ESMO, the European professional organization representing more than 3,000 medical oncologists, expects over 6,000 cancer specialists from around the world to attend the Congress which offers an update and evaluation of recent developments in the field of oncology. The show will also be simulcast live on the Internet at www.vitaloptions.org. Callers in the U.S. and Canada can enter discussions toll-free by dialing 1-800-GRP-ROOM (1-800-477-7666); listeners overseas can call through special toll-free numbers listed on the Vital Options website. The show will address innovations in basic science presented at the congress but also challenge promises in cancer treatment such as novel targeted therapies.

"Our mission is to facilitate a global cancer dialogue. While a great many cancer therapies are developed by researches in Europe, outside of the United States, the cancer advocacy movement is still in its early stages. The opportunity to broadcast live from ESMO will allow callers to speak directly with some of the leading cancer experts in the world, and demonstrate the importance of patient advocacy," says Selma R. Schimmel, host of The Group Room and Founder and CEO of Vital Options® International TeleSupport® Cancer Network, the southern California-based not-for-profit cancer communications, support and advocacy organization that produces the show in association with Premiere Radio Networks, the nation's largest radio network.

Joining Schimmel at the broadcast will be: Prof. Dr. Heinz Ludwig, ESMO President and Director of the Department of Medicine & Medical Oncology, Wilhelminen Hospital, Vienna, Austria; Dr. Charles Balch, Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO); Dr. Paul Bunn, ASCO President and Director of the University of Colorado Cancer Center, Denver; and Prof. Dr. Hans-Joachim Schmoll, Director of the University Hospital for Internal Medicine IV, Oncology/Hematology, Martin Luther University, Halle, Germany and Secretary General of Vital Options International in Germany.

In addition to discussing the highlights of the ESMO meeting, the show will include a special focus on testicular cancer.

The Group Room airs live every Sunday in select cities throughout the United States, reaching more than half-a-million radio listeners a week in addition to its worldwide web audience, which hears the show simulcast on the Internet at www.vitaloptions.org.

The Group Room features Schimmel and The Group Room's regular on-air medical experts--medical oncologist Dr. Michael Van Scoy-Mosher, radiation oncologist Dr. Leslie Botnick and therapist Halina Irving, MFCC--who are joined each week by callers affected by cancer as well as renowned cancer experts and advocates who provide updates on research, medical advances and advocacy efforts. All phone calls are screened by a licensed oncology social worker. During the week, individuals can reach Vital Options for support or to receive more information about cancer resources or stations carrying the broadcast.

The Group Room regularly produces remote location broadcasts from the world's leading oncology meetings, such as the annual American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and its European equivalents, ESMO/ECCO, and from preeminent cancer centers in the United States and Europe.

Founded in 1983 when Schimmel was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 28, Vital Options® was the first organization to address issues related to young adults with cancer before expanding to include patients of all ages and issues and information related to everyone touched by cancer. In 2001, Vital Options was officially renamed Vital Options® International to reflect its international expansion.

Vital Options and The Group Room are supported through educational grants from founding sponsor Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. and corporate sponsors Ortho Biotech Products, L.P., and Pharmacia Oncology. Ortho Biotech is the lead sponsor of Vital Options International's growth in Europe; Pharmacia Oncology is an associate sponsor.