Dr. Daniel D. Von Hoff, Physician-in-Chief for the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), won a top award from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) for his cancer research and was presented the 2010 David A. Karnofsky Memorial Award and Lecture at ASCO’s 46th Annual Meeting, held June 4-8, 2010 at the McCormick Place in Chicago. The award is for Dr. Von Hoff’s outstanding achievements in cancer research and for his impact on the treatment of patients with cancer.”

Dr. Von Hoff is an internationally recognized physician-scientist who has contributed to the development of numerous anticancer agents, including paclitaxel, docetaxel, irinotecan and gemcitabine. He also is the Chief Scientific Officer of TGen Clinical Research Services at Scottsdale Healthcare and at US Oncology, and is a Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of Arizona College of Medicine.

Each year through its Special Awards Program, ASCO recognizes quality researchers, patient advocates and leaders of the global oncology community who through their work have made significant contributions to enhancing cancer care. These recipients of ASCO’s highest, most prestigious awards collectively represent significant strides in cancer treatment and leadership in the oncology community.

“The work of this year’s awardees collectively represents decades of commitment to improving the care and quality of life for people living with cancer,” said Richard L. Schilsky, M.D., ASCO’s Immediate Past President and Chair of the Special Awards Selection Committee. “Our understanding of the biological basis of cancer and our ability to transform that knowledge into better treatments for patients have been enhanced by their contributions and it is an honor to present them ASCO’s highest awards.”

The David A. Karnofsky Memorial Award was first presented in 1970. It recognizes outstanding contributions to cancer research, diagnosis and/or treatment. A lecture is given during the opening session of the ASCO Annual Meeting.

The award is named after David A. Karnofsky, 1914-1969, an American clinical oncologist and specialist in cancer chemotherapy who was affiliated with the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. He is known for developing the Karnofsky scale, an index for determining a patient’s suitability for therapy and for estimating a patient’s physical state, performance and prognosis after a therapeutic procedure.

About the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)

The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) is the world’s leading professional organization representing physicians who care for people with cancer. With more than 28,000 members, ASCO is committed to improving cancer care through scientific meetings, educational programs and peer-reviewed journals. For ASCO information and resources, visit www.asco.org/presscenter.