dr. David L. Bartlett, Pittsburgh, PA,Councillor-at-Large. Three Resident Essay Winners honored at Annual MeetingThree residents were honored for their presentations at the 59thAnnual Cancer Symposium in San Diego, CA. Each ResidentEssay Award recipient received a $500 award, airfare reimbursementand $100 for living expenses. The 2006 winners are:• Dr. Cherie P. Parungo, Boston, MA, Best Basic ScienceResearch Paper, “Lymph Drainage Pattern of the PeritonealSpace: Intraperitoneal Lymph Travels via Visceral BowelLymphatics to the Thoracic Duct.”• Dr. Mark Bloomston, Columbus, OH, Best Clinical ResearchPaper, “Stromal Osteonectin Overexpression is Associatedwith Poor Outcome in Patients with Periampullary Cancer.”• Dr. Jonathan S. Zager, Houston, TX, Best Poster, “IsolatedLimb Infusion for Locally Recurrent and In-Transit ExtremityMelanoma: A Combined Institutional Initial Experience.” Thanks to our sponsorsSSO expresses its sincere appreciation tothe following organizations for theirgenerous support of the 59th AnnualCancer Symposium:American Cancer Society – Sponsor ofthe American Cancer Society SSO BasicScience Lecture.Autosuture/Valleylab/TycoHealthcare – Sponsor of the audienceresponse system for the program,“Controversies in Surgical Oncology: CanWe Define an Evidence Based Standard ofCare?”Bristol-Myers Squibb Oncology –Sponsor of a Reception and Dinner inhonor of the President.Chiron BioPharmaceuticals – Sponsorof the Preliminary Program.Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. – Sponsorof the Thursday session, “MinimallyInvasive Cancer Surgery: State of the Science,”and the Convention Program Guide.GE Healthcare – Sponsor of theThursday symposium entitled, “CT-PETImaging: Evidence-based Indications andControversies.”James Ewing Foundation – Sponsor ofthe James Ewing Lecture, threetravel grants for Fellowship AwardWinners, and one Trainee Award.John Wayne Foundation – Sponsor ofthe John Wayne Clinical Research Lecture.Novartis – Sponsor of the Thursdaysymposium entitled, “Advances inNutritional Support of the Cancer Patient,”and the Friday dinner symposium entitled,“The New Frontier: Evaluating theEfficacy of Aromotase in the Treatment ofPostmenopausal Women with Early BreastCancer.”Roche Laboratories – Sponsor of theThursday breakfast symposium entitled,“Advances in the Systemic Therapy andSurgical Management of Breast Cancer,”the registration valises, and the posterreproductions.sanofi-aventis – Sponsor of theSunday breakfast symposium entitled,“Multidisciplinary Management ofColorectal Cancer Metastases: Current andEmerging Trends.”Valleylab – Sponsor of the Friday symposiumentitled, “What’s New in AblativeTherapies for Malignant Tumors.” 4

The field of surgical oncology will undergo profound change,with genetic and other scientific advances permitting increasinglyindividualized patient treatment, outgoing SSO President Dr.Timothy J. Eberlein, St. Louis, MO, predictedin a well-received PresidentialAddress at the 59th Annual CancerSymposium.“Soon, utilizing gene analysis, we will beable to specifically tailor cancer care foreach patient,” he said. “No longer will weroutinely assign a regimen of toxicchemotherapy for all patients, because weDr. Timothy Eberleinknow that some are likely to benefit. Thetechnology exists now and, when fully utilized, will allow us todefine what will – and will not – be of benefit to a specificpatient,” he added.This evolution, from major surgical interventions to minimallyinvasive procedures, is guided by advances in geneticresearch and by multidisciplinary teams that take advantageof the primary role of surgeons in the care of theirpatients. That role will only be maintained through knowledgeand practice of oncology, not only surgery, Dr Eberlein warned.“We need to institute some significant and timely changes inorder to move our field forward. We must begin to think of ourselvesless as surgeons, and more as oncologists,” he urged.Dr. Eberlein’s address presented his belief that surgical oncologistsmust emphasize the oncology component of the specialty.The surgeon of the future should be adept at performing minimallyinvasive procedures, integrating diagnoses into surgicalpractice, addressing the ethical issues of prophylactic surgery,and be comfortable administering systemic targeted agents.