The American-Italian Cancer Foundation gave the 2024 Prize for Scientific Excellence in Medicine, sponsored by the Alexander Bodini Foundation, to Dr. Giulio F. Draetta and Dr. Laura Esserman for the important discoveries in cancer biology, prevention, diagnosis and/or treatment. They will be presented with a $50,000 prize at AICF’s Benefit Dinner & Auctions on November 12, 2024 at the Pierre Hotel in New York.
“Their remarkable achievements have not only expanded our understanding of cancer but have also paved the way for new, life-saving treatments. Their work exemplifies the profound impact that scientific research can have on improving cancer care,” said Daniele Bodini, Chairman of the American-Italian Cancer Foundation.
Giulio F. Draetta, MD, PhD, is the winner of the Prize in the Basic Science Category. He is senior vice president and chief scientific officer at MD Anderson. He is also a member of the institution’s Executive Leadership Team and holds appointments as professor of Genomic Medicine and the Sewell Family Distinguished University Chair. He is head of a lab focused on tumor heterogeneity, oncogenic reprogramming of epigenetic and metabolic pathways, and mechanisms of disease adaptation and evolution.
Dr. Laura Esserman is the winner of the Prize in the Clinical Category. She is the Director of the UCSF Breast Care Center, Alfred A. de Lorimier Endowed Chair in General Surgery and Professor of Surgery and Radiology at the University of California, San Francisco. She is a renowned breast cancer surgeon and researcher, recognized for her pioneering work in breast cancer early detection and personalized treatment of patients. Her innovative approaches have transformed patient care, emphasizing the importance of tailoring treatments to individual patients’ needs, thereby improving outcomes and quality of life for countless individuals.
