Yvonne Awards 2025: Honoring Global Oncology Leaders at ASCO’s Most Inspiring Night

The Yvonne Awards 2025, presented by OncoDaily during the ASCO Annual Meeting in Chicago,  have become a much-awaited tradition in global oncology, honoring excellence, leadership, and advocacy. This inspiring event, known for its unique blend of celebration and purpose, took place once again on the Friday night of ASCO 2025 in Chicago, alongside the OncoDaily Party, forming what has now become a hallmark of the oncology calendar.

With the Chicago Riverwalk as its scenic backdrop, the 2025 ceremony brought together oncologists, researchers, advocates, and leaders worldwide. The Yvonne Awards – named in tribute to a legacy of courage and mentorship—have, over the years, established a meaningful platform to spotlight individuals who drive change and elevate the cancer care community. Building on the tradition, this year’s event continued to highlight voices that challenge the status quo, mentor across generations, and push the boundaries of science and humanity in oncology.

“The Yvonne Awards and the OncoDaily Party have, without a doubt, become cornerstone events. Friday night at ASCO, beneath the lights of Chicago, has turned into a moment we all look forward to a celebration born from a dream, shaped by hard work, and brought to life by our OncoDaily family. A reminder that everything is possible, that challenges shape us, and that the best is yet to come. But none of it would matter without the people, those who support quietly, offer kind words and actions, bring warm smiles, and share in the joy of celebrating others, whether friends or strangers. These are the people who make the world better. And to be surrounded by them that night and every day at ASCO was pure happiness.”

Gevorg Tamamyan, Editor-in-chief of OncoDaily

“Tonight, we’re not just honoring individual achievements—we’re celebrating a community that never stops pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in cancer care. The Yvonne Awards remind us that progress happens not only in the lab or clinic, but in every act of mentorship, advocacy, and courage. It’s a privilege to open this evening among friends, colleagues, and changemakers who inspire us to keep moving forward—together.”

Yelena Janjigian, Chief of GI Oncology, MSK

Yvonne Awards 2025 Winners:

• Breakthrough Research: Daniel Heng
• Global Oncology: Dario Trapani
• Leadership: Catharine Young
• Challenging the Status Quo: Bishal Gyawali
• Mentorship: Abdul Rafeh Naqash
• Community Oncology: Jasmine Kamboj
• Pediatric Oncology: Marta Salek
• Pediatric Oncology: Garik Sagoyan
• Humanitarian Award: Darya Kizub
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Fatima Cardoso
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Stella Kyriakides
• Voice of Oncology: Paolo Tarantino

Stella Kyriakides – Lifetime Achievement Award

Stella Kyriakides is a Cypriot politician and clinical psychologist, Former European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety (2019-2024). Born in Nicosia in 1956, she began her career in child and adolescent psychiatry at the Cypriot Ministry of Health, where she served from 1979 to 2006. In 2006, Kyriakides entered politics as a member of the Cypriot House of Representatives, focusing on health and foreign affairs. She has been a leading advocate for cancer awareness, founding the First Breast Cancer Movement in Cyprus and chairing the National Committee on Cancer Strategy. In 2017, she made history as the first Cypriot and third woman elected President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). As EU Health Commissioner, Kyriakides has led major health initiatives, including improved access to affordable medicines, the European Health Data Space, and the Farm to Fork strategy for sustainable food systems. Her leadership continues to shape European health and food policy.

“Feeling so very honoured to receive the Yvonne Award 2025. I dedicate this award to all patients, advocates, caregivers, scientists and all who work side by side to change the realities of cancer. Progress is  made when  we all stand together.”

The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented by Matti Aapro, President of Sharing Progress in Cancer Care (SPCC), and Elisabetta Zanon Chief Executive of the European Cancer Organisation (ECO).

Jasmine Kamboj – Community Oncology Award

Jasmin Kamboj is a physician at Mayo Clinic Health System. Dr. Jasmine Kamboj is a board-certified medical oncologist and hematologist. She practices as a community oncologist. Dr. Kamboj earned her medical degree from the Armed Forces Medical College in Pune, India, and completed her residency in internal medicine at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. She then pursued a fellowship in hematology and oncology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.

Dr. Kamboj is actively involved in oncology advocacy and policy. She serves on the board of the Minnesota Society of Clinical Oncology and is a member of its Policy Committee. She is engaged with the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), contributing to various committees including the International Affairs Committee, and leading ASCO’s Policy Communities of Practice. Dr. Kamboj has been recognized for her advocacy efforts, receiving the ASCO Advocate of the Year Award in 2021 and being named to the President’s Circle in 2022. Currently, she is working as an Advisor for the Rural Cancer Institute. Beyond her clinical and advocacy roles, Dr. Kamboj contributes to oncology education and communication. She is a podcast editor and host of the “Empowering Oncologists” podcast at OncoDaily and serves on the OncoDaily Editorial Board.

