Professor Alan Ashworth
Breakthrough Breast Cancer Research Centre
London, United Kingdom

Awarded to Prof. Alan Ashworth for his outstanding contributions to the understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations in breast cancer, and in what has come to be termed triple negative subtype. In particular his achievements have demonstrated that inhibition of PARP, a key enzyme in the pathway of DNA repair, synergized with BRCA mutant cells already defective in DNA break repair. This provides a new therapeutic target for BRCA-mutant, and perhaps also triple negative breast cancers and PARP inhibitors which are already showing very encouraging results in the treatment of these breast cancers.

The ESMO Lifetime Achievement Award is awarded to either an international research team or individual who have demonstrated commitment to cancer research treatment.

Supported by an unrestricted grant from GlaxoSmithKline

Professor T. Andrew Lister
St. Bartholomew’s Hospital Department of Medical Oncology
London, United Kingdom

Awarded to Prof. T. Andrew Lister, a leading figure in the field of malignant hematologic cancer for many years. He established a very productive group of clinical and laboratory investigators in the Medical Oncology Unit at St. Bartholomew’s Hospital, which has grown and become one of the leading cancer centers in the UK and certainly one of the leading lymphoma centers in the world. He is a leader in his field and has focused his research efforts on malignant blood diseases.

The Hamilton Fairley Award commemorates the founding fathers of Medical Oncology in Europe and is presented to candidates who are internationally recognized for lifetime achievements in science and clinical/laboratory research.

Professor E.G. Elisabeth de Vries
University Medical Center Groningen
Groningen, The Netherlands

Awarded to Prof. Elisabeth de Vries, MD, a prominent figure in medical oncology in The Netherlands and Europe. She has made impressive scientific contributions in the following fields: neuroendocrine tumors, breast and ovarian cancers, molecular imaging and survivorship issues. She is highly appreciated for her rigorous methodology and mentorship of many young oncologists.

The ESMO Award is conferred on an ESMO member who has made an outstanding contribution to the development of oncology in Europe and who recognizes the importance of promoting oncology as a specialty within the international community.