Legendary singer Andy Williams loses battle with bladder cancer

The Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN) is saddened to hear the news that legendary singer, Andy Williams, passed away on Tuesday ending his fight with bladder cancer; he was eighty four. Andy is survived by his wife, Debbie, and his three children, Robert, Noelle and Christian.

Andy first announced to his fans that he was suffering from bladder cancer during one of his shows at the Moon River Theater in Branson, Missouri last December.  Over the last year, his family had been in contact with BCAN to learn about the disease and treatment options.

In lieu of flowers, the Williams family has asked that donations be made to BCAN in support of bladder cancer research. To donate now in Andy’s memory, click here.

BCAN extends its sympathy to both the Williams Family and his fans.

BCAN Welcomes New Team Member!

BCAN would like to welcome our newest staff member, Mr. David Jonas, who will be responsible for coordinating our development and external relations efforts. David brings more than fifteen years of experience to the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network working with, and consulting for, several nonprofits in the Washington, DC and Chicago, IL.

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WALK FOR BLADDER CANCER 2013: SATURDAY MAY 4TH

For the third year BCAN is asking each of you to join with us to organize a walk in your community to raise awareness of bladder cancer.  In 2012, 60 walks were held in 30 states – will you help BCAN make 2013 even bigger & better with walks in all 50 states? Will you make it happen in your state?

If we are to bring about the advances in the diagnosis & treatment of bladder cancer that we all want to see we each need to play our part to raise awareness - all across the country. This is your chance to make a difference.

Put Saturday May 4^th, 2013 on your calendar and organize a walk!

Forty-two walks are registered to date – is your walk one of them? If not – save the date and register now to organize a walk in your community.

For more information click here, email info@bcan.org, or call 888-901-2226.

Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network Announces Major Research Program at Annual Scientific Meeting

BCAN receives lead gift and challenge grant to start new Awards program supporting the development of outstanding research scientists and clinical cancer investigators

The Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN) announced that it has received a $250,000 challenge grant from the Gerald C. McNamara and Renée K. Petrofes Charitable Fund to encourage outstanding young researchers to focus on bladder cancer research.

The announcement was made on the opening day of BCAN’s Annual Bladder Cancer Think Tank held in Stowe, Vermont from August 9 – 12.  This is the seventh year of this invitation-only scientific meeting where over 120 of the country’s leading oncologists, urologists, pathologists, researchers and other science experts meet to discuss the future of bladder cancer research.

Mr. McNamara was diagnosed with bladder cancer over three years ago, and at the time was surprised by how little funding there was for bladder cancer research.  “BCAN has been an important resource for me, and I have been impressed by their efforts to boost bladder cancer research funding. Our gift will build on the efforts of previous researchers, and help a new generation of scientists find cures and treatments for this neglected disease.”  Mr. McNamara is being treated at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York City by Dr. James McKiernan, the George Cahill Professor of Urology and Director of Urologic Oncology, and his team of fellow physicians and medical professionals.

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FDA Provides Information Links on BCG Shortage

In discussions with BCAN, the FDA has provided several links concerning the BCG shortage that we feel are important to pass on to you:

• · Important Information About BCG Live (Intravesical): Click Here

• · Notice of Inspectional Observations (FDA Form 483): Click Here

• · Main product page for TheraCys: Click Here

July 5, 2012 - Update on BCG Shortage

As you know, BCAN has been monitoring the new drug shortage of Bacille Calmette-Guerin or BCG, an intravesical immunotherapy drug typically used to prevent recurrences in patients who have high grade tumors or who have CIS or T1 disease.  The shortage arose when Sanofi, one of the two licensed US suppliers of BCG, ceased production of the product because of manufacturing issues.  Merck, the other supplied of BCG in the U.S., has increased its production of BCG to try to meet the demand.

BCAN sent a letter to the FDA on May 30 urging the agency to take all actions necessary to resolve this dangerous drug shortage as soon as possible – click here to see the full content of the letter. We received a prompt response from the FDA, telling us that the leadership of its Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER) is actively engaged in addressing this serious problem.

On Thursday, July 5, BCAN participated in a “stakeholder call” with leaders of CBER to discuss the BCG shortage.  Dr. Karen Midthun, Director of CBER, advised us that while FDA was initially hopeful that Merck could cover the “shortfall,”  it recently learned that Sanofi will not be resuming production of BCG until late 2013.  The BCG shortage will now be longer in length, and will have an international impact.  Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the FDA is actively looking for other suppliers of BCG to provide the product in the United States.  This process may take several months, but the FDA assured us that they will be moving forward as quickly as possible.

We will stay in contact with the FDA and will keep you apprised of any developments.  In the meantime, the FDA and BCAN want to hear from you if you are told by your physician that you will not be able to receive your BCG treatment because of this drug shortage . Please report your situation to the FDA by emailing CBERshortage@fda.hhs.gov or calling (301) 827-4239, and report to BCAN at info@bcan.org.