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Conference Details - Overview

Miami Breast Cancer Conference 2009

Fontainebleau Miami Beach Hotel
Miami, FL
Mar 4-7, 2009

Conference Overview

Conference Description & Purpose

Remarkable progress has been made in the primary treatment modalities for breast cancer: surgery, radiation therapy, cytotoxic chemotherapy, and novel biologic therapies. As a result, a multidisciplinary approach has become the standard in the management of patients with breast cancer. Expansion of knowledge in molecular biology has also given rise to the potential for the use of gene expression profiling, molecular fingerprinting, and biomarkers for clinical decision making. In order to adapt treatment to each patient’s unique tumor characteristics and to meet the challenges involved in integrating multiple molecular-targeted therapies into existing treatment modalities, today’s clinician must be informed about these advances in breast cancer management. At the 2009 Miami Breast Cancer Conference,pioneers of advances in surgical, radiation, and medical oncology will provide information on a multidisciplinary approach to the practice of breast cancer management, with the incorporation of molecular and biologic translational studies from the laboratory into clinical practice.

The 26th Annual Miami Breast Cancer Conference (MBCC) provides practicing surgical and medical oncologists with a multidisciplinary approach to breast cancer management, with incorporation of molecular biologic translation from the laboratory to the clinic.

The primary purpose of this conference continues to be, "What can you learn that you can use Monday morning, and what can you look forward to on Friday?"

History of MBCC

The Miami Breast Cancer Conference (MBCC) will celebrate its 25th anniversary in Miami and will honor Dr. Daniel A. Osman, founder and program director of the MBCC. The MBCC is recognized as one of the top breast cancer meetings worldwide, and attendance has grown to include more than 1200 breast surgeons, medical oncologists, and other health care professionals. Its emphasis on surgery makes the MBCC a unique educational program that informs physicians about cutting-edge technology and advances in surgical and medical techniques. The program includes:

• Benign disease, inflammation, and preneoplasia of the breast
• Understanding and harnessing biologic mediators of breast carcinogenesis and metastases
• Innovations in oncoplastic and reconstructive surgery
• Evolving utility of magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound in screening and detection
• New paradigms in clinical trial design for breast cancer prevention and treatment
• Refinements in breast cancer surgery, nodal analysis, and staging
• Tailoring radiation therapy
• Defining the performance and utilities of prognostic and predictive assays
• Are bisphosphonates joining hormonal, chemotherapeutic, and biologic agents as adjuvant therapies?
• Newer chemotherapies for refractory disease: when and what?
• Novel approaches to targeted and combinatorial therapies: HER2, angiogenesis, and beyond
• Survivorship: life and health beyond diagnosis and treatment

About the Founder

Lumpectomy was virtually unknown in the United States in the early 1980s, and Dr. Daniel A. Osman was one of the first breast cancer surgeons in Florida to perform it. He found his practice mushrooming and decided to organize the first Miami Breast Cancer Conference (MBCC) to spread the word among his colleagues. Over the past 25 years, the MBCC has grown into a conference that offers something of value to every breast cancer specialist.

The first conference had about 90 attendees; now it is attended by over 1200. In the early years, Dr. Osman was able to attract such pioneers in breast-conservation techniques as Dr. Bernard Fisher and Dr. Umberto Veronesi because they were eager to share their groundbreaking data, and the conference continues to attract prominent thought leaders as faculty.

Dr. Osman’s guiding principle for selecting topics for the conference has been “What can you learn from this conference that you can use Monday morning, and what can you look forward to on Friday?” Dr. Osman explains, “We always ask our speakers to address the toughest clinical situations and tell our audience how they would manage such patients, but we also want to help the registrants see what’s coming down the pike over the next few years. Doctors attending our conference enjoy that because they inherently know there’s a new shift in thinking on breast cancer management.”

All great conferences grow and change, but Dr. Osman has managed to keep the MBCC relatively personal. He treats everyone very well, he knows everyone, and speakers are happy to come when he asks.

New in 2009!

