Happenings at the 16th MASCC/ISOO Annual International Symposium
June 24-27, 2004 Miami, Florida USA

16th International Symposium Proceedings on CD (audio and powerpoint presentations) -  Order Now - quantities limited

Following are excerpts from her speech recognizing and honoring Dr. Richard J. Gralla, MD, Immediate Past President of MASCC.  “Genius – visionary – boss - very dear friend, personally and to many - charismatic – leader – prolific author – intuitive, brilliant, caring clinician – researcher – intellectually honest and demanding – gourmand – raconteur – fun and funny – creative – passionate about his professional convictions – inspirational – These are just a few of the adjectives that can only begin to describe the outgoing president of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer, Dr. Richard J. Gralla.  I’m sure if we went around the room, everyone who knows Dr. Gralla could add more descriptives and tell a good story as well.  Dr. Gralla is entirely responsible for recruiting me to this wonderful position of Executive Director of MASCC, through which I have met and worked with so many amazing and lovely people from around the world.  Dr. Gralla always has understood the importance of supportive care to both the patient and to the patient’s loved ones.   He joined a handful of others 15 years ago to form MASCC and are we lucky!  Here is a list of just a few accomplishments that have occurred under Dr. Gralla’s presidency from June 2000 to June 2004. Building on the work of the first President, Dr. Jean Klastersky, he gave the organization structure; created the Corporate Advisory Council; oversaw reactivation of the web page, modernizing it, hiring a Managing Editor; called a strategic planning meeting; strengthened our relationship with ISOO; appointed active Ad Hoc committees.  Because of his leadership MASCC has developed several strategic relationships getting our name out – as with McMahon publishing and CancerCare and several successful programs have occurred, as the update of multidisciplinary, multinational, multi organizational antiemetic guidelines that MASCC organized and lead; the writing and publication of Mucositis Guidelines published May 1 in the Supplement to Cancer; written and has available on our website the  MASCC Antiemetic Tool, a way to evaluate chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting. There have been widely successful international symposia- and now MASCC has its own meeting planner, plus MASCC is co-sponsoring symposia this fall in Turkey and Yugoslavia. In essence, Dr. Gralla has put MASCC on the radar screen.  He has thought big and created progress and change. He energized other Board and MASCC members to operationalize his vision. He has challenged us to deliberate thoroughly, act on good ideas, and look to the future.  Because of Dr. Gralla, MASCC will continue to mature, to search for innovative ways to meet its mission, and to reach for lofty goals.  We are grateful and we thank you.”

Ms. Rittenberg then presented Dr. Gralla with a clock with the inscription:

Richard J. Gralla, M.D.
In recognition of your excellent leadership, dedication, and service to the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer.

Presented June 2004

Dr. Richard Gralla then welcomed everyone, thanked MASCC for giving him the opportunity to be President, and gave credit to the Board of Directors, Study Groups, and members for MASCC’s progress.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Gralla reviewed the core values and goals of MASCC according to its strategic plan.

1. Education – implemented through annual symposia, strategic alliances, programs as the Antiemetic Guidelines, the process of which is endorsed by 8 other organizations.

2. Visibility – as evidenced by the new website, study group output, and marketing iniatives.

3. Financial security – helped with the Corporate Advisory Council alliance and dedicated MASCC staff.

4. Research – presented at the international meetings, Journal, and evidenced by scholarships at meetings to attendees from 6 different continents.

5. Organizational structure – still being refined and growing now with the addition of an Executive Director, web manager, and meeting planner.

Dr. Gralla reminded those present of the MASCC mission: To provide optimal supportive care for people experiencing cancer worldwide. As MASCC continues to grow, it must remember to be sure to achieve its  mission and remain inclusive.

Dr. Gralla then introduced Dr. Matti Aapro, the new President. Dr. Aapro thanked Dr. Gralla and stated he was proud of continuity of MASCC.  He announced the election of Dr. Paul Hesketh as the new President – Elect. He began his remarks with the MASCC definition of supportive care, …the prevention and management of adverse effects of cancer and its treatments … This includes enhancement of rehabilitation and survivorship.

In discussing supportive care, Dr. Aapro pointed to a number of symptoms/side effects and the status of research and treatment for each:

Hair loss – remains an issue
Nail damage – remains an issue
Fatigue – data available that needs to be applied
Dyspnea – underdiagnosed
Nausea/vomiting – much progress
Leukopenia – control has increased survivorship
Anemia – treatment available; is prevention next
Diarrhea – are guidelines adequate
Constipation – not a soft issue
Osteoporosis – guidelines need updating
Pain – no guidelines for the elderly
Thrombosis – prevention is essential
Nursing – invaluable, but how to promote and reimburse
Parallel medicines – what is good and what is bad
Polypharmacy – neglected area.

Dr. Aapro’s presidential message:  MASCC is not alone, but one of many societies. MASCC needs to strengthen its relationship with worldwide cancer organizations.  MASCC’s strength is in its study groups; the Journal is a key element for development, and through “e-growing”, can be a major source of guidance for patient caregivers and others interested in supportive care.  Supportive care is not just palliative care; it allows for the delivery of optimal cancer therapy from all perspectives: patient, caregiver, and healthcare professional.

Dr. Walsh thanked UniTech for organizing the conference, mentioned that proceedings would be available on a CD – Rom thanks to a grant from Amgen, and declared the meeting open.  Attendees then proceeded to a poster reception.