Investing in Innovation for All Cancer Research

When you support Damon Runyon scientists, you are funding research that addresses questions common to all cancers, as well as those related to specific types of the disease.

Select a cancer type to view currently funded projects

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.

Current Projects

 

Pediatric Cancers

Addressing an important area of need - We aim to recruit and support more top researchers focused on pediatric cancers.

Current Projects

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.

Current Projects

 

Prostate and Testicular Cancers

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

Current Projects

Skin Cancers

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

Current Projects

 

Ovarian, Uterine, and Cervical 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.

Current Projects

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.

Current Projects

 

Pancreatic Cancer

Seeking an Achilles’ Heel – Many of our scientists are leading the race to find new approaches to this pernicious form of cancer.

Current Projects

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. 

Current Projects

 

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.

Current Projects

Brain and Central Nervous System Tumors

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.

Current Projects

 

Head and Neck Cancers

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.

Current Projects

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.

Current Projects

 

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.

Current Projects