ASCO and Conquer Cancer, the ASCO Foundation, will recognize a distinguished group of honorees during the 2026 ASCO Annual Meeting. Through the Society’s highest special awards, ASCO will celebrate researchers, educators, patient advocates, and global leaders whose career-defining work has advanced cancer care and accelerated progress for patients worldwide.
“We are honored to recognize this year’s ASCO Special Award recipients, whose outstanding leadership and enduring dedication continue to inspire the oncology community,” said Lynn Schuchter, MD, FASCO, ASCO past president and chair of the Joint Special Awards Selection Committee. “Each honoree has helped shape the field through a remarkable commitment to excellence, leaving a lasting impact that is influencing the future of cancer treatment and improving outcomes for patients around the world.”
Allen Lichter Visionary Leader Award
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John D. Carpten, PhD
Dr. Carpten is the director of City of Hope’s National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Director of Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope and chief scientific officer. He also holds the Irell & Manella Cancer Center Director’s Distinguished Chair and the Morgan & Helen Chu Director’s Chair of the Beckman Research Institute. Dr. Carpten provides overall executive leadership and strategic direction for research at City of Hope. He is an internationally recognized expert with extensive expertise in human genetics, cancer genome science, cancer cell biology, functional genomics, precision medicine, and health disparities research. In 2022, President Joe Biden appointed Dr. Carpten as the first African-American chair of the National Institutes of Health’s National Cancer Advisory Board.
Allen Lichter Visionary Leader Award
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| John D. Carpten, PhDDr. Carpten is the director of City of Hope’s National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Director of Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope and chief scientific officer. He also holds the Irell & Manella Cancer Center Director’s Distinguished Chair and the Morgan & Helen Chu Director’s Chair of the Beckman Research Institute. Dr. Carpten provides overall executive leadership and strategic direction for research at City of Hope. He is an internationally recognized expert with extensive expertise in human genetics, cancer genome science, cancer cell biology, functional genomics, precision medicine, and health disparities research. In 2022, President Joe Biden appointed Dr. Carpten as the first African-American chair of the National Institutes of Health’s National Cancer Advisory Board. |
ASCO-American Cancer Society Cancer Prevention Award
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Eduardo Vilar-Sanchez, MD, PhD
Dr. Vilar-Sanchez is professor and Chair, ad interim, of the Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. He is a physician-scientist and medical oncologist specializing in Hereditary Cancer syndromes, with a focus on Lynch Syndrome (LS) and Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP). His work bridges the gap between molecular discovery and clinical application, aiming to understand colorectal carcinogenesis and develop novel cancer interception strategies. His lab is at the forefront of identifying neoantigens for preventive vaccines and exploring how pharmacological agents, like naproxen, and lifestyle interventions, such as exercise, modulate the immune environment. Through these efforts, Dr. Vilar-Sanchez is transforming cancer prevention into a personalized, proactive discipline for genetically predisposed patients and their families.
ASCO-American Cancer Society Cancer Prevention Award
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| Eduardo Vilar-Sanchez, MD, PhDDr. Vilar-Sanchez is professor and Chair, ad interim, of the Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. He is a physician-scientist and medical oncologist specializing in Hereditary Cancer syndromes, with a focus on Lynch Syndrome (LS) and Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP). His work bridges the gap between molecular discovery and clinical application, aiming to understand colorectal carcinogenesis and develop novel cancer interception strategies. His lab is at the forefront of identifying neoantigens for preventive vaccines and exploring how pharmacological agents, like naproxen, and lifestyle interventions, such as exercise, modulate the immune environment. Through these efforts, Dr. Vilar-Sanchez is transforming cancer prevention into a personalized, proactive discipline for genetically predisposed patients and their families. |
BJ Kennedy Award for Geriatric Oncology Endowed by Dr. Tony and Mrs. Carrie Cheung
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Enrique Soto Pérez de Celis, MD, PhD, FASCO
Dr. Soto is associate professor of Medical Oncology at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and associate director for Global Oncology at the University of Colorado Cancer Center. He trained in medical oncology at the National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition in Mexico and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in geriatric oncology at City of Hope under the mentorship of Dr. Arti Hurria, a pioneer in the field. He went on to establish the first geriatric oncology clinic in Mexico, creating a model of care that has influenced programs across Latin America. His work bridges geriatric and global oncology, focusing on improving outcomes for older adults with cancer in resource-limited settings. Dr. Soto has published more than 220 peer-reviewed articles and in 2025 chaired the ASCO global guideline for geriatric oncology. Recognized by multiple national and international organizations, his career is dedicated to advancing equity and innovation in cancer care for older adults.
