And Early Career Awards support up-and-coming breast cancer researchers
The 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) key takeaways included updates in the world of metastasis, GLP-1 use and breast cancer, and more. The event also highlighted researchers making an impact in the field of oncology, including the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) investigators, who received top honors at the annual meeting. Here, find some of the scientists lauded for their work work that is helping push research forward.
BCRF investigator and Scientific Advisory Board Emeritus member Dr. Nancy Davidson received the prestigious David Karnofsky Science of Oncology Award for her contributions to the field of breast cancer research, particularly in treatment for and mechanisms of resistance in hormone-responsive breast cancer. Dr. Davidson is recognized for her pioneering global work in early onset ER-positive breast cancers which make up about 2/3 of premenopausal disease. In her award lecture, Dr. Davidson talked about the arc of her career from receiving an early career Conquer Cancer, the ASCO Foundation award to groundbreaking research that nullified the chemotherapy dogma for treating premenopausal breast cancer. She gave an elegant description of how science evolves with each new discovery building on the previous. And the need to continue developing meaningful clinical trials that help to personalize care and improve outcomes for patients.
Dr. Sharon Giordano of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, a former BCRF-investigator, received this award for her distinguished record of accomplishments in quality of care, treatment toxicities, and innovative research in male breast cancer. Dr. Giordano was a co-PI on an international BCRF-funded clinical trial in male breast cancer which focused on understanding the biology of their breast cancer in order to improve patient care. Her body of work informs pre-operative treatment for breast cancer in this rare patient population, including endocrine therapy which is the focus of the ETHAN trial on which she collaborates with BCRF investigator Dr. Jose Pablo Leone. The Bonadonna Award also recognizes an active clinical and/or translational researchers who demonstrate exceptional mentoring abilities. In her award lecture, Dr. Giordano praised her mentor, BCRF Investigator Dr. Gabriel Hortobagyi, who received the same award in 2018, for providing an excellent model for her own approach to mentorship.
Dr. Mylin A. Torres, BCRF-Conquer Cancer Foundation Professorship Awardee, has been designated as a Fellow of ASCO (FASCO). This distinction is considered one of the organization’s highest professional honors and recognizes members who have made extraordinary contributions to cancer care, research, education, mentorship, advocacy, or leadership in oncology.
The next generation of breakthroughs depends on investment in people that will make them. That is why BCRF has proudly supported a cadre of early career investigators each year over the last 25 years. In partnership with Conquer Cancer, the ASCO Foundation, we have awarded over $33 million to promising researchers across the globe. This year, BCRF was named a top donor to Conquer Cancer with 10 awards given to up and coming, early and mid-career researchers. This support helps bolster the pipeline of future scientists at a time of funding need. The recipients:
BCRF proudly congratulates these outstanding investigators, both established and just starting out. Their commitment to advancing the field has and will undoubtedly move the needle towards better and better breast cancer care and ultimately a cure.
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