PLYMOUTH MEETING, PA — The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®) and the NCCN Foundation® have unveiled the winners of the 2024 NCCN Foundation Young Investigator Awards (YIA), recognizing five of the most promising new talents in oncology research from its Member Institutions. These annual awards, facilitated through the NCCN Oncology Research Program (ORP), aim to foster innovative cancer research by providing up to $150,000 over two years to each awardee.
This year’s recipients engage in a wide range of groundbreaking projects, from exploring treatment-resistant osteosarcoma and pancreatic cancer’s microenvironmental vulnerabilities to employing deep learning for analyzing primary CNS lymphoma. Other awarded studies focus on a novel combination therapy for untreated melanoma and cognitive remediation techniques for cancer-related cognitive impairments.
Crystal S. Denlinger, MD, Chief Executive Officer of NCCN and a former YIA recipient herself, expressed her excitement about supporting emerging researchers whose work is poised to elevate the understanding and treatment of cancer. “We have the honor of supporting people who are involved in exciting new research and give them tools to take their careers—and our understanding of cancer—to an even higher level,” Denlinger stated, underscoring the significance of these awards in advancing cancer care.
Patrick Delaney, Executive Director of the NCCN Foundation, highlighted the YIA program’s role as a vital component in nurturing the next generation of oncology researchers. He emphasized its contribution to guiding treatment innovation and advancement.
Funding for this year’s awards comes not only from the NCCN Foundation but also includes contributions from several industry partners. Since its inception in 2011, the YIA program has distributed over $11.1 million to 75 researchers, demonstrating a sustained commitment to propelling forward the frontiers of cancer research.
The results of these innovative studies are expected to be presented at future NCCN Annual Conferences, contributing valuable insights into the ongoing battle against cancer. This initiative represents a crucial investment in the future of oncology, ensuring that the field continues to evolve with fresh perspectives and novel approaches to overcoming one of medicine’s most challenging adversaries.
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