BJ Kennedy Award for Geriatric Oncology Endowed by Dr. Tony and Mrs. Carrie Cheung
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| Enrique Soto Pérez de Celis, MD, PhD, FASCODr. Soto is associate professor of Medical Oncology at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and associate director for Global Oncology at the University of Colorado Cancer Center. He trained in medical oncology at the National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition in Mexico and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in geriatric oncology at City of Hope under the mentorship of Dr. Arti Hurria, a pioneer in the field. He went on to establish the first geriatric oncology clinic in Mexico, creating a model of care that has influenced programs across Latin America. His work bridges geriatric and global oncology, focusing on improving outcomes for older adults with cancer in resource-limited settings. Dr. Soto has published more than 220 peer-reviewed articles and in 2025 chaired the ASCO global guideline for geriatric oncology. Recognized by multiple national and international organizations, his career is dedicated to advancing equity and innovation in cancer care for older adults. |
David Karnofsky Science of Oncology Award
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Nancy E. Davidson, MD, FASCO
Dr. Davidson serves as Executive Vice President, Chief Academic Officer and Professor at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center where she holds the Raisbeck Endowed Chair in Collaborative Research; she is also Professor of Medicine at University of Washington School of Medicine. A world-renowned physician-scientist in the field of breast cancer, her research has spanned preclinical studies of the role of epigenetic changes in breast cancer to phase 3 clinical trials to advance clinical care in breast cancer. A major interest is treatment for and mechanisms of resistance in hormone-responsive breast cancer, especially in young women; she has co-authored over 400 papers in the field. She has served as Chair of the Breast Committee for ECOG and co-chair of the Breast Cancer Steering Committee for the NCI National Clinical Trials Network. She previously served as Director of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute as well as a founding director of the breast cancer program at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center. A past President of ASCO and the American Association for Cancer Research, she is a member of the Association of American Physicians, National Academy of Medicine, and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
David Karnofsky Science of Oncology Award
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| Nancy E. Davidson, MD, FASCODr. Davidson serves as Executive Vice President, Chief Academic Officer and Professor at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center where she holds the Raisbeck Endowed Chair in Collaborative Research; she is also Professor of Medicine at University of Washington School of Medicine. A world-renowned physician-scientist in the field of breast cancer, her research has spanned preclinical studies of the role of epigenetic changes in breast cancer to phase 3 clinical trials to advance clinical care in breast cancer. A major interest is treatment for and mechanisms of resistance in hormone-responsive breast cancer, especially in young women; she has co-authored over 400 papers in the field. She has served as Chair of the Breast Committee for ECOG and co-chair of the Breast Cancer Steering Committee for the NCI National Clinical Trials Network. She previously served as Director of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute as well as a founding director of the breast cancer program at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center. A past President of ASCO and the American Association for Cancer Research, she is a member of the Association of American Physicians, National Academy of Medicine, and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. |
Humanitarian Award
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Michael J. Kelley, MD
Dr. Kelley serves as the executive director of the National Oncology Program for the Department of Veterans Affairs. Overseeing care for approximately 500,000 veterans annually, Dr. Kelley has transformed the nation’s largest integrated healthcare system through the National Precision Oncology Program and VA clinical pathway development. Dr. Kelley launched the VA’s National TeleOncology Service, expanding expert care to over 27,000 veterans, particularly those in rural and underserved areas. His leadership enables a virtual cancer center model that provides comprehensive genetic services and decentralized clinical trials. Dr. Kelley’s career, which began at the National Cancer Institute and continues at Duke University and the Durham VA, includes over 160 peer-reviewed publications. A recipient of the US Public Health Service’s Achievement Award, he remains a dedicated advocate for ensuring all veterans access top-tier, biomarker-driven cancer care.
