Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center

Dr. Dennis Slamon received the 2024 Szent-Györgyi Prize for his work on developing Herceptin, a breast cancer drug targeting HER2+ cancers, significantly improving prognosis. He continues to research resistance mechanisms and other breast cancer subtypes.

UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, and UCLA Fielding School of Public Health received a $2.5 million grant from the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation to reduce lung cancer screening disparities in Los Angeles County through the California Partnerships to Increase Access to Lung Cancer Screening (CAL-PALS) program. The initiative aims to expand access to lung cancer screening for marginalized groups by collaborating with community hospitals and implementing system-level changes, supported by educational campaigns and community outreach.

The 2024 NFCR Global Summit and Award Ceremonies for Cancer Research & Entrepreneurship, co-hosted with the AIM-HI Accelerator Fund, convened top experts across cancer research, biotech entrepreneurship, pharmaceuticals, investment, and patient advocacy at the National Press Club. The event highlighted cutting-edge cancer research advancements, early detection and intervention, AI in diagnostics and personalized treatment strategies, fostering innovative collaborations, and driving breakthrough solutions. Keynotes and panels discussed immunotherapies, biomarkers, personalized approaches, and AI-powered diagnostics. The summit also featured an Innovative Oncology Company Showcase and investor perspectives, culminating in awards and a panel on the future of cancer research.

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are emerging in oncology, with dozens approved by the FDA. ADCs offer a 'bystander effect' but can increase off-target toxicity. Aditya Bardia highlighted ADCs like sacituzumab govitecan, trastuzumab deruxtecan, and datopotamab deruxtecan, which show superiority over chemotherapy in metastatic settings. Domenica Lorusso noted over 260 ADCs in cancer trials, calling them a 'rising star' in ovarian cancer. Toon Van Gorp emphasized TROP2 as a key target in cervical cancer. Challenges include understanding ADC resistance mechanisms and managing toxicities, necessitating multidisciplinary approaches.