SYMPOSIUM TOPICS

• Genetics
• Pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma syndromes
• Molecular pathways of tumorigenesis
• Genotype-phenotype relationships
• Clinical presentation and differential diagnosis
• Biochemical diagnosis
• Tumor localization
• Management of pheochromocytoma
• Model systems
• Diagnostic and prognostic markers of malignant pheochromocytoma
• Treatment of malignant pheochromocytoma
• Patient support

FORMAT

The Symposium will be held over 2 1/2 days, the first two days (Friday and Saturday) dedicated mainly to oral scientific presentations on several topics. There will be a poster session on Friday evening, with refreshments to enhance participation. The symposium will have a strong social format - with breakfast and lunch buffets and other events - to encourage informal meetings and discussions. Saturday afternoon will include several breakout sessions where attendees will be invited to contribute to group discussions on issues relevant to their specific interests. A special session will be held early Saturday morning for patients and patient support group representatives who will provide presentations about their organizations and what they and their members see as pressing issues requiring assistance from the research and medical communities. Summaries and recommendations arising from breakout sessions will be presented and agreed upon in a general session on Sunday morning. Later on Sunday morning there will be discussions about future directions of research, proposals for multicenter interdisciplinary studies, how to improve funding and support for research on the tumor, and business of the Pheochromocytoma Research Support Organization (PRESSOR), including the venue and organizers for a subsequent international meeting.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

Participants will learn about the latest scientific discoveries and advances in genetics, diagnosis, localization, and pathogenesis of pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas, and the management and treatment of patients with these tumors.

TARGET AUDIENCE

Scientists, physicians and other healthcare professionals (e.g., genetic counselors, nurses) working in the fields of endocrinology, oncology, hypertension, genetics or with specific interests in basic or clinical research about catecholamine-producing tumors. The symposium is also open to patients, their family members, and patient support group representatives.

The National Institutes of Health/Foundation for Advanced Education in the Sciences (NIH/FAES) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.