Investing in innovation for all cancer research:

Damon Runyon’s award programs are targeted to have the greatest impact on cancer research. We foster new generations of elite scientists and fill gaps in traditional research funding that threaten future breakthroughs.

Lung Cancer

The Potential of Prevention

One of the earliest scientists funded by Damon Runyon proved the connection between cigarette smoking and cancer, which causes approximately 30% of all cancers.

Pediatric cancers

Addressing an important area of need

We aim to recruit and support more top researchers focused on pediatric cancers.

Breast cancer

Genetic revolution

A Damon Runyon scientist co-discovered BRCA1, the first human gene to be identified as a hereditary cause of breast cancer.

Prostate and testiscular cancers

Proof of principle

The development of the first immunotherapy approved by the FDA for prostate cancer was led by a Damon Runyon scientist.

Skin cancers

Scientific pioneers

Damon Runyon scientists have been at the forefront of the revolution in treatments for metastatic melanoma, including breakthrough immunotherapies.

Ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancers

Proof of principle

The development of the first immunotherapy approved by the FDA for prostate cancer was led by a Damon Runyon scientist.

Colorectal and gastric cancers

Preventing cancer

Ongoing studies by a Damon Runyon scientist are proving the benefit of aspirin for some individuals in reducing the risk of colon and other cancers.

Pancreatic cancers

A major breakthrough

Damon Runyon scientists were involved in the research that led to vaccines to prevent cervical cancer, one of most important developments in cancer prevention in history.

Blood cancers

Harnessing the immune system

Damon Runyon scientists are saving lives by reengineering patients’ own immune cells to recognize and kill leukemia cancer cells.

Sarcomas

Creating new technology

A Damon Runyon Innovator developed hand-held imaging device to enable surgeons to see and remove single sarcoma cancer cells spread beyond the primary tumor.

Brain

New ways to target cancer

A Damon Runyon scientist discovered genetic mutations in glioblastomas that affect tumor metabolism, leading to the development of new drugs currently in clinical trials.

Head and Neck

Identifying the cause

A Damon Runyon scientist proved that recent increases in head and neck cancers were caused by the human papilloma virus, which can be prevented by new vaccines.

Other Cancers

Progress against all cancers

Damon Runyon is committed to funding research on all types of cancer, from the most common to the rarest.

Research Impacting All Cancers

From knowledge to action

The more we understand cancer, the smarter we can be at preventing and curing it. Damon Runyon funds a broad range of research on the innermost workings of the human cell, in both healthy and cancerous states.