Needs & Objectives

Needs:
Epigenetics is one of the fastest growing, leading edge sciences crucial to decoding the molecular basis of complex diseases including those developed in the genitourinary (GU) tract at the current post genomic era of investigation. This year’s program focuses on exploring how epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation, histone modification, and microRNA contribute to individual variations in disease susceptibility, disease progression, and responses to treatments or therapies for GU disorders. The latest findings related to the identification of novel epigenetic diagnostic/prognostic markers and therapies are highlighted. The meeting aims at introducing new ideas and practices into urologic research from experts in epigenetics research and clinical practices. Additionally, the program also includes a mini-symposium that covers the latest therapeutics and management strategies for GU disorders by leading urologists and oncologists in the field.

The SBUR is a society of scientists specializing in research on urologic cancers (prostate, bladder, kidney, testis, penis), as well as the biology of prostate, kidney and bladder; and other areas including autoimmune urologic diseases, infectious diseases, neuro-urologic diseases, male reproductive biology, infertility and erectile dysfunction.

This symposium enables researchers and clinicians involved in urologic research to interact and exchange important information regarding recent advances in the field of epigenetics and GU disorders. The meeting is structured as a forum for attendees to learn about the latest advancements in the field of epigenetics (e.g. micro-RNA, DNA methylation, histone modification, chromatin remodeling) and their applications to investigative research in GU diseases. Scientific exchange at this meeting will open up new avenues for the discovery of diagnostic/prognostic epigenetic biomarkers and for devising novel therapeutics for GU diseases. Key advancements in benign and malignant diseases of the bladder, prostate, and kidneys will be emphasized through a minisymposium on novel therapeutics and management strategies. Strategies to circumvent drug resistance including those related to androgen deprivation therapies for prostate cancer are highlighted in the symposium.

The trainees will have opportunities to network among peers and senior members of the Society as well as present their data at poster sessions and, in selected cases, as podium presentations. The invited speakers are leaders in their respective fields, offering extensive knowledge and experience. The atmosphere of the meetings is friendly and informal, providing encouragement and unique opportunities for trainees to participate and establish collaborations.

It is the ideal and practice of the SBUR that participation of women and minorities in the Society’s affairs including the organization process of this meeting be placed at a high value and level of importance. Thus, the program features exceptional researchers representing these groups and the Society strongly encourages participation of women and minority trainees in part through availability of trainee travel awards.

Educational Objectives:

At the completion of the scientific program, the participants will be able to:

1. Identify recent advances in the area of epigenetic research including studies on the impacts of DNA methylation, histone modification, microRNA, chromatin landscape changes on gene regulation, tissue architecture re-organization, disease development and progression, and responsiveness to epigenetic-based drug therapies.
2. Describe new therapeutics and management strategies for cancers of the bladder, prostate and kidney, as well as on benign diseases in the GI tract. Discuss the mechanisms underlying therapy resistance and novel strategies to circumvent these challenges.
3. Review emerging epigenetic therapeutic targets and approaches for treating urologic malignancies and benign disorders.
4. Assess recent advances in novel epigenetic diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers for benign and malignant diseases in the urogenital tract and their potential clinical applications.

CME Accreditation Statement

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint sponsorship of the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine and the Society for Basic Urologic Research. The University of Oklahoma College of Medicine is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The University of Oklahoma College of Medicine designates this educational activity for a maximum of 13.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Conflict Resolution Statement

The University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, Office of Continuing Medical Education has reviewed this activity’s speakers and planner disclosures and resolved all identified conflicts of interest, if applicable.

Special Assistance

We encourage participation by all individuals. If you have a disability, advance notification of any special needs will help us better serve you. Call (847) 517-7225 if you require special assistance to fully participate in the meeting.

General Disclaimer of the Society for Basic Urologic Research:

The statements and opinions contained in this program are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the Society for Basic Urologic Research. The appearance of the advertisements is not a warranty, endorsement or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The content of this publication may contain discussion of off-label uses of some of the agents mentioned. Please consult the prescribing information for full disclosure of approved uses. The Society for Basic Urologic Research disclaims responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting
from any ideas or products referred to in the abstracts or advertisements.

Annual Banquet

Saturday, November 22, 2008
Annual Banquet
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Location: South Garden at Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort Sample exquisite western cuisine while enjoying breathtaking views of the mountains in this lovely outdoor dinning venue. Done in the Spanish Villa style, the South Garden is a perfect spot for a relaxing meal and engaging conversation as the warm Arizona breeze carries the sounds of live music that makes you want to get up and dance.