“Why can’t we imagine a drug that might block the oncogene?Or turn on the suppressor gene and prevent the onset of themalignancy altogether?” Dr. Eberlein asked the audience. “Thefuture, in fact, holds promise that at least in some diseases, wewill eliminate surgical intervention altogether. This kind of technologywill undoubtedly produce numerous new medicationsthat are more targeted, less toxic and frequently oral in administration.“I would suggest that we as surgeons become actively involved inadministering the drugs, managing patients who receive thesedrugs, as well as the clinical trials that establish the parametersfor their usage,” he added.SSO PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESSDr. Eberlein predicts specifically tailored patient care,profound change for surgical oncologistsADVOCATES SSO/ACOSOG PARTNERSHIPEmphasizing the importance of SSO member participation inclinical trials, Dr. Eberlein advocated a more formal and integratedpartnership between the American College of SurgeonsOncology Group (ACOSOG) and the Society.The partnership envisioned by Dr. Eberlein would provide participationopportunities for the Society’s “community-basedmembers,” and build a series of disease-focused networks withinSSO that could quickly initiate, perform and analyze clinical trialsthat may profoundly affect the specialty.“This partnership would be a particularly fruitful foundation forestablishing constructive, legal and ethical relationships withpharmaceutical and other industrial partners,” he explained.A network of surgeons able to quickly answer therapeutic questionsthrough rigorous, carefully controlled clinical trials wouldenhance the ability of the Society of Surgical Oncology toreceive additional sup-“We must begin to think ofourselves less as surgeons,and more as oncologists.”port for its educationalmission and ensure thecontinued developmentof future leadersin surgical oncology,Dr. Eberlein added.INTEGRATE OUTCOMES INTO PRACTICEDr. Eberlein also predicted that the use of outcomes will becomestandard and will be used in certification, maintenance of certificationand reimbursement.“I strongly recommend the integration of outcomes research intoour surgical oncology practices. I am not talking about retrospective,selective reporting of results. I am talking about rigorouslygathered and analyzed data,” he said.Advantages to systems such as the NSQIP/American College ofSurgeons program – in which Dr. Eberlein’s department at theWashington University School of Medicine is involved – includethe ability to adjust for level of risk based on clinical data, vigorousdefinition of variables, and the fact that outcome measuresare strictly resolved at a set time point.“This system has already led to significant reductions in morbidityand mortality, as seen through multiple publications from theVA system and private sector hospitals that also participate,” headded.Without doubt, outcomes will be used in maintenance of certification,Dr. Eberlein explained.“If the discipline of surgical oncology is to require certification,then incorporating measurements of surgeon performance is logical.It should be credible, third-party gathered, and risk-adjusted.In this way, it can have the most profound impact and help usimprove the daily care of our patients,” he concluded. 5

Dr. David J. Winchester (left), his mother, Marilyn, and father,1997-98 SSO President Dr. David P. Winchester (second fromright), greet 2002-03 SSO President Dr. John Daly.SSO President Dr. Raphael Pollock (left) and his wife, Kim, share a laughwith Dr. Anton Bilchik during one of the meeting’s lighter moments.The Exhibit Hall, featuring a record 293 exhibitors, offered aforum for productive discussion of new treatment options.Audienceparticipationcontributed tothe effectivenessof CancerSymposiumprograms.6

