PLYMOUTH MEETING, PA — The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®) and its NCCN Foundation® have announced the recipients of the 2025 Young Investigator Awards (YIA). This initiative provides critical funding to early-career researchers at NCCN Member Institutions, with each awardee receiving up to $150,000 over two years to advance cutting-edge cancer research.
“Early-career researchers bring fresh perspectives to some of the most complex challenges in cancer care,” said Dr. Crystal S. Denlinger, Chief Executive Officer of NCCN. “This program is an investment in their potential and the discoveries that will improve cancer outcomes in the future.”
This year, four researchers were selected for their innovative studies aimed at improving cancer treatment:
- Dr. Rachel Abelman, Mass General Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, will lead a Phase II study on combining sacituzumab govitecan and pembrolizumab for treatment-resistant triple-negative breast cancer.
- Dr. Mathew Angelos, University of Colorado Cancer Center, will conduct a first-of-its-kind study evaluating CAR T-cell therapy for refractory or relapsed acute myeloid leukemia.
- Dr. Kathryn Tringale, UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center, will explore neurotoxicity biomarkers in CAR T-cell therapy through advanced neuroimaging techniques.
- Dr. Jennifer Zhang, Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, will investigate intratumoral CD40 agonists and checkpoint inhibitors in resectable breast cancer.
These projects reflect the NCCN’s commitment to addressing today’s urgent challenges in oncology. Patrick Delaney, the foundation’s executive director, expressed enthusiasm for the awardees’ potential. “These talented researchers are driving the next wave of cancer breakthroughs. Their work will undoubtedly transform the field.”
The NCCN Foundation has awarded over $11.7 million to 79 researchers through the YIA program since 2011, enabling studies that contribute to ongoing advances in cancer care. Prior recipients have presented significant findings, such as innovations in molecular residual disease monitoring and symptom management in palliative care, at NCCN conferences.
Support for this year’s awards came from notable partnerships, including AbbVie, Merck & Co., Inc., and Jazz Pharmaceuticals. Together, these efforts reaffirm the collective mission to empower groundbreaking research that improves outcomes and saves lives.
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