Attire: Business casual attire is appropriate
Cost: $65.00 for registered attendees; $135.00 for guests

General Information

Travel Awards
A limited number of travel awards will be provided to junior researchers. Students, post-doctoral fellows and junior faculty below the level of Assistant Professor are eligible for this award. Those who would like to be considered for the award should indicate this on the Abstract Submission Form. Award winners will be selected by a committee based on the quality of the abstracts submitted. The best three abstracts will be selected for oral presentations, unless the author requests in a letter
that she/he would prefer not to give a podium presentation. Only first authors of the abstracts will be considered for the award.

Airport Information

Located less than 10 miles from the SBUR host hotel, the Squaw Peak Resort, the Phoenix International Airport (PHX) is the principal gateway for Phoenix. More than 18 airlines serve PHX due to the convenient access to relaxing resort hotels, high quality golf courses and the Arizona cities of Tucson, Prescott, Sedona, and Flagstaff. Located surprisingly close, just 3 miles, to the city center, the airport gives easy access to the wealth of first-rate hotels and resorts that flourish in Phoenix and
the Valley of the Sun. For more information visit: http://www.phoenixphx.com.

Ground Transportation

Rental Car Information

Avis Rent-A-Car is the official rental car company for the SBUR Annual Meeting. You are not required to use them, but we encourage you to take advantage of their special offer. You must return the car at the same renting location or additional surcharges may apply. All rates include unlimited free mileage. Rates do not include any state or local surcharges, tax, optional coverage or gas refueling charges. Weekend daily rates are available from 12:00 p.m. Thursday through 11:59 p.m. Monday. When making your reservations, dial (800) 331-1600 and mention code “J901055”and the Society for Basic Urological Research.

Shuttle Service

Super Shuttle Service operates 24 hours a day on a time scheduled basis. It offers airport-to-door service. Vans depart at least every 15 minutes to all areas of the Valley from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. with lesser frequencies from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. Reservations are required. You can reach Super Shuttle Service at (800) 258-3826.

Taxi Cab Services

Many taxi cab companies are permitted to operate at the Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix. Below are the names and phone numbers of two of these companies:
AAA Taxi: (602) 437-4000
Allstate Taxi: (602) 275-8888

Hotel Accommodations

Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort
7677 North 16th Street
Phoenix, Arizona 85020
Reservations: 1-800-947-9784
Resort: 602-997-2626
Resort Fax: 602-997-2391

The Annual Meeting will be held at The Pointe Hilton at Squaw Peak. Guests will enjoy the all-suite accommodations while relaxing amidst the beauty of the adjoining Phoenix Mountain Preserve. Set on a mountainside with panoramic views, this Spanish-style resort features 27 acres of landscaped grounds. Downtown Phoenix, Arizona is a mere 10 miles away. This hotel is home to the Hole-in-the-Wall River Ranch - a water wonderland of family fun with acres of pools, waterfalls, a lazy river for tubing, waterslide, the prairie dog putting course, four lighted tennis courts and Coyote Camp™, a children's activity program. After a day in the Arizona sunshine, the Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort hotel has the Tocasierra Spa, Salon & Fitness that will spoil you with body treatments, relaxing massages, personal training or an invigorating workout.

The Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort hotel is only eight miles from the Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix.

You can make your reservations today at the Point Hilton Squaw Peak! Special single/double room rates of $135.00 per room, per night have been arranged for SBUR meeting attendees. These quoted room rates are also subject to any applicable city, county, state, or federal taxes that may apply at the time of room occupancy. Resort rooms are currently taxed at the rate of 12.27%

You can make your reservations by contacting the Point Hilton Squaw Peak Resort at (800) 947-9784. Please identify yourself as part of the SBUR meeting to receive the discounted room rate.

Check-in time is 4:00 p.m.; check-out time is 12:00 p.m. All guests arriving before 4:00 p.m. will be accommodated as rooms become available. Attendees are required to provide the hotel with first night’s deposit, (refundable up to 72 hours in advance of reservation). Checks and major credit cards are acceptable to establish prepayment. All credit cards used to prepay will be charged immediately.

To receive the discounted SBUR rate, please secure your hotel room by Wednesday, October 29, 2008. If you experience difficulty obtaining a hotel reservation prior to the deadline, please contact the SBUR office at (847) 517-7225.