Dr. NicholasPetrelli presents the2006 HarveyBaker Award toDr. Anthony Yang.Dr. Timothy Eberlein (left) congratulates his successor,Dr. Raphael Pollock, on his election as SSO President.Cancer research advocate Paula Kimaccepts the James Ewing LaymanAward from outgoing SSO PresidentDr. Timothy Eberlein.Past President Dr. Alfred Cohen(right) pays tribute to fellow PastPresident Dr. Charles Balch duringthe Annual Heritage Presentation.ACS/SSO Basic Science LecturerDr. Bruce Stillman (left) receives anSSO award of appreciation fromDr. Steven Sener.James Ewing LecturerDr. James Economou (top) andJohn Wayne Research LecturerDr. Murray Brennan wereamong distinguished speakerswho contributed to the AnnualMeeting’s success.Corporate RelationsChair Dr. Kelly McMasters(left) and Dr. TimothyEberlein thank RocheLaboratories RepresentativeAnn Crow for its supportof the 59th AnnualCancer Symposium.7

Journal retreat develops strategies for Annal’s futureAnnals of Surgical Oncology Editor-in-ChiefDr. Charles M. Balch, Alexandria, VA,and Executive Editor Dr. Mark Roh,Pittsburgh, PA, led a“planning retreat”during the SSO’s59th Annual CancerSymposium in SanDiego to begindevelopment of newstrategies designed tomaintain theDr. Mark Roh Journal’s prestige andpromote future growth.“The questions we asked ourselves were:‘Where are we going?’ ‘Where do we wantto go?’ and ‘How can we get there?’” Dr.Roh explained. “Strategic planning willhelp continue the Annals’ standing as a premiereoncology and surgery publication,and further enhance our ability to attracthigh quality manuscripts,” he added.Strategies for increasing high quality submissionsdiscussed at the retreat include:• Create special sections within theJournal, such as “Community Issues,”“Controversies in Surgical Oncology,”“Clinical Trials Update,” and “State-ofthe-Artin Surgical Oncology.”• Publish periodic “special supplements”on specific topics or themes,educational tutorials and other interestingeditorials.• Develop print and online Journalfeatures that offer streaming videos,clinical practice education updates, anddebates in surgical oncology.To increase usage and visibility, plannerssuggested providing online access to allJournal content published at least 12months prior;developing CMEopportunities forreaders; utilizingonline searchengines such asGoogle Scholar;and providingonline access toAnnals content atinternational surgical oncology societymeetings at a discounted rate.STRATEGIES FOR THE FUTURE:Create special Journal sectionsPublish periodic “specialsupplements”Develop educational features“We are also working to expand mediacoverage of Annals,” Dr. Roh, added, citingthe publication of an article in the May 15edition of USA Today. The article, “Surgerynot verboten in metastatic breast cancer,”reported on a study published in Annalsthat suggested some women with newlydiagnosed metastatic breast cancer mightbenefit from more aggressive treatment.Participants in the Journal’s planningretreat included Drs. Anton Bilchik,Santa Monica, CA; Vijay Khatri,Sacramento, CA; V. Suzanne Klimberg,Little Rock, AR; Funda Meric-Berstam,Houston, TX; Donald Morton, SantaMonica, CA; LisaNewman, Ann Arbor,MI; Nicholas Petrelli,Newark, DE; RaphaelPollock, Houston,TX; and Jean-Nicholas Vauthey,Houston, TX.Representatives fromAnnals publisher Springer Verlag alsoattended the retreat. Submit manuscriptsto Annals onlineTo submit a manuscript for possiblepublication in Annals of SurgicalOncology, log onto the Journal’s newonline submission site, http://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/aso.Manuscripts must be prepared inaccordance with the submissionguidelines and uploaded directly ontothe site. For more information,contact the Annals Editorial Officeat 703/299-1185, or asoeditorial@earthlink.net.All manuscripts submitted are subjectto peer review and editing. Eachmanuscript is reviewed by at leasttwo experts in the field. Drs. Gershenwald, Kurtzman appointedto ACS Breast Accreditation committeeDrs. Jeffrey E. Gershenwald, Houston,TX, and Scott H. Kurtzman,Farmington, CT, will represent SSO asmembers of a committee created throughthe American College of Surgeons (ACS)to explore creation of a national breastcenter accreditation program.The Joint Committee on Accreditation ofBreast Programs is a consortium ofnational professional organizations dedicatedto improving the quality of care ofwomen with breast disease. Its objectivesare to:• Develop national standards for breastcenter programs;• Strengthen the scientific basis forimproving quality care;• Establish a surveyprocess to monitorcompliance;• Create a NationalBreast DiseaseRegistry to reportpatterns of careand affect qualityimprovement; Dr. Scott Kurtzman• Promote participation in clinical trials.The committee’s first meeting took placeMay 22, in Chicago. Progress towardestablishing a criteria for national accreditation,and its effects on SSO members,will be reported in upcoming issues ofSSO News. 8

