$11 Million+ in Research Funding Awarded

During this year’s meeting, Conquer Cancer awarded more than $11 million to physician-scientists representing 42 countries to help advance research across the cancer care continuum and for patients around the world.

"Conquer Cancer is committed to supporting the brightest minds in oncology as they pursue a world where every patient, regardless of their background or income, can access the life-changing care they deserve," said Dr. Howard Burris, chair of the Conquer Cancer Board of Directors.

Read more about this year’s awards and the research they’ll support.

Dr. Taparra speaking at the 2024 Evening to Conquer Cancer.

Learn more about his Conquer Cancer-funded research.

$5 Million+ Raised to Fund Research and Mission

For many, An Evening to Conquer Cancer is a highlight of every Annual Meeting—and an important opportunity to celebrate the impact we’re making together. This annual fundraising event brings together a global community of donors, physician-scientists, and other oncology luminaries to shine a light on the critical work that Conquer Cancer donors make possible.

This year’s featured speaker was Dr. Kekoa Taparra, the inaugural recipient of the Dr. Judith and Alan Kaur Endowed Young Investigator Award. Dr. Taparra shared heartfelt stories about watching his family members face cancer, including how these early life experiences motivated him to pursue a career in oncology research with a particular focus on helping Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander communities. His speech moved the audience to action, helping to raise more than $5 million in support of Conquer Cancer's mission.

"I genuinely believe my Conquer Cancer funding helped amplify my voice, giving urgency and credibility to our work,"  Dr. Taparra told the audience. "I've seen firsthand how your generosity helps promising young investigators establish a launchpad for their careers, take flight, and continue the vital journey toward conquering cancer."
 

45,000+ Attendees Gathered to Listen and Learn about the Latest Oncology Advancements

During this year’s Annual Meeting, more than 45,000 attendees from around the world gathered to learn about the latest breakthroughs, exchange knowledge, and share insights to take back to patients. Driven by our donors’ generosity, Conquer Cancer plays a critical role in each Annual Meeting, helping fund various symposia, workshops, and related opportunities for the brightest minds in cancer research.

Additionally, 38 Conquer Cancer-funded grant and award recipients presented their research at the Annual Meeting, reporting on the latest progress in cancer care. Participants shared about emerging advancements in treatment across numerous areas of research, including breast cancer, immunotherapy, tumor biology, colorectal cancer, medical education, symptom management, pancreatic cancer, melanoma, risk reduction, palliative care and more. Learn how your support makes their work possible.

Annual Meeting attendees learn about promising research progress.

Read more about the programs that Conquer Cancer supports.

Recipients celebrate during the 2024 Grants & Awards Ceremony.

Learn more about Conquer Cancer grants and awards.

400+ Grants and Awards

From medical students and residents to established clinical researchers, Conquer Cancer grants and awards support oncology professionals at every career stage, helping to build a workforce that more equitably represents the diverse communities affected by cancer. This year, your generosity made possible more than 400 grants and awards, each provided to outstanding physician-scientists committed to improving care across the oncology spectrum, from diagnosis and treatment to survivorship and end-of-life care.

25 Years of Conquering Cancer

Attendees of this year’s meeting had the opportunity to learn more about Conquer Cancer, donor impact, and the future we have in store during Opening Session—a keystone event that kicks off every Annual Meeting weekend.

"It’s incredible to look back and reflect on how we’ve grown and to experience the trust and confidence that our supporters demonstrate through their unwavering generosity," Conquer Cancer’s Board Chair, Dr. Howard Burris, told the audience. 

See how your support is fueling Conquer Cancer’s work and cultivating the next generation of cancer researchers.

"Without you—the people who dedicate their lives to the field of oncology and the patients we care for—it would all be for naught." — Dr. Howard Burris

Conquer Cancer grant recipient, Dr. Suresh S. Ramalingam, presenting at the 2024 ASCO Annual Meeting.

Learn more about other researchers supported by Conquer Cancer.

One Practice-Changing Study Promises Countless Lives Saved

Viewed by nearly all conference attendees, the Plenary Session is a major highlight of every ASCO Annual Meeting, showcasing some of the most promising studies taking place across the field of oncology. Over the years, many previous recipients of Conquer Cancer grants have taken to the plenary stage to present oncology breakthroughs. This year, Dr. Suresh S. Ramalingam—a 2006 Conquer Cancer grant recipient—became the latest Conquer Cancer researcher to share breakthrough discoveries in this forum.

Dr. Ramalingam presented the practice-changing "LAURA" clinical trial, the first study of its kind to assess a promising drug (osimertinib) following chemoradiotherapy in a subset of patients with lung cancer.

The study found this treatment approach remarkably improved survival for these patients, allowing them to live longer as the disease is kept at bay.