¡¡¡¡American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) is committed to

facilitating and disseminating the clinical and translational

sciencethat informs research and practice in cancer diagnosis,

prevention, and treatment by encouraging communication and

collaboration between experts from diverse fields. The ASCO Annual Meeting offers a

unique opportunity for cancer clinicians, researchers, and policy makers to learn,

¡¡¡¡The 2008 ASCO Annual Meeting program in Chicago will focus on themes that

address the challenges and opportunities confronting cancer professionals around the

world-how advances in clinical andtranslational science and technology can reduce

the burden of cancer. The Meeting builds upon the resounding success of the 2007

Annual Meeting that included more than 33,500 participants. The success of this

event rests on the exciting and innovative programs developed and delivered each

year. I thank the members of the Cancer Education and Scientific Program Committees

led by Chairs Bruce Johnson, MD, and Michael Carducci, MD, respectively, for

theiroutstanding efforts to build the unique sessions that will bring together

cancer professionals with converging research interests.¡¡¡¡

¡¡¡¡This year the Registration Announcement (formerly known as the Preliminary

Program Announcement) has been streamlined to provide an overview of the Annual

Meeting and a detailed schedule of ticketed sessions, allowing for early

registration for these limited capacity events. The complete program and schedule of

events will appear in the Program Announcement mailed in March 2008. In the

meantime, I encourage you to refer to the online program information availableat

www.asco.org/annualmeeting as a resource for planning your attendance at the Meeting

and following the schedule updates. ¡¡¡¡

¡¡¡¡The ASCO Annual Meeting also gives us the opportunity to honor the achievements

of cancer researchers and leaders at the forefront of groundbreaking clinical and

translational research, patient care, and oncology advocacy. The Registration

Announcement summarizes the awards supported by ASCO and The ASCO Foundation to

recognize major contributions to the prevention, science, and management of cancer.

I invite you to attend the award lectures and ceremonies to celebrate the excellence

and accomplishments of our distinguished colleagues.¡¡¡¡

¡¡¡¡The ASCO Annual Meeting is the premier venue for disseminating vital research