2006 Matching Program applications available onlineResidents applying for the 2006 SSO Surgical OncologyFellowship or Breast Fellowship Matching Programs may downloadapplications for both programs online at the SSO Website,www.surgonc.org.Candidates for Surgical Oncology Fellowships must submitapplications to the Society’s Executive offices no later thanSeptember 18. Breast Fellowship applications, meanwhile, aredue by November 14.Last year, the two programs placed a combined 78 residents inSSO-approved training programs across the U.S. and Canada.Applicants for the 2006 Surgical Oncology Match will be notifiedof the results in October. The Breast Fellowship Match willtake place in December.The following institutions will participate in this year’s program:SURGICAL ONCOLOGY FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMS• City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA;• M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX;• Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA;• H. Lee Moffitt Cancer and Research Institute, Tampa, FL;• Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY;• Ohio State University, Columbus, OH;• Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY;• John Wayne Cancer Institute, Santa Monica, CA;• Roger Williams Medical Center and Cancer Center,Providence, RI;• University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada;• University of Chicago, Chicago, IL;• University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL;• University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA;• University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada;• Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA.BREAST FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMS• Akron General Medical Center, Akron, OH;• Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA;• Anne Arundel Medical Center, Annapolis, MD;• Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX;• The Beth Israel Medical Center & St. Luke’s RooseveltHospital Center, New York, NY;• The Breast Health Center Program in Women’sOncology/Women & Infants Hospital, Providence, RI;• The Breast Health Institute, Jefferson Medical College,Philadelphia, PA;• Bryn Mawr Hospital, Bryn Mawr, PA;• The Cancer Institute of New Jersey – Robert Wood JohnsonMedical School, New Brunswick, NJ;• The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH;• Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, New York, NY;• Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA;• Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA;• Grant Medical Center, Columbus, OH;• H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL;• John Wayne Cancer Institute, Santa Monica, CA;• Massachusetts General Hospital, Dana Farber Cancer Instituteand Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA;• Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN;• Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY;• Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine,Chicago, IL;• Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA;• University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR;• University of California at San Francisco Breast Care Center,San Francisco, CA;• University of Massachusetts Interdisciplinary Breast FellowshipProgram, Worcester, MA;• University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI;• University of Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Fellowship,Philadelphia, PA;• University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Magee Women’sHospital and University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute,Pittsburgh, PA;• University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine,Los Angeles;• University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX;• University of Texas Southwestern Center for Breast Care,Dallas, TX;• Washington Hospital Center, Washington University,Washington, D.C.;• Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO;• William