• Location: Fontainebleau Miami Beach Hotel—newly renovated hotel located on Miami Beach!
• Celebrating 25 years of the Miami Breast Cancer Conference (MBCC)—come join your colleagues in celebrating this milestone and honoring the conference founder and program director, Daniel A. Osman, MD! Share your memories of attending the conference or of Dr. Osman by e-mailing us at info@CancerConf.com.
• Expanded time to visit with exhibitors during breakfast and breaks
• Other educational opportunities: Optional educational opportunities will be available that will enable you to enhance your educational experience and earn additional CME credits. These events are included in your registration fee but do require registration. Please note that most of these events are currently listed as tentative in the program. As these programs are confirmed, they will be posted on our Web site. Go to www.CancerConf.com for complete program details. The MBCC is not responsible for travel plans made based on tentative program details.  

Social Programs

Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Poster Reception (CME credit applies)
6:30 pm-8:30 pm

Thursday, March 5, 2009
“Get Acquainted” Reception
6:00 pm-7:30 pm in Exhibit Hall

Friday, March 6, 2009
Gala Reception
6:30 pm-8:30 pm on the lawn overlooking the ocean
Join your colleagues and faculty for an enjoyable informal evening that includes refreshments and entertainment!

Hands-On Workshops

Hands-On Workshops will be held tentatively Thursday, March 5, 2009, and Friday, March 6, 2009, during lunch. These workshops are included in your registration fee; however, you must register to attend the workshops because space is limited. Details will be available on the Web site as they are confirmed.

Satellite Events

Satellite CME-designated events that will include breakfast or lunch are scheduled to be held Wednesday, March 3, 2009, through Saturday, March 7, 2009. These events are included in your registration fee; however, you must register to attend the events because space is limited. The satellite events offer CME credit and are NOT part of the 26th Annual Miami Breast Cancer Conference. These events are tentative at this time, so please check the Web site for complete details before making your travel plans.

General Information about the Miami Breast Cancer Conference (MBCC)

Please note that the times listed are tentative. Please check the Web site for updates to the agenda.

This conference provides practicing surgical and medical oncologists with a multidisciplinary approach to breast cancer management, with incorporation of molecular biologic translation from the laboratory to the clinic.

The primary purpose of this conference continues to be, “What can you learn that you can use Monday morning, and what can you look forward to on Friday?”

Who Attends

This conference has been designed for breast surgeons and medical, surgical, and radiation oncologists to provide a comprehensive update on new data and recent advances in surgery and systemic therapy that are critical to the optimal management of patients with breast cancer. Nurses, fellows, and pharmacists in oncology are also invited to attend.

Over 1100 participants attended the 2008 Miami Breast Cancer Conference:

Agenda at a Glance

Americans With Disabilities Act
We take pride in ensuring that our events and functions are accessible to all attendees with special needs. All meeting rooms are wheelchair accessible. Should you require special arrangements, please send your request prior to February 15, 2009, to info@pergrouplp.com.

Alcohol Policy
We recognize the legitimate serving of alcoholic beverages in the process of conducting business and social activities. We also recognize that the use and consumption of alcohol at our functions carries with it the requirement for all function attendees to consume those beverages responsibly and in keeping with our professional code of ethics and conduct. We strongly oppose the abuse and misuse of alcohol.

Audio/Video/Photography Policy
The MBCC reserves the exclusive rights to all recording or reproductions of the conference. Unauthorized recording is expressly prohibited, whether by video, still or digital camera, mobile phone, or any other means or form of reproduction. This includes recording of presentations or reproductions of supporting audio/visual materials, exhibits, and other supporting Continuing Education materials including, but not limited to, the posters and syllabus. Any person attending the 2009 MBCC may be photographed or videotaped, and by your attendance, you give permission to use your image in possible future marketing publications including print, online, and video.

Breakfast/Lunch
Complimentary continental breakfast is served on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in the Exhibit Hall. In addition, satellite events will be held that will offer breakfast. Lunch options can include satellite events held Wednesday-Saturday and Hands-On Workshops. You must preregister for these events on the registration form. These events are tentative; please check the Web site for updates on the final topics and agendas.

Fellows
We encourage Fellows to attend the conference and want to help make attendance possible. We offer a limited number of scholarships, so please apply early. These include a stipend to apply to the costs of your travel, travel accommodations, and complimentary registration. Certain restrictions apply. Please contact Shelia Ratzer at shelia.ratzer@pergrouplp.com for complete details.

