This year’s Brinker Award for Scientific Distinction in Clinical Research is being presented today to Judy Garber, M.D., M.P.H., Chief of the Division of Cancer Genetics and Prevention at Dana Farber Cancer Institute. In accepting the award, Dr. Garber will deliver a keynote lecture at the 44th annual San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium this afternoon.
Established by Susan G. Komen for the Cure in 1992, the Brinker Award for Scientific Distinction recognizes leading scientists for significant work in advancing research concepts and for clinical application in the fields of breast cancer research, screening or treatment. The award is presented to basic and clinical researchers who have made seminal advances in the fight against breast cancer.
Dr. Garber is being recognized for her trailblazing work and significant contributions in clinical cancer genetics that have shaped the care of people with breast cancer, their families and those at risk of breast cancer. Her research continues to advance the understanding of the role of BRCA1/2 gene mutations in breast cancer and the treatment and prevention of triple-negative breast cancer and other BRCA-associated cancers.
“Judy is a brilliant physician-scientist and is extremely devoted to her patients – delivering the best possible care and supporting them throughout their cancer journey,” said Laurie H. Glimcher President and CEO of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. “She has made tremendous contributions to the field of clinical cancer genetics that have greatly influenced the care of those at risk for breast cancer, their family members, as well as those diagnosed with the disease.”
“Dr. Garber is a true leader, both as a researcher in breast cancer genetics and as a teacher of a generation of cancer geneticists. We are delighted to recognize the accomplishments of this superb physician-scientist,” said Komen’s Chief Scientific Advisor, Dr. George Sledge, Jr. M.D., Professor of Medicine, Stanford University.
Judy E. Garber, MD, MPH
Dr. Garber is the Susan F. Smith Chair, Chief of the Division of Cancer Genetics and Prevention and co-leader of the The Mellen and Eisenson Family Center for BRCA and Related Genes at Dana Farber Cancer Institute and a Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. She conducts research in clinical cancer genetics, with a special focus in the genetics of breast cancer. . Dr. Garber is also a leader in research into the characteristics and treatment of triple negative or basal-like breast cancer, the most common form in women with BRCA1 mutations. Her translational research focuses on the evaluation of novel agents targeting DNA repair defects in breast cancer, including PARP inhibitors for treatment, of breast cancer and other BRCA-associated cancers and denosumab for the prevention of BRCA1-associated breast cancer.