“Amazing to be able to start ASCO Day 1 with families and friends (who are like family) – we presented the KAMBOJ-CHRISTIE Family and friends and MSCO BOARD YIA Award, shared my story with the IMG CoP, got the Yvonne Awards 2025 for community oncology by OncoDaily, and connected with my LDP Group.” 

The Community Oncology Award was presented by Gregory Kalemkerian, Professor and Associate Division Chief for Faculty Development and Education and the Associate Director of the Hem/Onc Fellowship Program at the University of Michigan, and Suzanne Cole, Medical Director at the UTSW Simmons Cancer Center.

Paolo Tarantino – Voice of Oncology Award

Dr. Paolo Tarantino is a medical oncologist and clinical researcher specializing in breast cancer. He currently serves as a research fellow at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, as well as the European Institute of Oncology in Milan. His research focuses on the development of novel therapies for HER2-positive and HER2-low breast cancer, particularly the use of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). Dr. Tarantino has contributed to pivotal studies on agents like trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) and is recognized for advancing understanding of HER2 expression biology. He holds an MD and PhD from the University Federico II of Naples and completed his clinical and doctoral training at the University of Milan.

“Receiving the Yvonne ‘Top Voice’ Award tonight was a honor. Receiving it from the hands of my first and lifelong mentor Giuseppe Curigliano — priceless. Thank you OncoDaily for this award!!!” 

The Voice of Oncology Award was presented by Giuseppe Curigliano, President-Elect of ESMO, and Erika Ruiz-Garcia, Chair of the 2025–2026 ASCO Annual Meeting Education Program.

Daniel Heng – Breakthrough Research Award

Dr. Daniel Heng is a medical oncologist, serves as the Head of Medical Oncology at the Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and is a Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of Calgary. Dr. Heng earned his MD from the University of Calgary and completed his internal medicine and medical oncology residencies at the University of British Columbia. He further specialized through an Experimental Therapeutics fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute and obtained a Master of Public Health from Harvard University.

He is the founder and Chair of the International Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Database Consortium (IMDC), which has developed the widely adopted IMDC prognostic model – also known as the Heng Criteria – for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). This consortium has expanded to include over 13,500 patients from more than 40 institutions worldwide. Dr. Heng’s research focuses on outcomes, prognostic factors, and clinical trials in genitourinary malignancies, including kidney, bladder, prostate, and testicular cancers. He has been instrumental in advancing clinical trial infrastructure in Alberta, serving as the Medical Lead for the Clinical Research Unit at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre. In recognition of his contributions, Dr. Heng was awarded the Meritorious Service Cross by the Governor General of Canada in 2017 and was named one of Avenue Calgary’s Top 40 Under 40 in 2015.

The Breakthrough Research Award was presented by Larry Norton, Senior Vice President of MSKCC and ASCO Past-President.

Dario Trapani – Global Oncology Award

Dr. Dario Trapani is a medical oncologist at the European Institute of Oncology (IEO) in Milan and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology at the University of Milan. He specializes in breast cancer, global oncology, and health policy, with a focus on equitable access to cancer care.

Dr. Trapani serves as Chair of the Cancer Medicines Committee at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) and is a member of the editorial board of ESMO Open. He is also a regular contributor to the ESMO Daily Reporter, where he writes on topics such as value-based oncology, access to medicines, and global cancer control. His research encompasses clinical trials, health systems, and cancer policy. Previously, he completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. Dr. Trapani is recognized for his mentorship and advocacy in global oncology, emphasizing equity, patient-centered care, and systemic change in cancer treatment.

The Global Oncology Award was presented by Bernard A Fox, Past President of the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC).

Bishal Gyawali – Challenging the Status Quo Award

Dr. Bishal Gyawali is a Medical Oncologist and Global Health Researcher renowned for his work in cancer policy, evidence-based oncology, and equitable cancer care. He serves as an Associate Professor in Medical Oncology and Public Health Sciences at Queen’s University in Kingston, Canada, and is a Clinician-Scientist at the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research. Dr. Gyawali completed his medical degree at Tribhuvan University in Nepal (2005-2011) and earned his PhD in Medical Oncology from Nagoya University in Japan (2013 – 2017). He has held research fellowships at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and has been affiliated with institutions across Nepal, Japan, the U.S., and Canada.