Beaumont Hospital Breast Care Center, Royal Oak, MI. ACOSOG Trials …continued from page 1come from surgeons who have incorporatedclinical research into their private practices.We also call upon all surgeons whohave previously enrolled in ACOSOG trialsto evaluate their patients for upcomingstudies.SSO members who wish to becomeACOSOG members will find simpleinstructions for joining on the Group’sWebsite. For more information, contactHelen Harbett, ACOSOG MembershipCoordinator, at 919/668-8836 orharbet001@notes.duke.edu, Dr. HeidiNelson, ACOSOG Group Co-Chair,(nelsonh@mayo.edu), or Dr. David Ota(david.ota@duke.edu). 9

Dr. Julie Margenthaler named 2006 recipient ofJames Ewing Young Investigator AwardDr. Julie A. Margenthaler, St. Louis,MO, has been named recipient of the2006 James Ewing Young InvestigatorAward for ClinicalResearch.The award is presentedby the JamesEwing Foundation ofthe Society ofSurgical Oncologyand provides $20,000for a one-year periodDr. Julie Margenthalerbeginning in July.Dr. Margenthaler’s study, “MinimallyInvasive Staging of the Axilla in BreastCancer,” will seek to determine whether acombination of preoperative high-resolutionaxillary ultrasound (AUS), fine needleaspiration biopsy (FNAB), and molecularanalysis using real-time reverse transcription-polymerasechain reaction (RT-PCR)represents a viable, minimally invasivealternative to sentinel lymph node biopsy(SLNB) in the treatment of breast cancer.“SLNB has recently emerged as a lessinvasive alternativeto axillary lymphSSO 2006-07 Committee ChairsClinical Affairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Mark S. Talamonti, Chicago, ILConstitution and Bylaws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Kenneth K. Tanabe, Boston, MAContinuing Medical Education . . . . . Dr. David N. Danforth, Jr., Bethesda, MDCorporate Relations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Kelly M. McMasters, Louisville, KYCPT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Lawrence D. Wagman, Duarte, CAEducation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Nicholas J. Petrelli, Newark, DEFellowship and Research Grant . . . . . Dr. James S. Economou, Los Angeles, CAFinance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Mitchell C. Posner, Chicago, ILIssues and Government Affairs . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Michael Bouvet, San Diego, CALocal Arrangements . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Stephen R.T. Evans, Washington, D.C.Membership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Fabrizio Michelassi, New York, NYNominating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Alfred M. Cohen, Lexington, KYPlanning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Nicholas J. Petrelli, Newark, DEScientific Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Henry M. Kuerer, Houston, TXTraining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Jeffrey E. Gershenwald, Houston, TXTraining Program DirectorsSubcommittee (Breast) . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Armando Giuliano, Santa Monica, CATraining Program DirectorsSubcommittee (Surgical Oncology). . . . . . . . Dr. David P. Jaques, New York, NYWeb Site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Funda Meric-Bernstam, Houston, TXnode dissection(ALND) in thetreatment of breastcancer. However,SLNB has a numberof limitations, and we believe thatalternative strategies for staging of theaxilla should be explored,” Dr.Margenthaler states in her abstract. “Theprimary endpoint of this study is to determinethe feasibility of AUS-FNAB andreal-time RT-PCR to predict the pathologicstatus of the axilla in a proof-ofprinciplestudy.”In the short term, validation of this strategyis likely to reduce the number of sentinelnode procedures. In the long term,Dr. Margenthaler believes that AUS-FNAB mayultimately“We believe that alternativestrategies for staging of theaxilla should be explored.”replaceSLNB.Dr.Margenthalerand herresearch team will work with 60 femalepatients with pathologically confirmed,clinically node-negative invasive breastcancer. All patients will undergo AUS,then be divided and enrolled in the studybased on the characteristics of their axillarylymph nodes.Patients found to have “sonographicallysuspicious or metastatic-appearing lymphnodes” will undergo FNAB. These specimenswill be sent to cytopathology andpreserved for RT-PCR analysis. Patientswith positive cytopathology will undergostandard axillary lymph node dissection.Those with negative cytopathology willundergo SLNB.Patients with sonographically negativeaxillas will not undergo AUS-FNAB butinstead undergo SLNB.