Hagop Kantarjian, MD (Photo courtesy of MD Anderson Cancer Center)
Hagop Kantarjian, MD, was awarded the 2023 David A. Karnofsky Memorial Award by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) during the 2023 ASCO Annual Meeting in June. The award is presented annually to an oncologist who has made great strides in cancer research, diagnosis, or treatment.
Dr. Kantarjian, chair of leukemia at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, was recognized for his leukemia clinical research contributions. Throughout his career, he has led countless national and international clinical trials for both leukemia subtypes and next-generation BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
His work has led to changes in standard of care, U.S. Food and Drug Administration drug approvals, and improved survival rates and quality of life for patients.
In addition to his research, Dr. Kantarjian has made great contributions through training and mentorship efforts, including founding the MD Anderson Leukemia Fellowship Program. He has also been recognized for his advocacy efforts for patient-centered issues such as drug shortages and costs.
“Cancer research and patient care have been my life’s passion and mission, and I am honored to be recognized by ASCO with the society’s highest scientific award,” Dr. Kantarjian said. “I am grateful for all of the outstanding investigators in the leukemia department and outside colleagues whom I have had the privilege of working with throughout my career.”
Source: MD Anderson Cancer Center, April 26, 2023.