Humanitarian Award
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| Michael J. Kelley, MDDr. Kelley serves as the executive director of the National Oncology Program for the Department of Veterans Affairs. Overseeing care for approximately 500,000 veterans annually, Dr. Kelley has transformed the nation’s largest integrated healthcare system through the National Precision Oncology Program and VA clinical pathway development. Dr. Kelley launched the VA’s National TeleOncology Service, expanding expert care to over 27,000 veterans, particularly those in rural and underserved areas. His leadership enables a virtual cancer center model that provides comprehensive genetic services and decentralized clinical trials. Dr. Kelley’s career, which began at the National Cancer Institute and continues at Duke University and the Durham VA, includes over 160 peer-reviewed publications. A recipient of the US Public Health Service’s Achievement Award, he remains a dedicated advocate for ensuring all veterans access top-tier, biomarker-driven cancer care. |
Jamie Von Roenn Excellence in Teaching and Mentorship Award
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Harvey Jay Cohen, MD
Dr. Cohen is the Walter Kempner Professor of Medicine at Duke University School of Medicine. He is Emeritus Chair of the Department of Medicine, and Emeritus Director of the Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, the founding Principal Investigator of the Duke Claude Pepper Older Americans Independence Center, and founding Director of the Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center (GRECC) at the Durham VAMC. Dr. Cohen has dedicated his career to advancing geriatric oncology and fostering the next generation of physicians. With over 500 publications, he has not only helped to shape the biological understanding of aging and cancer but has also guided countless clinicians in navigating the complexities of geriatric care, ensuring a lasting impact on the future of medicine.
Jamie Von Roenn Excellence in Teaching and Mentorship Award
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| Harvey Jay Cohen, MDDr. Cohen is the Walter Kempner Professor of Medicine at Duke University School of Medicine. He is Emeritus Chair of the Department of Medicine, and Emeritus Director of the Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, the founding Principal Investigator of the Duke Claude Pepper Older Americans Independence Center, and founding Director of the Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center (GRECC) at the Durham VAMC. Dr. Cohen has dedicated his career to advancing geriatric oncology and fostering the next generation of physicians. With over 500 publications, he has not only helped to shape the biological understanding of aging and cancer but has also guided countless clinicians in navigating the complexities of geriatric care, ensuring a lasting impact on the future of medicine. |
Patient Advocate Award
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Beverly Canin
Since her breast cancer diagnosis in 2000, Ms. Canin has dedicated nearly 25 years to patient advocacy, with over 12 years focused on cancer and aging research. Her expertise spans breast cancer prevention, health disparities, and clinical trial implementation. She is dedicated to improving outcomes for older adults with cancer. Ms. Canin has held leadership and advisory roles with a number of organizations, including ASCO and the International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG). She notably co-created and chaired the Stakeholders for Care in Oncology Research for our Elders (SCOREboard), a pivotal advisory group of patients and caregivers. Within the Cancer and Aging Research Group (CARG), she co-chaired both CARinG and GOTO SCOREboard, the latter of which evaluates the impact of geriatric assessments across diverse cancer trials. Now serving as Co-chair Emerita, she remains a committed advocate for research translation and the integration of patient perspectives into oncology care.
Diane Zipursky Quale, JD
Ms. Zipursky Quale is the co-Founder of the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network, the first national patient advocacy organization dedicated to increasing public awareness about bladder cancer, advancing bladder cancer research, and providing educational and support services for the bladder cancer community. Diane and her husband, John Quale, launched BCAN in May 2005. John, a bladder cancer survivor who was initially diagnosed in July 2000, died of metastatic bladder cancer in June 2008. Under her leadership serving as its President from 2005-2016 and longtime Board member, BCAN has become a cornerstone for the bladder cancer community. Ms. Zipursky Quale has served in pivotal advisory roles for the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the Johns Hopkins Greenberg Bladder Cancer Institute, and The Hope Foundation for Cancer Research. Her influence extends into academic publishing as an Associate Editor for the journalBladder Cancer and co-author of significant research in Nature and Clinical Oncology.
