The Group Room(R) Cancer Talk Radio Show Features an FDA Lung Cancer Update

The Group Room(R) Cancer Talk Radio Show Features an FDA Lung Cancer Update

LOS ANGELES, March 3 /PRNewswire/ -- The Group Room -- the nationally syndicated weekly call-in cancer talk radio show -- will present a special broadcast on Sunday, March 6, 2005. This week's broadcast will be of most interest to lung cancer patients, as the program will feature an update from the FDA's Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee (ODAC) which is taking place on March 3rd and March 4th in Gathersburg, MD. Discussions will also include other presentations at ODAC that directly impact cancer care. The broadcast airs live on Sundays from 4-6pm ET/1-3pm PT.

The ODAC's advisory meetings are open to the public. Their function is to provide advice and recommendations to the agency on regulatory issues. For more information about the meeting, go to www.fda.gov. The broadcast will begin with an update from:

* Richard Pazdur, MD, Director, Oncology Drug Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration and

* Patty Delaney, Associate Director, Cancer Liaison Program at U.S. Food and Drug Administration Office of Special Health Issues

"We at the FDA look at our participation in The Group Room as the first step in promoting a dialogue between the FDA and listeners. This dialogue will clarify the regulatory and drug approval process and the roles of the Oncologic Drug Advisory Committee and the FDA. We hope this program will inform and educate patients and their families about how their voices and opinions may be heard in the regulatory process, and that it will help facilitate an initial venture in a continuing dialogue with the oncology community to enhance transparency of the drug approval process," stated Richard Pazdur, MD.

"At a time when the general public and cancer patients in particular, express confusion and uncertainty about the process involving drug development, approval and regulatory issues, The Group Room welcomes this kind of collaboration with the FDA, in an effort to encourage communication, education and a greater sense of trust," said Selma Schimmel, CEO and founder of Vital Options International and a breast and ovarian cancer survivor.

In addition, the show will also include a discussion covering cancer treatment symptoms including fatigue, anorexia, pain, depression, neutropenia and cognitive functions. Joining The Group Room medical oncologist Michael B. Van Scoy-Mosher, MD to discuss these issues will be Anthony Botti, MD, Attending Physician, Department of Medicine, Saint Barnabas Medical Center, Livingston, NJ.

Founded in 1983, Vital Options(R) was the first national organization to singularly focus on young adults with cancer. In 1993, Vital Options expanded its work into cancer communications serving patients of all ages. Today, Vital Options is an international not-for-profit cancer communications, support and advocacy organization, headquartered in Southern California. The Group Room(R) is now in its 10th year and airs live every Sunday in cities throughout the United States, reaching more than a half-million radio listeners a week, in addition to others who tune in via XM Satellite Radio Ask! Channel/XM165 or the Internet simulcast at www.vitaloptions.org, where past shows are also archived. Callers enter on-air discussions toll-free by dialing 1-800-GRP-ROOM (1-800-477-7666) or sending their comments and questions by email to info@vitaloptions.org. During the week, individuals can reach Vital Options for additional support services and information.

Contact: Michelle Rand, Vital Options(R) International, 1-818-788-5225

Source: Vital Options International

CONTACT: Michelle Rand of Vital Options(R) International, +1-818-788-5225

Web site: http://www.vitaloptions.org/

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