[Congressional Bills 115th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 973 Introduced in House (IH)]

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115th CONGRESS
  2d Session
H. RES. 973

Expressing support for the designation of July 15, 2018, as ``National 
  Leiomyosarcoma Awareness Day'' and the designation of July 2018, as 
                 ``National Sarcoma Awareness Month''.


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                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             June 28, 2018

Mr. Levin submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the 
                    Committee on Energy and Commerce

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                               RESOLUTION


 
Expressing support for the designation of July 15, 2018, as ``National 
  Leiomyosarcoma Awareness Day'' and the designation of July 2018, as 
                 ``National Sarcoma Awareness Month''.

Whereas a sarcoma is a rare type of cancer, accounting for approximately 1 
        percent of all newly diagnosed cancers, that arises in the connective 
        tissue of the body;
Whereas the National Institutes of Health designates sarcoma as a rare form of 
        cancer, with sarcoma containing approximately 70 different subtypes;
Whereas sarcomas are largely resistant to current chemotherapy agents, 
        immunotherapy agents, and radiation therapies, posing a formidable 
        challenge for researchers and specialists;
Whereas sarcoma subtypes have largely not received benefit from immunotherapies 
        due to the complexity of the DNA, genomes, and mutations associated with 
        the many variations in the sarcoma subtype landscape;
Whereas leiomyosarcoma (referred to in this preamble as ``LMS'') is a malignant, 
        aggressive subtype of sarcoma derived from smooth muscle cells typically 
        of uterine, gastrointestinal, or soft tissue origin, and can metastasize 
        to the bone, spine, brain, and liver;
Whereas the National Institutes of Health classifies LMS as a rare disease, 
        accounting for approximately 10 to 20 percent of soft tissue sarcomas, 
        and LMS itself encompasses at least 4 different LMS subtypes;
Whereas LMS primarily affects adults without regard to gender;
Whereas research and clinical trials for LMS remain complicated, and the 
        prospects for long-term survival remain poor;
Whereas multidisciplinary care coordination teams, because of their expertise 
        and experience, are critical to the health of sarcoma and LMS patients;
Whereas sarcoma and LMS research will allow medical professionals to improve the 
        quality of care for affected patients, lead to better clinical outcomes, 
        and promote longer survival for patients; and
Whereas increased education and awareness about sarcoma and LMS will contribute 
        to the well-being of the communities of the United States: Now, 
        therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) supports the designation of ``National Sarcoma 
        Awareness Month'';
            (2) supports the designation of ``National Leiomyosarcoma 
        Awareness Day'';
            (3) recognizes the challenges faced by sarcoma and 
        leiomyosarcoma patients; and
            (4) commends the dedication of organizations, volunteers, 
        researchers, and caregivers across the country working to 
        improve the quality of life of sarcoma and leiomyosarcoma 
        patients and their families.
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