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.
Pediatric Cancers
Addressing an important area of need - We aim to recruit and support more top researchers focused on pediatric cancers.
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.
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.
Skin Cancers
Scientific pioneers - Damon Runyon scientists have been at the forefront of the revolution in treatments for metastatic melanoma, including breakthrough immunotherapies.
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.
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.
Pancreatic Cancer
Seeking an Achilles’ Heel – Many of our scientists are leading the race to find new approaches to this pernicious form of cancer.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
