Powering Progress Together

Since 1907, the American Association for Cancer Research® (AACR) has united basic, translational, and clinical researchers; cancer survivors; patient advocates; and partners from various sectors around a shared goal: to accelerate progress against all cancers. Across generations, AACR’s culture of collaboration and scientific ingenuity has fueled breakthroughs that once seemed out of reach. Today, that same spirit of partnership continues to power discoveries that are transforming patient care and redefining what is possible in cancer research.

This issue of Leading Discoveries highlights the impact of that sustained commitment to science. Our cover story features Frank McCormick, PhD, FAACR, whose pioneering research laid the critical groundwork for targeting KRAS-driven cancers. AACR President from 2012-2013, Dr. McCormick helped define how mutant RAS proteins drive cancer growth at a time when effective therapies remained elusive. His characterization of the RAS family of genes and their aberrant proteins paved the way for the first targeted therapy to block the KRAS G12C mutation in non-small cell lung cancer in 2021. Building on this foundation, Dr. McCormick and other researchers continue to advance novel approaches for pancreatic, colorectal, and other cancers that frequently harbor KRAS mutations—demonstrating how deep biological insight can reshape treatment.

Another story marks the 10th anniversary of AACR Project GENIE and the visionary leadership of Charles L. Sawyers, MD, FAACR. During his 2013–2014 tenure as AACR President, Dr. Sawyers championed the creation of a publicly accessible cancer registry integrating real-world genomic and clinical data. Today, AACR Project GENIE includes more than 250,000 sequenced samples from more than 200,000 patients and 20 participating institutions. Through a research collaboration with the Biopharma Collaborative, a coalition of 10 biopharmaceutical companies, the registry has also expanded to include critical data from more than 19,000 de-identified patients representing 10 different cancer types. AACR Project GENE exemplifies how data sharing and cross-sector partnerships accelerate discovery and improve patient care.

Since 2011, AACR Cancer Progress Reports have chronicled advances that are transforming cancer care. AACR published the 15th AACR Cancer Progress Report 2025 in September, followed by the AACR Pediatric Cancer Progress Report 2025 in December. This inaugural pediatric cancer report examined the research strides that have increased survival in children with cancer. AACR also continues to elevate the voice of the cancer research community. As a founding organizer and lead sponsor of the Rally for Medical Research, AACR again joined partners on Capitol Hill for the 13th year to call on policymakers to make medical research funding a national priority. At that Rally, stage 4 head and neck cancer survivor Richard Schleuter, along with his wife Michelle, shared their powerful story, reminding policymakers that research progress is deeply personal.

The AACR Annual Meeting 2026, set for April 17-22 in San Diego, reflects the extraordinary breadth and latest advances in cancer research. Program Chairs, Paul S. Mischel, MD, FAACR, and Alice T. Shaw, MD, PhD, FAACR, preview groundbreaking science aligned with the theme, “Precision, Partnership, Purpose: Advancing Cancer Science to Save Lives Globally”. The meeting will once again bring together basic scientists, clinical investigators, population scientists, industry leaders, and patient advocates—demonstrating how progress is accelerated when disciplines and perspectives converge.

Philanthropic support for the AACR Foundation remains essential to sustaining this ecosystem of cancer discovery. This issue also spotlights individual and organization-wide fundraising efforts that help AACR turn its commitment into action. Ultra-rare kidney cancer survivor Katie Coleman partnered with AACR to advance initiatives and grants supporting early-career scientists who study rare cancers. Tess Sands honored her father, who had metastatic cancer, by running the 2025 Marine Corps Marathon as part of the AACR Runners for Research team—raising precious funds to support lifesaving science. These donor stories reflect how shared purpose fuels momentum across the cancer research continuum.

Cancer mortality has decreased significantly in the last three decades—a testament to the power of research. Yet our work is far from finished. Together, through research, education, collaborations, and unwavering resolve, AACR and its members around the globe will continue to push the boundaries of discovery and move closer to a world where more patients live longer, healthier lives free from cancer.