Each year, as a way to recognize enhancements in cancer care, ASCO honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the Society, the practice of oncology, and patients with cancer. At this year’s Annual Meeting, ASCO was pleased to recognize the 2011 Special Award recipients:
Kenneth C. Anderson, MD, received the David A. Karnofsky Memorial Award and Lecture, for his achievements in cancer research. Dr. Anderson’s studies on novel biologically based therapies for multiple myeloma have helped to transform myeloma therapy.
The Science of Oncology Award and Lecture was presented to Robert A. Weinberg, PhD, for furthering the understanding of cancer through innovative and groundbreaking research. Dr. Weinberg is best known for his discovery of the first human oncogene, ras, which causes normal cells to form tumors, and for the isolation of Rb, the first known tumor-suppressor gene.
For her pioneering work in palliative medicine, Jamie H. Von Roenn, MD, was awarded the ASCO-American Cancer Society Award and Lecture. Dr. Von Roenn has focused her career on the integration of palliative medicine skills and principles into oncology care.
The Gianni Bonadonna Breast Cancer Award and Lecture recognized Luca Gianni, MD, for research that has led to the definition of a successful new regimen for breast cancer, and for the clarification of relevant aspects of the pharmacology of paclitaxel and the mechanisms of drug–drug enhancement with doxorubicin. Dr. Gianni will receive the award and present his lecture at the upcoming 2011 Breast Cancer Symposium.
The Honorable Sherrod Brown, the senior U.S. Senator from Ohio, received the Public Service Award for his efforts to ensure that the new health-care law included important consumer protections requiring insurance plans to cover routine care for patients undergoing cancer clinical trials.
In recognition of his distinguished leadership in geriatric oncology, John M. Bennett, MD, received the B.J. Kennedy Award and Lecture for Scientific Excellence in Geriatric Oncology. Dr. Bennett was a founding member of the International Society for Geriatric Oncology and the first Chair of the Myelodysplastic Syndromes Foundation.
Lee J. Helman, MD, received the Pediatric Oncology Award and Lecture, for his focus on the biology and treatment of pediatric sarcomas, specifically Ewing’s sarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, and osteosarcoma.
Benjamin O. Anderson, MD, was honored with the Partners in Progress Award for his efforts to improve the quality of care women receive around the world. Over the past decade, he has been a leading voice in the international breast cancer clinical improvement and best practices movement through the establishment of the Breast Health Global Initiative (BHGI).
For his efforts to improve cancer treatment and awareness in France and abroad, David Khayat, MD, PhD, received the Distinguished Achievement Award. Dr. Khayat organized the French Federation of Medical Oncologists and was the Co-Founder of the World Summit Against Cancer, which gathered more than 100 international leaders to reaffirm their commitment to the eradication of cancer. Dr. Khayat was the first president of the French National Cancer Institute.
Daniel G. Haller, MD, received the Special Recognition Award for his outstanding contributions to clinical oncology and cancer research and for his dedicated service to the oncology community. At this year’s Annual Meeting, Dr. Haller concluded 10 years of service as the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Clinical Oncology, the official journal of ASCO.
Finally, the ASCO Statesman Award honored 20 ASCO members who have demonstrated extraordinary volunteer service, dedication, and commitment to ASCO, through 20 years of volunteer service. A full list of recipients can be found at http://chicago2011.asco.org/AbouttheMeeting/SpecialAwardWinners/ASCOStatesmenAwardWinners.aspx.
ASCO congratulates the 2011 Special Award winners for their outstanding achievements. ■
© 2011. American Society of Clinical Oncology. All rights reserved.
