Exciting News!Dear Friends, Because the histiocytic diseases are so rare, it has been very difficult in the past for physicians and scientists to gather adequate data. This data is necessary in order to draw conclusions that can lead to improved treatment options. In 1991, with financial support from the Histiocytosis Association, the Histiocyte Society launched LCH-I, the first international clinical trial for Langerhans cell histiocytosis. Much-needed information was collected, and building upon what was learned in LCH-I, the subsequent LCH-II trial was instituted and produced these exciting results. Essential funding for these projects was provided by the Histiocytosis Association of America and the Histiocytosis Association of Canada. In addition the HAA became even more involved in the administration of the LCH-II and the LCH-III Clinical Trials by serving as the The LCH-III Clinical Trial is now closed to new patient registration; however, physicians around the world continue to use this treatment protocol as a guide for treating new patients. Preliminary data from LCH-III, yet unpublished, have shown important new information that has laid the groundwork for the upcoming LCH-IV Clinical Trial. The Histiocyte Society is currently planning an on line international database, capable of collecting information in a more efficient and expedient manner. The faster we register new patients, the faster we can learn from the results. Importantly, we anticipate that the new database will support a growing number of additional clinical trials being planned and, in some cases, already in use. The database will serve as a worldwide registry for all cases of both childhood and adult LCH, HLH, Erdheim Chester, Rosai Dorfman, and other related disorders. The HAA has received two very generous donations to support the planning and implementation of this international on-line database, and we are very excited to be working closely with the Histiocyte Society to make this possible. As this database is launched near the end of 2008, it is important that we continue to fund individual research projects. You have made this happen in the past, and I’m asking for your continuing support of this essential work. Clinical trials and individual research projects support each other. What is learned by scientist looking through the microscope translates into improved treatment options implemented by physicians. By the same token, what clinicians see at the bedside drives the direction of scientists looking through the microscope. Let us continue to maintain our fundraising/research momentum in this very exciting start to 2008! Sincerely, Jeffrey M. Toughill
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