The largest conference focusing on mesothelioma from a patient-perspective is a welcoming and supportive event for the entire mesothelioma community. Read below for more details about the two-day conference.
One-on-one session with mesothelioma experts
The International Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma has since 2004 served as the go-to place for mesothelioma patients, their caregivers, friends, and families, the bereaved community and allies. This year, the conference, which will take place in San Antonio, Texas, for the first time ever, includes a special session featuring one-on-one interactions with experts and representatives from mesothelioma treatment centers across the nation, as well as industry. Patients and their families will have the opportunity to meet with representatives from several centers of their choosing, all in one place, to learn about their treatment programs, including clinical trials. See the full agenda here.
Socialization
The conference, which will take place on April 6-7, will be kicked off on Sunday, April 5 with a welcome reception, where attendees are encouraged to meet one another and interact with staff and medical professionals in attendance. Other socialization opportunities will be plentiful and available throughout the conference during breakfasts, lunches, the Awards Dinner, and the Community Dinner. See the full agenda here.
Sessions and agenda
Monday, April 6, will focus mostly on expert sessions about the disease and treatment and will end with the Awards Dinner. Learn about our awards recipients and find out how to purchase a tribute in the Awards Dinner program.
Tuesday, April 7, will focus on support and will consist of breakout sessions including topics such as survivorship, managing finances, parenting while coping with cancer and/or loss, nutrition, and intimacy to name a few. See the full agenda here.
Clinical trial participation available on-site
New this year will be the ability for patients to participate on-site in an early detection clinical trial to identify biomarkers of mesothelioma in the breath of patients, led by Dr. Michael Harbut (the investigators are seeking patient volunteers with biopsy-proven mesothelioma and individuals with pleural plaques and no mesothelioma diagnosis). Read more about the study.
Offerings for the bereaved community
In recent years, the Symposium offerings for the bereaved community have steadily grown. To add to the Tribute Ceremony breakfast (Tuesday morning), the bereaved community will have several sessions exclusive to them, including a “meet and greet” with others who have lost a loved one to mesothelioma, at the beginning of the conference.
Pricing and financial assistance
The cost for a mesothelioma patient, their family members, caregivers, or friends, and for the bereaved community is $250. Click here for pricing for other categories.
We believe that the information provided at the Symposium is extraordinarily valuable to patients and their families as they navigate mesothelioma. With that in mind, the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation is proud to provide financial assistance to patients and community members who meet specific criteria and who request financial support to attend our Symposium. Request more information by contacting Jordan Fingerhut at (703) 879-3824 or [email protected].
The International Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma, hosted by the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, is a unique, annual conference that brings together the entire mesothelioma community to learn about the latest in treatment options, speak face-to-face with top mesothelioma experts, and find community and support with others walking in their shoes.