Patient Advocate Award
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| Beverly CaninSince her breast cancer diagnosis in 2000, Ms. Canin has dedicated nearly 25 years to patient advocacy, with over 12 years focused on cancer and aging research. Her expertise spans breast cancer prevention, health disparities, and clinical trial implementation. She is dedicated to improving outcomes for older adults with cancer. Ms. Canin has held leadership and advisory roles with a number of organizations, including ASCO and the International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG). She notably co-created and chaired the Stakeholders for Care in Oncology Research for our Elders (SCOREboard), a pivotal advisory group of patients and caregivers. Within the Cancer and Aging Research Group (CARG), she co-chaired both CARinG and GOTO SCOREboard, the latter of which evaluates the impact of geriatric assessments across diverse cancer trials. Now serving as Co-chair Emerita, she remains a committed advocate for research translation and the integration of patient perspectives into oncology care. |
| Diane Zipursky Quale, JDMs. Zipursky Quale is the co-Founder of the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network, the first national patient advocacy organization dedicated to increasing public awareness about bladder cancer, advancing bladder cancer research, and providing educational and support services for the bladder cancer community. Diane and her husband, John Quale, launched BCAN in May 2005. John, a bladder cancer survivor who was initially diagnosed in July 2000, died of metastatic bladder cancer in June 2008. Under her leadership serving as its President from 2005-2016 and longtime Board member, BCAN has become a cornerstone for the bladder cancer community. Ms. Zipursky Quale has served in pivotal advisory roles for the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the Johns Hopkins Greenberg Bladder Cancer Institute, and The Hope Foundation for Cancer Research. Her influence extends into academic publishing as an Associate Editor for the journalBladder Cancer and co-author of significant research in Nature and Clinical Oncology. |
Pediatric Oncology Award
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Louis S. Constine, MD, FASTRO, FACR
Dr. Constine is the Philip Rubin Professor of Radiation Oncology and Pediatrics (triple-boarded) and Vice Chair of Radiation Oncology at the University of Rochester’s James P. Wilmot Cancer Institute. A pioneer in cancer survivorship, he has made seminal contributions to understanding normal tissue damage from cytotoxic therapies in adults and children. He leads Pediatric Normal Tissue Effects in the Clinic (PENTEC), an international consortium that investigates the vulnerability of pediatric cancer patients to radiation and chemotherapy toxicities as a function of their developmental status. He initiated and is past director of his institution’s Survivorship Program and has chaired or been an advisor in international committees on survivorship/late effects and lymphomas as well as the ASCO Survivorship Advisory Group. He led a task force to compile radiation normal tissue dose constraints for COG protocols, was a member of the United Nations task force collating the adverse effects of radiation on children, and is the recipient of an NIH merit award. His professional life is guided by his words: For the survivor of cancer, the world is full and each day is a celebration—for the physician, each patient is an inspiration—for the person fighting cancer, each day is precious and must be faced with courage.
