Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation Grants $3.2 Million to Pioneering Early-Career Scientists

The Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation has made headlines with its announcement of the 2025 Damon Runyon-Rachleff Innovation Award recipients, an initiative that emphasizes high-risk, high-reward research in the battle against cancer. This prestigious award is particularly significant as it aims to propel innovative ideas that may transform the ways we understand and treat various types of cancer. In this competitive selection process, eight talented researchers were recognized for their groundbreaking proposals, reflecting the Foundation’s commitment to fostering a new generation of scientific inquiry.

Among the five new recipients of the award, Dr. Yiyin Erin Chen from the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard is poised to explore an intriguing angle in cancer immunotherapy. Dr. Chen’s research proposal centers around skin commensal bacteria, the harmless microorganisms that inhabit our skin. Her objective is to uncover mechanisms whereby these bacteria can stimulate a systemic antitumor response. By identifying which skin cells can relay these bacterial signals to immune cells, she aims to create a novel cancer vaccine strategy that uses engineered versions of these bacteria. This innovative approach targets melanoma initially but holds promise for broader applications across various cancer types.

Dr. Meghan A. Morrissey, representing the University of California, Santa Barbara, introduces an equally compelling project focused on macrophages—the immune cells responsible for engulfing pathogens and cancer cells. Her research aims to enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapies that harness macrophages for tumor cell destruction, specifically in cases of Her2-positive breast and ovarian cancers. By investigating the phenomenon known as trogocytosis, where macrophages nibble cancer cells rather than completely engulfing and destroying them, Dr. Morrissey hopes to convert this seemingly ineffective process into a potent mechanism for cancer cell death.

At Rutgers, Dr. Natasha O’Brown is tackling a formidable obstacle in glioblastoma treatment—the blood-brain barrier (BBB). This protective barrier often limits the efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents. Dr. O’Brown proposes to utilize zebrafish models to identify small molecules capable of temporarily increasing BBB permeability, thereby improving drug delivery to brain tumors. Her research not only seeks to identify these molecules but also aims to engineer specialized zebrafish models to validate her findings in mammalian systems. This innovative concept proposes a promising avenue toward enhanced treatment regimens for patients grappling with aggressive brain cancers.

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s Dr. Justin Perry is redirecting attention to the interplay between tumor cells and immune cells within the tumor microenvironment. Focusing on triple-negative breast cancer, a particularly aggressive form of the disease, Dr. Perry’s investigations delve into how macrophages contribute to the metabolic needs of tumor cells. By manipulating and imaging cellular metabolism, his work promises to unveil crucial insights about the nutrient-sharing dynamics that allow cancer cells to thrive. This research could pave the way for personalized treatment strategies, significantly impacting patient outcomes and redefining therapeutic approaches for various metastatic cancers.

Another innovative mind, Dr. Mark Yarmarkovich from New York University Grossman School of Medicine, is pushing the boundaries of CAR T-cell therapy. While CAR T-cell therapy has successfully transformed cancer treatment for some patients, the majority of patients still lack access to effective treatments due to challenges in identifying suitable tumor-specific targets. Dr. Yarmarkovich’s proposal aims to broaden the scope of CAR therapy by utilizing a new class of CAR T cells that target intracellular proteins—the key drivers of tumors traditionally beyond the reach of current CAR technology. This paradigm-shifting approach could not only enhance the efficiency of existing therapies but also expand the patient population that can benefit from these cutting-edge treatments.

In addition to the five new Innovators, the Damon Runyon Foundation also recognized three current Innovators who have demonstrated significant progress and have been granted Stage 2 continuation support. Dr. Lucas Farnung from Harvard Medical School aims to decode the complexities of gene expression regulation in cancers stemming from MLL translocations, which represent a significant portion of pediatric and adult leukemias. His use of biophysical methods to visualize the molecular mechanics at play promises a deeper understanding of these cancers and could lead to new therapeutic avenues.

Similarly, Dr. Ryan A. Flynn from Boston Children’s Hospital is delving into the world of cell surface ligands in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). His research intends to identify RNA structures on the surface of AML cells and develop antibodies capable of selectively targeting and eliminating these cancer cells. The implications of this groundwork may extend beyond AML, opening new doors for diagnostics and therapeutics in various cancer types.

Finally, Dr. (Kathy) Fange Liu from the University of Pennsylvania will examine the Y chromosome-encoded proteins that exhibit significant involvement in cancer development across non-reproductive tissues. By understanding how these proteins differ from their X chromosome counterparts, Dr. Liu aims to elucidate their role in sex-biased cancer disparities. This exploration into sex differences in cancer could lead to more tailored approaches in treatment and highlight the necessity of considering biological sex in cancer research.

The Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation’s commitment to innovative research reflects a broader understanding that pivotal breakthroughs often arise from bold, unconventional ideas. By nurturing early-career researchers through the Innovation Award, the Foundation plays a vital role in empowering scientists to explore untapped avenues in cancer research. Each of the awardees exemplifies not only an innovative spirit but also a dedicated commitment to improving the lives of cancer patients by addressing critical gaps in current knowledge and treatment modalities.

As we examine the ambitious pursuits of these trailblazers, it becomes evident that the future of cancer research lies in the convergence of diverse scientific disciplines and innovative methodologies. The combination of their unique perspectives and cutting-edge research approaches represents a collaborative effort to tackle one of humanity’s most persistent challenges. In a world where the fight against cancer remains a pressing concern, the determination and creativity showcased by these researchers provide hope for transformative advancements in diagnosis, treatment, and ultimately, prevention.