“Aspirates will be analyzed by RT-PCRwith a marker panel that has been validatedto detect micrometastatic breast cancerin the axilla. The results of the final surgicalpathology of the ALND or SLNB willbe compared to the cytopathology andRT-PCR analyses in order to define thefeasibility and sensitivity of RT-PCR todetect metastatic breast cancer,” Dr.Margenthaler explains.Dr. Margenthaler will perform herresearch at Washington University’sSiteman Cancer Center, where she isAssistant Professor of Surgery. She willpresent the study’s findings at SSO’s 2008Annual Cancer Symposium in Chicago. 10

Society membership increases to 1,968The Society added 106 new members in January, increasing overall SSO membership to a record 1,968, reported Dr. FabrizioMichelassi, New York, NY. New and elevated members include:ACTIVE MEMBERS• Deborah Axelrod, MD• Marc E. Boisvert, MD• Carlomagno Castillero, MD• Paul A. DiSilvestro, MD• Timothy L. Fitzgerald, MD• Raja Flores, MD• Jennifer S. Gass, MD• Michelle Ghert, MD• Kenneth William Gow, MD• Claire Holloway, MD, PhD• Dennis R. Holmes, MD• David A. Iannitti, MD• Mark L. Kayton, MD• Lawrence T. Kim, MD• Tari A. King, MD• Manos Konstadoulakis, MD, PhD• Elihu J. Ledesma, MD• George D. Letson, MD• Lloyd A. Mack, MD• Fernando Martinez-Regueira, MD• Kresimira Marija Milas, MD• Paul Joseph Mosca, MD, PhD• Thomas Ng, MD• Aviram Nissan, MD• Fiemu E. Nwariaku, MD• Luis F. Onate-Ocana, MD• Juan Carlos Paramo, MD• Bernard J. Park, MD• Diane M. Provencher, MD• Christopher Keith Senkowski, MD• Jeannie Shen, MD• David F. Silver, MD• Cord Sturgeon, MD• Katja Thijssens, MD• Gustavo C. Vergara, MD• Lee Gravatt Wilke, MD• Paulo Henrique Zanvettor, MDCANDIDATE TO ACTIVE TRANSFERS• Doreen M. Agnese, MD• Carlton C. Barnett, Jr., MD• David J. Bentrem, MD• Adam C. Berger, MD• Sarah L. Blair, MD• Harry M. Condoleon, DO• Janice N. Cormier, MD, MPH• Carlos U. Corvera, MD• Emilia L. Dauway-Williams, MD• Nestor F. Esnaola, MD, MPH• Moshe Faynsod, MD• T. Clark Gamblin, MD• Glen R. Gibson, MD• Martin D. Goodman, MD• Stephen R. Grobmyer, MD• Barbara Heller, MD• Micheline Hyacinthe, MD• Ramon E. Jimenez, MD• Alan S. Kadison, MD• Scott T. Kelley, MD• David A. Kooby, MD• Daniel Labow, MD• Lily L. Lai, MD• Shyamali Mallick-Singhal, MD, PhD• Michael O. Meyers, MD• Katherine T. Morris, MD• Colette R. J. Pameijer, MD• James F. Pingpank, Jr., MD• Chandrajit P. Raut, MD, MSc• Kevin King Roggin, MD• Courtney L. Scaife, MD• David G. Sheldon, MD• Carmen C. Solorzano, MD• Steven D. Trocha, MD• Julio E. Vaquerano, MD• Debrah Wirtzfeld, MD• Sandra L. Wong, MD• Tina Wei-Fang Yen, MDCORRESPONDING MEMBERS• Peter Barry, MBBS• Santiago Gonzalez-Moreno, MD, PhD• Victor M. Marroquin-Torres• Koshi Mimori, MD, PhD• Stefano Mutti, MD• Jose M. Vialette, MDCANDIDATE MEMBERS• Shefali Agrawal, MD• Aziz Ahmad, MD• Waddah B. Al-Refaie, MD• M. Lisa Attebery, DO• Glen Balch, MD• LeAnn Beran, MD• Dalliah Black, MD• Paul Mark Bloomston, MD• Jennifer Marie Bocker, MD• Judy Caroline Boughey, MD• Carol P. R. Bowen-Wells, MD• Michele L.Boyce Ley, MD• Kimberly M. Brown, MD• Robert J. Canter, MD• Steven Li-Wen Chen, MD• Costanza Cocilovo, MD• Fernando Cordera, MD• Mark H. Cripe, DO• Danielle M. Duchini, DO• Christian M. Ellis, DO• Pedro F. Escobar, MD• Laurie Wolford Flynn, MD• Carlos A. Garcia-Etienne, MD• Keith D. Gray, MD• Mehran Habibi, MD• Robert Barry Hird, MD• Francesca Hoehne, MD• Doug M. Iddings, DO• Olga Ivanov, MD• Jacqueline S. Jeruss, MD, PhD• Malcolm R. Kell, MD• Eugene P. Kennedy, MD• Susan B. Kesmodel, MD• Byrne Lee, MD• James M. Lewis, MD• Jennifer B. Manders, MD• John Mansour, MD• Julie A. Margenthaler, MD• Ari-Nareg Meguerditchian, MD• Heidi C. Memmel, MD• George Miller, MD• Elizabeth A. Mittendorf, MD• Pablo Mojica, MD• Wallace H. Mondesire, MD• Rajesh M. Nair, MD• Diane M. Opatt, MD• James O. Park, MD• Roderick M. Quiros, MD• Vincent J. Reid, MD• Paul Bryan Roach, MD• Kari Michelle Rosenkranz, MD• Laila Samiian, MD• Michael Gregory Schlieman, MD• Sahir G. Shroff, MD• Beth Sieling, MD• Richard R. Smith, MD• Rebecca Ann Taylor, MD, MSc• John H. Wang, MD• Rebekah R. White, MD• Doreen L. Wiggins, MD• Mary Jo Wright, MD• Brian K. Zebrowski, MD• Rachel M. Zent, MD 11

