Robert A. Weinberg and Douglas Hanahan are cancer biologists who wrote perhaps the most read and cited article in cancer history – “The Hallmarks of Cancer” which reshaped our understanding of cancer and is the young oncologists’ door to enter the field. A conceptual framework that fundamentally changed the understanding of cancer biology and has guided decades of research and drug development covers mechanisms through which cancer arises, grows, spreads and resists therapy. Forever essential, it has 3 parts published decades apart and covers essentials that every oncologist must know about cancer.
Robert A. Weinberg is a Professor of Biology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he is a founding member of the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research. A pioneer in molecular oncology, Dr. Weinberg has made seminal discoveries in oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition. His contributions have been recognized with major international honors, including the National Medal of Science, the Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences, the Japan Prize, and the Wolf Prize in Medicine.
Douglas Hanahan is a cancer biologist and Distinguished Scholar at the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, with appointments in Lausanne and at EPFL. His work has advanced understanding of tumor microenvironment, angiogenesis, and immune evasion as central drivers of cancer progression. His contributions to cancer biology have been recognized with honors including the Pezcoller–AACR International Award for Extraordinary Achievement in Cancer Research and election to the U.S. National Academy of Sciences.
The 100 Most Influential People in Oncology in 2025 recognizes the changemakers in cancer care who have helped shape current practice in oncology and continue to drive innovation and research towards better outcomes, advocacy, philanthropy, leadership and education. For the many deserving individuals not mentioned in this list, we will continue to acknowledge, honor and elevate your voices in our daily publications from across the world.
See the full list of The 100 Influential People in Oncology in 2025 and stay tuned for the results of special category nominations to be announced.
