Norman Wolmark, MD, FACS, FRCSC, will receive the Brinker Award for Scientific Distinction in Clinical Research and deliver the lecture “The Contribution of NSABP Clinical Trials to the Management of Early Breast Cancer: PAST AS PROLOGUE” on Friday, December 9, at 11:30 am CT in Hall 2 of the convention center.

Dr. Wolmark, who is Professor of Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Chairman of the NSABP Foundation, Inc. and an NRG Oncology Group Chair & Contact Principal Investigator, is recognized for his innovation and significant contributions to patient care. He was instrumental in establishing breast-conserving surgery as the standard of care for invasive and non-invasive breast cancer, eliminating the need for radical mastectomy, offering options and improving the quality of life for breast cancer patients.

Over the last four decades, Dr. Wolmark has led numerous clinical trials, including two of the largest chemoprevention clinical trials leading to FDA approval of the use of tamoxifen and raloxifene for breast cancer prevention in high-risk patients. He also led the development of the 21-gene recurrence score assay, Oncotype DX, a tumor profiling test that predicts the chance of metastasis and helps determine the benefit of using chemotherapy in addition to hormone therapy in certain patients.   

“Dr. Wolmark’s contributions can be seen in breast cancer clinics worldwide. His efforts have afforded women more effective and less invasive options for breast cancer care. Additionally, his research has shifted the breast cancer field into preventative and more personalized care leading to better outcomes for so many,” said Komen’s Chief Scientific Advisor, Jennifer Pietenpol, PhD, Chief Scientific and Strategy Officer at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.