The 2019 Association of Community Cancer Centers (ACCC) Annual Achievement Award was presented posthumously to Arti Hurria, MD, FASCO, of City of Hope. The oncology community experienced a devastating loss with the untimely passing of Dr. Hurria in November 2018. Dr. Hurria was the George Tsai Family Chair in Geriatric Oncology, Director of the Center for Cancer and Aging at City of Hope (an independent research and treatment center for cancer, diabetes, and other life-threatening diseases), and a nationally and internationally recognized expert and advocate for older adults with cancer.
Arti Hurria, MD, FASCO
Established in 1980, the ACCC Annual Achievement Award recognizes distinguished individuals or organizations that have reflected the values of community cancer care through their outstanding contributions. The award was presented during the ACCC 36th National Oncology Conference in Orlando, Florida.
A Career Dedicated to Improving the Care of Older Patients
Dr. Hurria dedicated her career to improving care for older adults with cancer. In addition to serving as Chair in Geriatric Oncology at City of Hope, Dr. Hurria was Director of the Center on Cancer and Aging, Co-Lead of the Cancer Control and Populations Sciences Program, Vice Provost of Clinical Faculty, Professor in the Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research, and a medical oncologist. She was Chair and Founder of the Cancer and Aging Research Group (CARG), a past President of the International Society of Geriatric Oncology, and a past Chair of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network® Older Adult Oncology Committee.
At the time of her passing, Dr. Hurria was a member of the ASCO Board of Directors and served on several committees and expert panels related to geriatric oncology and breast cancer. She was a coauthor of the ASCO Guidelines for Geriatric Oncology and developed the Cancer and Aging Research Group Chemotherapy Toxicity Tool.
Remembering Her Dream
Dr. Hurria’s friend and colleague, William Dale, MD, PhD, Arthur M. Coppola Family Chair in Supportive Care Medicine, City of Hope, accepted the award on behalf of her family. Dr. Dale also shared with attendees Dr. Hurria’s dream: “One day, all older adults with cancer will receive personalized tailored care, utilizing evidence-based medicine with a multidisciplinary approach."
