Nobel Prize Winner to Address Annual Pathology Meeting

The pathologist's role in patient safety, advances in molecular pathology for early disease diagnoses, and the newest clinical laboratory tests are among the many issues to be explored at the 2006 Annual Meeting of The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), October 18-22, in Las Vegas (Nevada, USA). Nobel Prize winner Louis J. Ignarro, Ph.D., of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA, USA), will give the opening keynote address.

Dr. Ignarro will present a historical perspective of his research, including his experiences in Stockholm as he received the Nobel Prize. His experimentation led to the discovery that nitric oxide is the neurotransmitter responsible for penile erection. Dr. Ignarro's research made it possible for medical professionals to understand what protects the cardiovascular system against pathologic conditions, such as hypertension and atherosclerosis. His studies have also resulted in a new understanding of cardiovascular system pathology, and contributed to the development of a variety of pharmaceuticals, including Viagra (sildenafil, Pfizer).

On October 20, Ralph L. Nachman, M.D., professor and chair, department of medicine Weill Cornell Medical College (New York, NY, USA), will give the scientific keynote address entitled "To Clot or Not to Clot: a Clinical Challenge.” He will talk about how chronologic advances, new discoveries in molecular genetics, and serendipity have furthered the understanding of coagulation and fibrinolytic systems. Dr. Nachman will address hypercoagulable states from their molecular biology to their clinical consequences.

Ralph H. Hruban, M.D., professor, pathology and oncology, The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center at Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD, USA), will present the Arthur Purdy Stout Keynote address on October 21. His lecture is entitled "Tumors of the Pancreas: From Genes to Diagnostic Pathology.” He will present an overview of the pathobiology of pancreatic neoplasia with emphasis on the application of the latest technologies to diagnose pancreatic pathology.

At the meeting, pathologists will learn about other new topics and concepts, take interactive and dynamic courses, and share ideas and strategies to deal with the toughest challenges in pathology. There will be numerous exhibits displaying state-of-the-art technology, products, and services for pathologists and laboratory professionals.



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American Society for Clinical Pathology