ECCO 12, Europe's premier cancer conference, is the only forum in Europe covering the entire spectrum of research, treatment and care for all types of tumors. Around 10,000 cancer experts from around the world will exchange information on the latest research findings and sit in on debates and discussions on controversies in cancer.

The radio show will address clinical highlights of the meeting, with a special focus on advances in breast and lung cancer. The show will also be simulcast live on the Internet at www.vitaloptions.org and on XM Satellite Radio, the ASK! Channel 165. 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 or by sending their comments and questions by email to info@vitaloptions.org.

Joining Schimmel at the broadcast will be: Prof. William Gullick, FECS President, Chairman of ECCO 12 and Professor of Cancer Biology at the Department of Biosciences at the University of Kent, United Kingdom; Prof. Christian Manegold, Head Physician of the Departments of Oncology/Internal Medicine at the Thoraxklinik of the University of Heidelberg, Germany; Dr. Christoph Zielinski, Head of the Medical Oncology Department, Vienna University Clinic of Internal Medicine I, and Director of the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Clinical Experimental Oncology in Vienna, Austria; Prof. Pier Franco Conte, Director of the Oncology/Haematology Department of the University Policlinic in Modena, Italy; and other leading cancer experts.

"Our mission is to facilitate a global cancer dialogue. Cancer therapies are developed through the worldwide efforts of researchers and scientists. Broadcasting live from ECCO will allow listeners a deeper understanding of the research process and the latest information about new cancer treatments and possibilities. The show will also allow callers the rare opportunity to speak directly with some of the leading cancer experts in the world, and demonstrate the importance of patient advocacy and being an informed medical consumer," 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.

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 others who tune in via XM Satellite Radio or the Internet simulcast at www.vitaloptions.org where the show is also archived.

The show features Ms. 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.

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. 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, ECCO/ESMO, and from preeminent cancer centers in the United States and Europe.

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 Pfizer Oncology. The live remote broadcast from ECCO has been made possible through additional support from Eli Lilly and Company.