The American Society of Clinical Oncology honors Dana-Farber’s Ken Anderson

The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) has named Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's Ken Anderson, MD, its 2011 David A. Karnofsky Memorial Award and Lecture honoree for his outstanding achievements in cancer research and patient treatment.

ASCO will recognize Anderson at its annual meeting on June 4 for his studies on novel, biologically based therapies for multiple myeloma that have helped to transform myeloma therapy.

"Dr. Anderson is a giant in the field of blood cancer in general and multiple myeloma in particular," says Robert Soiffer, MD, chief, Division of Hematologic Malignancies and co-chief of the Stem Cell Transplant Program at Dana-Farber. "He has redefined the model of bench-to-bedside translational research. It is through efforts like those of Dr. Anderson that we as an oncologic community can make truly meaningful strides towards conquering cancer."

Anderson is the director of Dana-Farber's Jerome Lipper Center for Multiple Myeloma and LeBow Institute for Myeloma Therapeutics and the Kraft Family Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School.

During the last three decades, Anderson's research has focused on bench-to-bedside studies of novel, biologically based therapies for multiple myeloma.

His model for identifying and validating targets in the tumor cell and its microenvironment has already transformed myeloma therapy, and offers great promise for patients with other hematologic malignancies or for those with solid tumors.

ASCO recognizes researchers, patient advocates, and leaders of the global oncology community who, through their work, have made significant contributions to enhancing cancer care.

Anderson, and other recipients of ASCO's highest, most prestigious awards represent significant strides in cancer treatment and leadership.