Contact: Andrea Greif
Tel: (914) 821-8958
Cell: (914) 772-3027
andrea.greif@lls.org
White Plains, N.Y. (May 5, 2014) -- The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) announced today that it has passed the $1 billion mark in research investment, a significant milestone in the cancer research landscape as LLS continues its 65 year pursuit of advancing breakthrough therapies, finding cures and ensuring access to life-saving therapies for all blood cancer patients.
This milestone announcement came during LLS's three-day conference in Washington, D.C., featuring a research symposium, "Bridging the Gap from Bench to Bedside: The Road to Cures" and a panel discussion titled, "What is a Cure?"
"For 65 years, LLS has been leading the way, moving us closer to a world without blood cancers," said Louis J. DeGennaro, Ph.D., interim president & CEO and chief mission officer, LLS. "While the one billion dollar research investment is helping to save lives today and extending survival rates for many patients, there are still few, if any, means for preventing or early screening for most blood cancers. More than one third of blood cancer patients do not survive more than five years after diagnosis. We can do better, and we must do better to save more lives."
The panel discussion on defining a cure features the experiences of patients, families, clinicians, and an FDA official. It also features insights from renowned blood cancer researchers who are advancing promising new therapies and identifying changes in the development and regulatory processes that are needed to help bring life-saving treatment options to patients faster.
Access to new treatments is also a focus of the LLS conference. More than 500 LLS advocates will meet with legislators urging them to support legislation that improves access to innovative blood cancer therapies and limits the use of "specialty tier" drug designations, thereby increasing affordability for patients.
About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society ® (LLS) is the world's largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancers. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world, provides free information and support services, and is the voice for all blood cancer patients seeking access to quality, affordable, coordinated care.
Founded in 1949 and headquartered in White Plains, NY, LLS has chapters throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more, visit www.lls.org. Patients should contact the Information Resource Center at (800) 955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET.