The Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation Honors Oncologist for Groundbreaking Targeted Therapy Research

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Vassiliki A. Papadimitrakopoulou, M.D., honored at the 19th Annual International Lung Cancer Congress.

SAN CARLOS, Calif. (July 26, 2018) — The Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation (ALCF) has selected Vassiliki A. Papadimitrakopoulou, M.D. as the recipient of the 2018 Addario Lectureship Award for her groundbreaking clinical research in immunotherapy targeted lung cancer treatments. Dr. Papadimitrakopoulou is the Jay and Lori Eisenberg distinguished professor of medicine and chief of the Thoracic Medical Oncology section in the Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Dr. Papadimitrakopoulou will receive the award at the 19th International Lung Cancer Congress held July 26-28 in Huntington Beach, California.

“Dr. Papadimitrakopoulou’s leadership in the Lung-MAP clinical trial has led to new and effective treatment options, helping people with squamous cell lung cancer live longer,” said Bonnie J. Addario, a 14-year lung cancer survivor and founder of the ALCF. “She is an amazing researcher and clinician, and her work has been instrumental in offering patients personalized treatments with precision medicines that target genetic changes in each patient’s cancer.”

“Not too long ago lung cancer was a disease with limited treatment options, but thanks to incredible advances in science and patient advocacy we have made important strides in improving patient outcomes and increasing awareness of the problem,” said Dr. Papadimitrakopoulou. “ALCF embodies all the best qualities of an advocacy organization for lung cancer and I feel incredibly honored for the recognition of my efforts and at the same time encouraged to continue contributing towards further improvements and cures.”

Dr. Papadimitrakopoulou’s areas of expertise include design and development of novel therapeutic clinical trials and exploring new ways to help lung cancer patients live longer. Her major career accomplishments include:

  • Spearheading the BATTLE-2 trial a biopsy-driven biomarker directed umbrella study containing multiple therapies for advanced non-small cell lung cancer.
  • Creating and leading a large biomarker-driven clinical trial of targeted therapies for squamous cell lung cancer, leading to highly efficient testing of targeted therapies and immunotherapeutic approaches.
  • Leading several non-small cell lung cancer studies targeting KRAS gene mutations and participating in team science efforts aimed at targeting KRAS.

Dr. Papadimitrakopoulou is the lead author or co-author of more than 175 published articles, book chapters, reviews and abstracts involving cancer therapeutics, prevention and translational research, and she has received several awards including the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Young Investigator and Career Development Award.

Past Addario Lectureship Award recipients include:

  • 2017-Frances A. Shepherd, M.D., FRCPC, Professor of Medicine, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto
  • 2016-Giorgio Vittorio Scagliotti, M.D., Professor of Oncology, University of Torino, Head of the Department of Oncology and Chief of the Division of Medical Oncology, San Luigi Hospital, Torino, Italy
  • 2015-Fred R. Hirsch, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine
  • 2014-Roy S. Herbst, M.D., Ph.D., Ensign Professor of Medicine and Chief of Medical Oncology, Yale Cancer Center
  • 2013-Tony Mok, M.D., Professor in the Department of Clinical Oncology, Chinese University of Hong Kong in Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong
  • 2012-D. Ross Camidge, M.D., Ph.D., Director of the Thoracic Oncology Clinical Program and Associate Director for Clinical Research, Colorado University Cancer Center
  • 2011-William Pao , M.D., Ph.D., Associate Professor of Medicine, Ingram Associate Professor of Cancer Research, Director, Personalized Cancer Medicine, Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center
  • 2010-David R. Gandara , M.D., Associate Director, Clinical Research, UC Davis Cancer Center
  • 2009-Harvey Pass , M.D., B.A., Director of the Division of Thoracic Surgery and Chief of Thoracic Surgery, New York University Medical Center
  • 2008-Paul A. Bunn, Jr. M.D., Principal Investigator and Director, University of Colorado Cancer Center

The ALCF has supported the International Lung Cancer Congress for more than a decade and serves as a co-sponsor, along with the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC). The annual three-day event provides current, practical information on the management of lung cancer, as well as a look at the novel agents and strategies with the potential to shape the future of lung cancer therapy. Leading international and national experts provide perspectives on how to incorporate the latest data on targeted agents, immunotherapy, surgery, and radiation oncology in the clinic. Cutting-edge lectures, panel discussions, multidisciplinary tumor boards, and interactive question-and-answer sessions provide a unique opportunity for participants to engage with faculty as they share their perspectives and personal experiences on the clinical challenges and ongoing controversies in lung cancer.

About the Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation

The Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation (ALCF) is one of the largest international philanthropies (patient-founded, patient-focused and patient-driven) devoted exclusively to eradicating lung cancer through research, early detection, education and treatment. The Foundation’s goal is to work with a diverse group of physicians, organizations, industry partners, individuals, patients, survivors and their families to identify solutions and make timely and meaningful change, and to turn lung cancer into a chronically managed disease. The ALCF was established on March 1, 2006, as a 501c(3) non-profit organization and has raised more than $30 million for lung cancer research and related programs. The foundation has received four stars from Charity Navigator and has earned the platinum GuideStar nonprofit seal of transparency. For more information about the ALCF please visit www.lungcancerfoundation.org and follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

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