Pediatric Oncology Award
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| Louis S. Constine, MD, FASTRO, FACRDr. Constine is the Philip Rubin Professor of Radiation Oncology and Pediatrics (triple-boarded) and Vice Chair of Radiation Oncology at the University of Rochester’s James P. Wilmot Cancer Institute. A pioneer in cancer survivorship, he has made seminal contributions to understanding normal tissue damage from cytotoxic therapies in adults and children. He leads Pediatric Normal Tissue Effects in the Clinic (PENTEC), an international consortium that investigates the vulnerability of pediatric cancer patients to radiation and chemotherapy toxicities as a function of their developmental status. He initiated and is past director of his institution’s Survivorship Program and has chaired or been an advisor in international committees on survivorship/late effects and lymphomas as well as the ASCO Survivorship Advisory Group. He led a task force to compile radiation normal tissue dose constraints for COG protocols, was a member of the United Nations task force collating the adverse effects of radiation on children, and is the recipient of an NIH merit award. His professional life is guided by his words: For the survivor of cancer, the world is full and each day is a celebration—for the physician, each patient is an inspiration—for the person fighting cancer, each day is precious and must be faced with courage. |
Walther Cancer Foundation Supportive Oncology Award
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Frank D. Ferris, MD, FAAHPM, FAACE, FASCO
Dr. Ferris is known globally as a trailblazer, visionary, and innovator in palliative medicine, research, and education. Driven by a commitment to improving the chronic illness experience, he transitioned from radiation oncology to pain management in 1987 and revolutionized how clinicians approach end-of-life care. Since 2010, he has directed many in-person and virtual ASCO palliative care courses through the ASCO Center for Global Impact. A celebrated international leader, Dr. Ferris received the Golden Jubilee Award from Queen Elizabeth II and honorary doctorates from Tbilisi State University and the University of Pécs. His extensive publications focus on educational strategies to develop the next generation of palliative leaders. Dr. Ferris remains a tireless advocate for integrating palliative care early into treatment, ensuring every patient faces illness with dignity and support.
Charles L. Loprinzi, MD
Dr. Charles Loprinzi is a medical oncologist and served as the Mayo Clinic Regis Professor of Breast Cancer Research for decades prior to his recent retirement. A pioneer in cancer control, he was mentored by Dr. Chuck Moertel and spent decades leading symptom control programs for the North Central Cancer Treatment Group (NCCTG) and the ALLIANCE group. Dr. Loprinzi has directed over 175 cancer control studies addressing a vast array of treatment-related toxicities, from chemotherapy-induced neuropathy and hot flashes to oral mucositis and cognitive dysfunction. His foundational work led the NCI to name him one of the top 50 Cancer Control Researchers. He is also the founding editor of the Art of Oncology section in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. His numerous accolades include the Brinker Award for Scientific Distinction, the ASCO Statesmanship Award, and the Susan G. Komen Professor of Survivorship Award, reflecting his profound impact on improving the quality of life for people with cancer.
Walther Cancer Foundation Supportive Oncology Award
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| Frank D. Ferris, MD, FAAHPM, FAACE, FASCODr. Ferris is known globally as a trailblazer, visionary, and innovator in palliative medicine, research, and education. Driven by a commitment to improving the chronic illness experience, he transitioned from radiation oncology to pain management in 1987 and revolutionized how clinicians approach end-of-life care. Since 2010, he has directed many in-person and virtual ASCO palliative care courses through the ASCO Center for Global Impact. A celebrated international leader, Dr. Ferris received the Golden Jubilee Award from Queen Elizabeth II and honorary doctorates from Tbilisi State University and the University of Pécs. His extensive publications focus on educational strategies to develop the next generation of palliative leaders. Dr. Ferris remains a tireless advocate for integrating palliative care early into treatment, ensuring every patient faces illness with dignity and support. |
| Charles L. Loprinzi, MDDr. Charles Loprinzi is a medical oncologist and served as the Mayo Clinic Regis Professor of Breast Cancer Research for decades prior to his recent retirement. A pioneer in cancer control, he was mentored by Dr. Chuck Moertel and spent decades leading symptom control programs for the North Central Cancer Treatment Group (NCCTG) and the ALLIANCE group. Dr. Loprinzi has directed over 175 cancer control studies addressing a vast array of treatment-related toxicities, from chemotherapy-induced neuropathy and hot flashes to oral mucositis and cognitive dysfunction. His foundational work led the NCI to name him one of the top 50 Cancer Control Researchers. He is also the founding editor of the Art of Oncology section in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. His numerous accolades include the Brinker Award for Scientific Distinction, the ASCO Statesmanship Award, and the Susan G. Komen Professor of Survivorship Award, reflecting his profound impact on improving the quality of life for people with cancer. |
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Written by Nare Hovhannisyan, MD