Dennis Slamon was honored with the 2024 Szent-Györgyi Prize for Progress in Cancer Research

Dr. Dennis J. Slamon, MD, PhD, is a prominent oncologist and researcher, serving as a Professor of Medicine, Chief of the Division of Hematology/Oncology, and Executive Vice Chair for Research in UCLA’s Department of Medicine.

He is also the Director of Clinical/Translational Research and the Revlon/UCLA Women’s Cancer Research Program at the UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center. Additionally, he chairs the medical advisory board for the National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance.

Dr. Slamon is widely recognized for identifying the HER2/neu oncogene, amplified in 25-33% of breast cancer cases, leading to the development of the targeted therapy trastuzumab (Herceptin), which transformed breast cancer treatment.  In recognition of his contributions, President Clinton appointed Dr. Slamon to the three-member President’s Cancer Panel in 2000.

An honors graduate of the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Medicine in 1975, Dr. Slamon simultaneously earned his PhD in cell biology. He completed his internship and residency at the University of Chicago Hospitals and Clinics, serving as Chief Resident in 1978, before joining UCLA as a Hematology/Oncology fellow in 1979.

Recently, Dennis Slamon was honored with the 2024 Szent-Györgyi Prize for Progress in Cancer Research.

On this occasion, Sujuan Ba, President and CEO of the National Foundation for Cancer Research, shared a post on LinkedIn:

“We had an extraordinary celebration at the 2024 NFCR Global Summit and Award Ceremonies for Cancer Research and Entrepreneurship, where Dr. Dennis Slamon was honored with the prestigious 2024 Szent-Györgyi Prize for Progress in Cancer Research.

Dr. Slamon delivered an inspiring recap of his stellar career and groundbreaking scientific contributions to over 190 attendees last Friday evening, October 18, in Washington, DC. His journey, which has profoundly shaped the field of precision medicine for breast cancer patients and saved countless lives, left everyone uplifted and motivated.

The Szent-Györgyi Prize for Progress in Cancer Research, established in 2006 by the National Foundation for Cancer Research in honor of its co-founder, Albert Szent-Györgyi, M.D., Ph.D., recipient of the 1937 Nobel Prize for Physiology and Medicine, recognizes outstanding scientists whose seminal discoveries or pioneering bodies of work have significantly contributed to cancer prevention, diagnosis, or treatment.

This award celebrates those whose efforts have had a lasting impact on our understanding of cancer and improving or saving the lives of cancer patients.

I am immensely proud that NFCR has played a pivotal role in recognizing these remarkable individuals with the Szent-Györgyi Prize for Progress in Cancer Research for the last 19 years.

I cherish the vivid and beautiful memories of these iconic cancer research leaders. It was heartening to see previous Szent-Györgyi Prize winners, Drs. Web Cavenee, Carlo Croce, Susan Horwitz, Doug Lowy, Rakesh Jain, and Isaac Witz return to join us.

Following his address, Dr. Slamon participated in a visionary panel discussion on the Future of Cancer Research, alongside Pulitzer Prize-winning author and cancer researcher Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee, 2024 AIM-HI Beacon Award winner Dr. Margaret Foti, Fellow Selection Committee member Dr. Olufunmilayo (Funmi) Olopade, AstraZeneca business leader Mohit Manrao, and cancer patient advocates Shereen Pavlides and Isabella Pavlides.

The Summit and award ceremonies received numerous congratulatory and heartwarming comments from attendees, who found the event uniquely inspiring. They appreciated the opportunity to learn about the latest advancements in cancer research and witness how experts and leaders from research, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and investment sectors can collaborate, discuss, and strategize on advancing cancer care.

The focus on big-picture views and forward-thinking was exceptional! Attendees were captivated by the insightful, proactive, and inspiring discussions of a constellation of shining stars under one roof. They loved the blend of hard science, poignant oncology stories, and celebratory dinners.

I look forward to seeing you at the 2025 NFCR Global Summit and Award Ceremonies for Cancer Research and Entrepreneurship on Friday, October 24, 2025, in Washington, DC, if not sooner!”

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