His research focuses on cancer policy, clinical trial methodology, financial toxicity, and global oncology. He is a member of the WHO Essential Medicines List Cancer Working Group and serves on committees for both ASCO and ESMO, including the ESMO-Magnitude of Clinical Benefit Scale (MCBS) working group. Dr. Gyawali is also the co-founder of the “Common Sense Oncology” movement, which advocates for practical, high-value cancer care.

“Thank you OncoDaily for this honour. Glad to receive the Yvonne Awards 2025 this year for ‘Challenging the Status Quo’ in cancer care. Even more delighted to receive it from the power couple in oncology – Vivek Subbiah and Ishwaria Subbiah who very eloquently summarized that challenging the status quo is all about promoting intellectual debate and discourse among colleagues and stakeholders who may have different views but all of who want the best outcomes for patients.  Very honoured to receive this award. Thank you for all those who nominated and voted for me.”

The Challenging the Status Quo Award was presented by Vivek Subbiah, Chief of Early-Phase Drug Development at the Sarah Cannon Research Institute and Yvonne Award 2024 Recipient, and Ishwaria Subbiah, Executive Director for Cancer Care Equity and Professional Wellness at Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI).

Abdul Rafeh Naqash – Mentorship Award

Dr. Abdul Rafeh Naqash is a physician-scientist specializing in medical oncology, with a focus on early-phase clinical trials, immunotherapy, and biomarker research. He serves as an Assistant Professor at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine and is the Director of Immuno-Oncology at the Stephenson Cancer Center’s TSET Phase I Program.

Dr. Naqash earned his medical degree from Government Medical College Srinagar in Kashmir. He completed his internal medicine residency at the University at Buffalo/Catholic Health and pursued subspecialty training in hematology and oncology at East Carolina University. He undertook a fellowship in early-phase clinical trials at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland. Dr. Naqash has contributed to numerous high-impact journals, including the New England Journal of Medicine, Journal of Clinical Oncology, JAMA Oncology, and Clinical Cancer Research. In recognition of his contributions, Dr. Naqash has received several prestigious awards, such as the 2025 Conquer Cancer Career Development Award from the ASCO Foundation, the National Cancer Institute Director’s Award, and the 40 Under 40 in Cancer Award. He actively participates in national oncology organizations, holding leadership roles and contributing to educational initiatives aimed at early-career investigators.

“Honored to get the 2025 OncoDaily mentorship Yvonne Awards 2025 from the one and only Petros Grivas. And in the presence of the crew that matters the most who came and supported!” 

The Mentorship Award Was Presented by Petros Grivas, Clinical Director of the Genitourinary Cancers Program at the University of Washington and Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.

Catharine Young – Leadership Award

Dr. Catharine Young is a biomedical scientist and global health leader with a distinguished career spanning science, policy, and innovation. She holds a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Missouri and completed postdoctoral training in Biomedical Engineering at Cornell University. Her early career included a fellowship at the U.S. Department of Defense, where she contributed to international biosecurity efforts and the Ebola response in West Africa.

Dr. Young has held significant roles in science policy, including serving as Senior Director of Science Policy at the Biden Cancer Initiative and as a science and innovation policy advisor at the British Embassy in Washington, D.C. She later became the Assistant Director for Cancer Moonshot Policy and International Engagement at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, where she advanced initiatives aimed at reducing cancer mortality and promoting equitable access to care. In 2025, Dr. Young launched The Global Collective, a venture focused on developing collaborative solutions to global health challenges, including the establishment of a Global Cancer Fund to address disparities in cancer care worldwide. Throughout her career, Dr. Young has been recognized for her contributions to science and public health, receiving honors such as the TED Fellowship and being named among the Social Enablers Top 100 most inspiring social entrepreneurs.

“Thank you OncoDaily for this award! I’ve been so fortunate to work alongside the most brilliant minds, fiercest of advocates, and tireless leaders in global oncology – especially those pushing every day to close the gaps in access, innovation, and equity. This work is a privilege and one I do not take for granted.”

The Leadership Award was presented by Philip A. Philip, Head of Gastrointestinal and Neuroendocrine Oncology at Henry Ford Cancer Institute, and Raya Saab, Chief of Pediatric Oncology and Professor at Stanford University School of Medicine.

Marta Salek – Pediatric Oncology Award

Dr. Marta Salek is a pediatric palliative oncologist at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, specializing in integrating palliative care into pediatric oncology, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). She serves as an instructor in the Department of Global Pediatric Medicine at St. Jude.

