You Helped Fund More Than $11.5 Million for Research and Vital Programs

During this year’s meeting, Conquer Cancer awarded more than $11.5 million to physician-scientists representing 41 countries to help advance research across the cancer care continuum and for patients around the world.

"These are challenging times for researchers across the medical field, including oncology,” Conquer Cancer CEO Nancy Daly told the audience at this year’s Grants and Awards ceremony. “I am overwhelmed by your commitment to our mission to accelerate breakthroughs in lifesaving research and empower people everywhere to conquer cancer."

For early-career physician-scientists, learning they’ve received a Conquer Cancer grant can be a career-defining moment. See how they react when they get the news. 

See the full listing of this year’s class of Grants and Award recipients.

You Supported More Than 450 Grants and Awards

From medical students and residents to established clinical researchers, Conquer Cancer grants and awards support oncology professionals at every career stage.

This year, your generosity made more than 450 grants and awards possible, each of them distributed to outstanding oncology professionals committed to improving treatment and care for people living with cancer.

"Conquer Cancer and ASCO share the same vision: a world where cancer is prevented or cured, and every survivor is healthy," Dr. Howard Burris, Conquer Cancer’s board chair, told attendees during the 2025 meeting’s Opening Session, during which the year’s top donors were celebrated. "We also recognize that cancer research and the progress it enables cannot happen without the critical funding necessary to fuel that pursuit."

You Made a Broad Range of Innovative Oncology Research Possible   

During this year’s Annual Meeting, approximately 44,000 attendees from around the world gathered to learn about the latest breakthroughs, exchange knowledge, and share insights to bring home to patients. Driven by our donors’ generosity, Conquer Cancer plays a critical role in the meeting, helping to fund a range of opportunities for some of the brightest minds in cancer research to present their work and learn from one another. 

Altogether, 42 Conquer Cancer-funded grant and award recipients presented over the course of Annual Meeting, reporting on their research and the progress they’re making in cancer care. Participants shared their findings and advancements across numerous research areas, including leukemia, gynecological cancers, palliative care, pediatric cancer, pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, and more. 

For conference attendees, the Plenary Session is a major highlight each year, showcasing some of the most promising studies in the field of oncology. This year, Dr. Yelena Janjigian—the recipient of multiple Conquer Cancer grants and awards—became the latest of many Conquer Cancer researchers to share their discoveries on the plenary stage.  

Based at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Dr. Janjigian presented outcomes from a clinical trial designed to prevent cancer recurrence in patients with stomach cancer, esophageal cancer, and gastroesophageal junction cancer. The trial found that adding immunotherapy to standard treatment significantly reduced the risk of cancer returning. 

Dr. Yelena Janjigian, the recipient of multiple Conquer Cancer grants and awards, speaks during this year’s Plenary Session. Learn more about the role that your generosity and Conquer Cancer funding has played in her career. 
Photo by © ASCO/Phil McCarten 2025

Learn more about the Conquer Cancer Council, what it does, and how to join. 
Photo by © ASCO/Phil McCarten 2025

You Collaborated to Conquer Cancer 

So much of what makes Annual Meeting a valuable and inspiring experience is the opportunity for brilliant and dedicated people and organizations to unite, collaborate, and advance oncology research and care. And, during this year’s meeting, members of our Conquer Cancer Council did exactly that. 

In addition to providing attendees with valuable time to network and share insights, the event also gave members the chance to hear from ASCO CEO Dr. Clifford Hudis, who is also executive vice chair of Conquer Cancer’s board of directors.  

"Your support has never been more critical,” Dr. Hudis told attendees. "You are the only way we will cross the divide between the work and advancements we can see ahead and the resources we need to actually get there."

You Celebrated Progress and Inspired More

Each year during Annual Meeting, supporters and recipients from across our community gather for "An Evening to Conquer Cancer," an event designed to celebrate the generosity of our donors and the progress they make possible.   

This year, attendees had the opportunity to learn about the work they’re supporting directly from the researchers themselves. The event featured networking opportunities with a range of Conquer Cancer-funded recipients, each one eager to discuss their projects and express their gratitude.  

"At Conquer Cancer, and at ASCO, we invest in people. We invest in the careers of people we believe have the potential and the capacity to change and save lives. To witness some of those people experience that degree of excitement and gratitude over something so deeply rooted in compassion and service gives me more confidence than ever that our investment will make an immeasurable impact." 
— Dr. Howard Burris

Dr. Howard Burris addresses the crowd of supporters and recipients in attendance at this year’s Evening to Conquer Cancer. Learn more about how your generosity is accelerating breakthroughs. 
Photo by © ASCO/Matt Herp 2025