American Society Of Hematology Posted Study on Role of Genetics, Modified Treatment Strategies to Improve Outcomes and Reduce Toxicity for Patients with Blood Cancers. Research identifying genetic factors that affect survival of patients with blood cancers and evaluating the effectiveness of modified treatment strategies to improve outcomes while reducing toxicity was presented on December 8 at the 54th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH). According to a release, while the cancer research community has seen many significant therapeutic advances over the last decade, only recently have investigators identified how patients' individual genetic makeup influences their short- and long-term response to therapy, demonstrating that while the disease may respond positively to therapy, the patient may not. Current studies take these insights a step further, examining specific patient subpopulations to determine their risk for negative outcomes and whether early preventive interventions or treatment adjustments may help avoid treatment-related toxicity.

American Society Of Hematology announced the creation of the ASH Foundation dedicated to curing blood diseases. The new foundation will complement and build on the work of the Society by harnessing the generosity of donors to expand the reach of successful ASH programs and develop new initiatives to address critical issues facing hematology researchers and clinicians. Through contributions from ASH members and supporters, the ASH Foundation will support a spectrum of new or enhanced ASH programming in three broad categories, including research, career development, and quality care and education, such as ASH's new Bridge Grants, as well as ASH's Scholar Awards, Global Programs, Clinical Research Training Institute and minority recruitment initiative. Because ASH covers all management and administrative costs for programs supported by the foundation, 100% of donations will be allocated toward direct program expenses. Sustaining donor support for such programs is imperative for ASH to continue to move hematology forward, particularly during the current period of steadily declining federal support for hematology research through the National Institutes of Health. The ASH leadership has pledged $9 million in Society dollars to support the establishment of the ASH Bridge grant program through the ASH Foundation.

American Society Of Hematology, Annual General Meeting, Dec 10, 2011.