Dr. Salek played a key role in St. Jude’s SAFER Ukraine initiative, providing on-the-ground support in Poland to assist Ukrainian children with cancer during the conflict. Dr. Salek holds a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from Jagiellonian University and earned a Master of Public Health (MPH) from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in 2022. She completed a Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Fellowship at St. Jude (2019–2022), a Pediatric Palliative and Hospice Medicine Fellowship at the University of Washington (2018–2019), and a Pediatrics Residency at Baystate Health (2015–2018). Her research focuses on improving palliative care access and outcomes for children with cancer globally. She has contributed to studies aimed at helping clinicians in LMICs navigate complex treatment decisions in childhood cancer care.

The Pediatric Oncology Award was presented by Yizhuo Zhang, Director at the Department of Pediatric Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University (SYSU) Cancer Center, and Manette Le Grange, Corporate Social Responsibility Lead – ICONIC, Servier.

Garik Sagoyan – Pediatric Oncology Award

Dr. Garik Sagoyan is a pediatric oncologist and a senior researcher at the N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology in Moscow, Russia. He specializes in the chemotherapy of thoracoabdominal tumours in children. He is the Secretary of the Russian Society of Pediatric Hematologists and Oncologists. Dr. Sagoyan earned his medical degree from Kuban State Medical University in 2016 and completed a residency in paediatric oncology at the Dmitry Rogachev National Medical Research Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Immunology. He also holds a degree in economics from the Southern Institute of Management. His research interests include nephroblastoma, neuroblastoma, and cancer predisposition syndromes. He has authored many scientific publications and contributed to national oncology guidelines.

Dr. Sagoyan serves as a country ambassador for Russia at the International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP) Asia.

Darya Kizub – Humanitarian Award

Dr. Darya Kizub is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Breast Medical Oncology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Her clinical and research focus centers on breast cancer, with particular emphasis on improving health equity, clinical trial access, and cancer care delivery in underserved and low-resource settings.

Dr. Kizub has contributed to numerous research initiatives addressing global oncology challenges. Her work includes studies on medical evacuation programs for Ukrainian cancer patients during wartime, development of mobile applications to support physicians in conflict zones, and assessments of cancer care quality in low- and middle-income countries such as Ukraine, Nigeria, and Zambia. In addition to her role at MD Anderson, Dr. Kizub serves as the Director of Medical Oncology at the Global Medical Knowledge Alliance, where she leads efforts to enhance cancer care in resource-limited settings.

The Humanitarian Award was presented by Wafik El-Deiry, Director of the Legorreta Cancer Center at Brown University, Associate Dean for Oncologic Sciences at the Warren Alpert Medical School.

Fatima Cardoso – Lifetime Achievement Award

Dr. Fátima Cardoso is a prominent Portuguese medical oncologist renowned for her leadership in breast cancer research and advocacy. She serves as the Director of the Breast Unit at the Champalimaud Clinical Center in Lisbon, Portugal, a unit she established in 2011, which became the first certified breast cancer unit in Portugal.

Dr. Cardoso earned her medical degree from the University of Porto and completed fellowships at the Jules Bordet Institute in Brussels and MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. She worked for a decade as Assistant Professor at the Jules Bordet Institute and served as the scientific director of the international research network TRANSBIG. She is the founder and President of the Advanced Breast Cancer (ABC) Global Alliance. Dr. Cardoso has held several key positions in prominent organizations, including serving on the ESMO Board of Directors, Chair of the ESMO National Representatives Committee, and member of the ESMO Public Policy Steering Committee and Guidelines Steering Committee. She also serves on the ASCO International Affairs Committee and the ASCO Breast Cancer Guideline Advisory Group.

Her research interests encompass prognostic and predictive markers, the biology of breast cancer, and the development of new anticancer agents. She has authored over 350 publications and serves as Editor-in-Chief of The Breast Journal and Associate Editor of the European Journal of Cancer. In recognition of her contributions, Dr. Cardoso has received numerous awards, including the Order of Santiago da Espada for Scientific Merit from the President of Portugal in 2015, the 2020 European Breast Cancer Science Award – Emmanuel van der Schueren Lecture, and the 2021 Umberto Veronesi Memorial Award.

“I am very honored and grateful to the Yvonne award committee members and OncoDaily for the Lifetime Achievement Award 2025 and I dedicate the award to all breast cancer patients. Thank you for giving me strength to go on.”

The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented by Lidia Schapira, Co-Editor-in-Chief of the CancerWorld Magazine, Director of the Cancer Survivorship Program, Faculty Co-Director for Clinical Research and Clinical Trials, at Stanford Cancer Institute.

About the Yvonne Awards

The Yvonne Award, inspired by the strength and resilience of the yew tree, honors emerging leaders and innovators in oncology who are shaping the future of cancer care. Symbolized by a Y-shaped sculpture, the award reflects growth and branching progress in the field.