Guests/Spouses
The MBCC is a family-friendly event, and we encourage you to bring a guest or spouse to the symposium. A small registration fee applies for your guest, and guests are welcome to attend all social events.

Location
The 2009 MBCC will be held at the newly renovated Fontainebleau Miami Beach Hotel in Miami, FL, on March 4-7, 2009.

Mobile/Cell Phone Policy
As a courtesy to the speakers and your fellow delegates, please turn off all mobile phones during a Continuing Medical Education lecture.

Nonsmoking Policy
The MBCC is a nonsmoking conference.

Press/Media
Press and media must register with the MBCC prior to attending the conference, and press credentials will be issued only to authorized media.

Social Events
The MBCC has a variety of social events. Networking with your peers is part of the MBCC experience. Please join us for the following social events.

• Poster Reception: Wednesday, March 4, 2009; 6:30 pm-8:30 pm
• Get Acquainted Reception: Thursday, March 5, 2009; 6:00 pm-7:30 pm
• Gala Reception: Friday, March 6, 2009; 6:30 pm-8:30 pm

Safety
One of the key components to the success of the MBCC is the safety of our attendees and presenters. Due to the popularity of some course topics, it is possible for overcrowding to occur in a course or meeting room. Should this occur, we must comply with the Fire Marshals policies regarding room capacity and limit admittance to a room that is at capacity. We thank you in advance for your understanding and patience should this occur. Please make plans to arrive early for courses that you have a strong interest in attending.

Future Dates
March 3-6, 2010; Miami, FL
March 9-12, 2011; Miami, FL
February 29-March 3, 2012; Miami, FL

Target Audience

This educational program is directed toward medical, surgical, and radiation oncologists in order to provide a comprehensive update on new data and recent advances in surgery and systemic therapy that are critical to the optimal management of patients with breast cancer. Nurses, fellows, and pharmacists in oncology with an interest in the treatment of breast cancer are also invited to attend.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this conference, you should be able to:

Minisymposium:

• Discuss the utility of genomic and/or proteomic technology for elucidating the biology of breast cancer and identifying new therapeutic targets
• Review the most recent breast cancer treatment data from major international oncology meetings

Poster Session:

• Discuss new research findings concerning breast cancer risk, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment
• Assess the significance of new research findings to clinical practice

Main Conference:

• Describe the progression and management of preinvasive breast disease
• Review current treatment options, including cosmetic surgery considerations, for benign breast disease
• Review advances in oncoplastic techniques, such as bilateral crescent mastopexy and deep inferior epigastric perforator flap reconstruction
• Discuss strategies for integrating postmastectomy radiation therapy into treatment with reconstructive surgery
• Debate endocrine treatment options, including timing and sequencing of aromatase inhibitors in adjuvant regimens and the integration of bone-targeted agents, for patients with hormone receptorpositive breast cancer
• Assess data, including patient selection and alternative dosing schedules, from clinical trials investigating taxanes in adjuvant chemotherapy regimens
• Discuss the biologic rationale for HER2-targeted therapies as well as recent results with novel HER2-directed agents in early-stage and advanced/metastatic breast cancers
• Evaluate genomic and proteomic tools for the assessment of recurrence risk, prediction of benefit from chemotherapy, and individualization of therapeutic decision making
• Discuss tailoring therapy based upon the biologic profile of the tumor and characteristics of the patient
• Compare the effectiveness of sentinel node biopsy to that of axillary dissection
• Discuss the clinical significance of isolated tumor cells and micrometastases in lymph nodes
• List novel agents under investigation in the treatment of relapsed/refractory metastatic breast cancer, including angiogenesis inhibitors and novel microtubule-targeting agents
• Review options in the treatment of patients with central nervous system metastases
• Explain the biology of metastases, patterns of spread, and role of cancer stem cells as well as their implications in therapeutic design
• Evaluate preoperative endocrine therapy and chemotherapy options, including the management of triple-negative or inflammatory disease and strategies for surgery and radiation therapy following systemic treatment, for patients with locally advanced breast cancer