BCRF Researchers Honored at the 2019 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium

Four BCRF investigators received awards of distinction for their advancements in breast cancer research.

The San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS) is the largest international conference focused entirely on breast cancer. The annual event, which was held last year from December 10-14, attracts thousands of attendees from around the world who participate in a variety of sessions presenting new information on the etiology, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of breast cancer and premalignant disease.

It is also an opportunity for the breast cancer research community to recognize the accomplishments of those who have had a significant impact on the understanding and treatment of breast cancer. BCRF is pleased to acknowledge the following BCRF investigators who were honored at SABCS this year:

Myles Brown, MD, received the AACR Distinguished Lectureship in Breast Cancer Research. He was recognized for his work in elucidating the action of steroid receptors—including the discovery of hormone receptor co-regulators and their role in gene regulation—which transformed our understanding of steroid receptors, both in normal physiology and cancer development.

Matthew Ellis, MB, BChir, PhD, received the Brinker Award for Scientific Distinction in Clinical Research. He was honored for his seminal contributions in understanding the genomics of breast cancer and drug resistance and for translating that knowledge to improve outcomes in patients and advance personalized breast cancer treatments.

Geoffrey Lindeman, BSC (Med), MBBS (Hons), FRACP, PhD, shared the Brinker Award for Scientific Distinction in Basic Science with his wife and colleague, Dr. Jane Visvader. Both were honored for their contributions in understanding how normal cells and cancer cells develop, including the identification of the clonal lineage of breast cell types in the evolution of breast cancer.

Joseph Sparano, MD, was the 2019 recipient of the William L. McGuire Memorial Lecture Award for his work in clinical and translational research, including his leadership role in the ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group, where he served as study chair on the TAILORx trial. Results from TAILORx were practice-changing in demonstrating the ability of a gene-based tumor assay in selecting women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer who can forgo chemotherapy. His work has moved the field forward towards more effective and personalized therapies for breast cancer patients.

BCRF also congratulates Celina Kleer, MD (University of Michigan), for being named the 2019 recipient of the AACR Outstanding Investigator Award for Breast Cancer Research, underwritten by BCRF. Dr. Kleer was honored for her pioneering studies that led to key insights into the development of aggressive forms of breast cancer, specifically the identification and characterization of clinical biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for difficult-to-treat breast cancers.