The 2025 Yvonne Award was presented on May 30 during the ASCO Annual Meeting in Chicago, at the OncoDaily Party. It will be awarded annually, with nominations opening each January and closing in May. The award recognizes exceptional individuals across several categories: breakthrough research, global oncology, community oncology, leadership, mentorship, pediatric oncology, humanitarian efforts, and those who challenge the status quo. It is open to early-career professionals and trainees within 10 years of completing their terminal degree or faculty appointment.

The Co-Chairs of the 2025 Yvonne Award Nomination Committee were Lynn Schuchter, ASCO Board Chair and Past-President, and Larry Norton, ASCO Past-President.

We extend our sincere thanks to all members of the 2025 Yvonne Award Nomination Committee for their commitment:

Lillian Siu, Giuseppe Curigliano, Abeid Mohamed Athman Omar, Adriana Albini, Alberto Costa, Aleksandra Filipovic, Alique Topalian, Allison Magnuson, Amy Moore, Andre Ilbawi, Anna Spreafico, Armen Avagyan, Asya Agulnik, Bishal Gyawali, Bridget F. Koontz, Carlos Rodriguez-Galindo, Carolyn Presley, Catherine Dangou, Christian Rolfo, Cristina Merkhofer, Danielle Carnival, Daniela Kienle, Denisse Bretón, Elena Garralda, Elisabete Weiderpass, Elizabeth Jaffee, Fabrice André, Fatima Cardoso, Fumiko Chino, Gilberto Lopes, Giuseppe Lo Giudice, Hannah Linden, Harold Burstein, Heather Neuman, Huma Qamar, Jame Abraham, Jamie Freedman, Jason Agulnik, Jaydira Del Rivero, Jean-Charles Soria, Jennifer C. Goldsack, Jenny F. Yang, Jeremy L. Warner, Jessica Geiger, Jessica Hawley, Jill Feldman, Joaquim Bosch-Barrera, Jorge Gomez, Julie Gralow, Karen E. Knudsen, Kashyap Patel, Kate Mevis, Katie Coleman, Kristi Graves, Kristen Rice, Krzysztof M. Misiukiewicz, Lalan Wilfong, Lauren Held, Lillian Sung, Liz Salmi, Luca Tagliaferri, Luciana Holtz, Lucy Caldwell, Luis Corrales, Luis E. Raez, Lydia Scarfuto, Lydia Pace, Lynn M. Matrisian, Maggie Comper, Margaret Foti, Maria Laura Canepa, Mariam S. Eskander, Marina Garassino, Mark J. Ratain, Matti Aapro, Mauricio Burotto, Melissa Dillmon, Michael Neuss, Michael P. Kosty, Michelle Vichnin, Monica Bertagnolli, Moshe Frenkel, Nataliya Uboha, Nathan Berger, Niharika Dixit, Norma Y. Tanega, Pamela Kunz, Paris Kosmidis, Parisa Ariane, Pascale Guitera, Paula Aristizabal, Patricia Ganz, Pedro Exman, Piero Ferolla, Pilar Garrido, Prasanth Ganesan, Priya Ranganathan, Rasha Elkashif, Rebecca Miksad, Richard L. Schilsky, Ricky Sharma, Robert Dreicer, Rodrigo Dienstmann, Rosa Giuliani, Rupa Iyer, Ruth Vera, Samah Jabr, Santhosh Somasundaram, Sara Hurvitz, Sara Ray, Sarah Sammons, Scott Eggener, Shahin Sayed, Shakira Nelson, Shaheenah Dawood, Shilpen Patel, Shoaib Fakhri, Silvia Novello, Sneha Shah, Sonali Johnson, Stefan Rauh, Stefano Cascinu, Stephen B. Edge, Stephen Grubbs, Sumanta Pal, Susan M. Domchek, Suzanne George, Swee Seong Wong, Sybil Green, Tatiana Prowell, Teresa Gilewski, Tetyana Dzyubak, Thomas Powles, Timothy Gilligan, Tobias Arkenau, Toni Choueiri, Tony Mok, Tulay Canda, Vanessa Eaton, Veronica Preda, Victoria M. Mullins, Vikram Saini, Vineet Arora, Virote Sriuranpong, Vivek Subbiah, Whitney Jones, Wui-Jin Koh, Yanin Chavarri-Guerra, Yanin Ruangritchankul, Yelena Janjigian, Yervant Tufenkjian, Yusra Mohideen, and Her Excellency Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu.

Nominations for the 2026 Yvonne Award will open in January.