Celebrating the groundbreaking contributions of women scientists who are transforming oncology through innovative research and leadership.
In the relentless fight against cancer, a powerful force is shaping the future of oncology: the groundbreaking contributions of women scientists.
From pioneering new immunotherapies to harnessing artificial intelligence for early detection, women are at the forefront of the most exciting advances in cancer research 2 . Their work is not only transforming how we understand and treat this complex disease but also ensuring that the scientific community reflects the diverse populations it serves.
This article celebrates the women driving this progress and explores the innovative research, from key laboratory experiments to major clinical trials, that is bringing us closer to a world without cancer. Through their leadership and ingenuity, these researchers are not just breaking glass ceilings—they are building new foundations for cancer care.
Fundamental discoveries in cancer biology
Translating discoveries to patient care
AI and data science in oncology
Global research partnerships
The landscape of cancer research is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and women scientists are central to this transformation.
Women have been instrumental in developing revolutionary treatments that harness the body's immune system to fight cancer.
Scientists like Dr. Karin E. de Visser, the 2025 recipient of the Pezcoller-Marina Larcher Fogazzaro-EACR Women in Cancer Research Award, are uncovering the complex interactions between cancer and the immune system 8 .
Visionary computational biologists are pioneering the application of single-cell genomics and computational biology to study the immune system.
In 2025, AI tools are being deployed across the cancer care continuum—from enhancing diagnostic accuracy to predicting patient responses 2 .
These treatments act like "molecular guided missiles," interfering with specific molecules involved in cancer growth while largely sparing healthy cells 5 .
Women researchers are contributing to the development of these therapies and the identification of biomarkers for precision medicine.
| Award | Recipient/Organization | Recognition Purpose | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pezcoller-Marina Larcher Fogazzaro-EACR Award | Dr. Karin E. de Visser | Celebrating achievements in cancer research and championing women in the field 8 | 2025 |
| William B. Coley Award | Dr. Alan Korman & Dr. Aviv Regev | Distinguished research in basic and tumor immunology | 2025 |
| AACR-WICR Scholar Awards | Multiple early-career scientists | Supporting meritorious women scientists-in-training 1 | 2025 |
| AACR-WICR Charlotte Friend Lectureship | Outstanding scientists in cancer research | Recognizing contributions and advancement of women in science 4 | 2025 |
A groundbreaking clinical trial presented at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting addresses anaplastic thyroid cancer with a specific BRAF V600E mutation 9 .
Patients with this aggressive cancer often face a poor prognosis because their disease is typically diagnosed at an advanced stage when surgical removal is no longer feasible.
Research Question: Could a combination of targeted drugs given before surgery make successful operation possible and improve survival?
Researchers enrolled patients with Stage IV BRAF V600E-mutated anaplastic thyroid cancer, a population with limited treatment options.
Patients received a three-drug regimen called DTP:
After DTP treatment, patients underwent surgery to remove any remaining cancer.
Evaluation of successful surgical resection rates and two-year survival rates.
The findings, presented in May 2025, were striking. The strategic use of combination therapy before surgery resulted in dramatically improved outcomes compared to historical averages 9 .
This study provides powerful evidence that a precision medicine approach—using targeted therapies matched to a tumor's specific genetic mutation—can transform outcomes even for the most aggressive cancers.
The impressive two-year survival rate of 69% offers new hope for a patient population that previously had very few options.
Broader Implication: This research demonstrates a shifting paradigm in oncology where systemic therapies are used not just after, but before surgery to maximize effectiveness.
The remarkable progress in cancer research is made possible by a sophisticated array of technologies and reagents that allow scientists to probe the deepest mysteries of cancer biology.
Primary Function: Monoclonal antibodies that block proteins that stop immune responses .
Application: Drugs like pembrolizumab release "brakes" on T-cells to attack tumors 9 .
The featured thyroid cancer study exemplified the strategic use of modern research tools:
Beyond these specific tools, the field is being transformed by artificial intelligence. AI-powered platforms help identify patients who may benefit from targeted treatments, making cancer research more precise, efficient, and personalized 2 .
Recognizing that a diverse scientific community is essential for innovation, several organizations have established programs specifically to support and celebrate women in cancer research.
Provide financial support to scientists-in-training who are members of WICR and first authors of meritorious abstracts at AACR Annual Meetings 1 .
Purpose: To encourage women to pursue careers in cancer research and increase their scientific knowledge base.
Honors an outstanding scientist who has not only made significant contributions to cancer research but has also furthered the advancement of women in science 4 .
Presented to celebrate a researcher who has championed the advancement of women in the field 8 .
Recognition: Includes a €10,000 honorarium and a prestigious lecture at the EACR Congress.
Organizations offer workshops specifically tailored for women in science, such as the AACR's "Women and Power" workshop focusing on leadership training and resilience building 4 .
These support systems are vital for fostering the next generation of women cancer researchers and ensuring that the scientific community benefits from a full spectrum of perspectives and talents in the fight against cancer.
The future of cancer research is bright, not because of any single technology or breakthrough, but because of a fundamental shift toward collaboration and inclusion.
The field is moving away from isolated labs and toward massive, connected networks where breakthroughs in one country spark innovations across continents 5 .
This collaborative spirit is amplified by the growing recognition that diverse teams—including the vital contributions of women scientists—are essential for solving complex problems like cancer.
This model is powerfully augmented by the intentional involvement of patients and the public in shaping research priorities, ensuring that scientific efforts address the questions that matter most 7 .
Initiatives like the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network in Canada exemplify this approach, connecting top cancer hospitals and research centers to bring precision medicine to patients faster 5 .
Similarly, global data-sharing consortia are breaking down traditional silos, creating an ecosystem where a discovery in one lab can rapidly inform research thousands of miles away.
As we look ahead, the integration of advanced technologies like AI, the refinement of immunotherapies, and the continued development of targeted treatments promise to further accelerate progress.
The foundational work being done by today's scientists—a growing number of whom are talented women receiving well-deserved recognition—is building a world where cancer is not necessarily defeated, but is increasingly managed as a chronic condition or prevented altogether. Their dedication and brilliance ensure that the path from the laboratory to the patient is becoming shorter, bringing hope and health to millions around the globe.