Nation’s Capital to host 60th AnnualCancer Symposium, March 15–18, 2007The beauty and splendor of our nation’s capital will be on fulldisplay when Washington, D.C. hosts SSO’s 60th Annual CancerSymposium at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel, March 15 –18, 2007.Surgeons and other visitors to the federal city will find it the perfectlocation to spend a few days taking in the sights and sounds of thecapital. History’s echoes can be heard everywhere, and are illustratedby breathtaking monuments and structures, including the LincolnMemorial, Jefferson Memorial, Washington Monument and theTomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.A vast array of museums that tell the American story are encompassedin the 18 galleries of the Smithsonian, including the newAmerican Indian Museum. Tour the National Museum ofNatural History – the most visited museum in the world – andDumbarton House, featuring collections of 18th and 19thCentury furniture and art.Newer attractions include the World War II Memorial – honoringthe 16 million people who served in the U.S. Armed Forcesduring that conflict – and the National Holocaust Museum.No other city blends history with the present as perfectly asWashington, D.C. Experience Congress in action; visit theWhite House; weigh the facts as justice unfolds within the hallsof the Supreme Court; browse the National Archives, where theDeclaration of Independence and United States Constitution areon permanent display.Fine dining and shopping abound in the neighborhoods in andaround the capital. Georgetown, the hub of D.C. nightlife, featuresmany upscale galleries and retailers, while the famed ChevyChase shopping district offers a variety of boutiques, restaurantsand services. Deadline to submit abstracts September 1Abstract submissions for the 60th AnnualCancer Symposium, March 15 – 18, 2007, inWashington, D.C., may be submitted onlinethrough September 1. Submissions receivedafter September 1 will not be considered.To submit abstracts for review, log ontothe SSO Website, www.surgonc.org,click on the “Submit Abstracts Online”icon, then follow the screen prompts.Accepted abstracts will be published andcited in the Annals of Surgical Oncology.Authors whose abstracts are accepted fororal or poster presentation will displayand present their research Friday, March16 and Saturday, March 17.Any papers scheduled for publicationprior to the Cancer Symposium dates, orwhich have been presented at nationalmeetings of other organizations, shouldnot be submitted.A “Call for Abstracts” is enclosed withthis newsletter. Additional information isavailable on the SSO Website, or by callingthe Society’s Executive Offices at847/427-1400. In Memoriam: Dr. Robert Hickey dies at 90SSO member Dr. Robert C. Hickey,Madison, WI, an internationally knowncancer surgeon whose clinical researchcontributions helpedchange the outlookfor patients withendocrine tumors,died in May at 90.During his career,which includedmore than twodecades at TheUniversity of TexasDr. Robert HickeyM. D. Anderson Cancer Center,Houston, TX, Dr. Hickey developed severalnew techniques for patients withmalignancies of the parathyroid, thyroid,pancreas and adrenal glands.He was the first surgeon to performhuman parathyroid autotransplantation,which prevents hypocalcaemia after thyroidtumors are removed.In 1980, President Jimmy Carterappointed Dr. Hickey to a six-year termon the National Cancer Advisory Board.During his tenure, he advocated the needfor rehabilitation services to enhance thequality of life for cancer patients. He alsochaired the Board’s Budget Committeeand the Organ Systems Subcommittee.Dr. Hickey earned his medical degreefrom Cornell University MedicalCollege, took postgraduate training atthe University of Iowa and MemorialSloan Kettering Cancer Center, andwent to the National Cancer Institute foradvanced training in both radiology andsurgery. 12