SAN ANTONIO, Oct. 21, 2024 – Patrick Sung, DPhil, director of the Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute and associate dean for research at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio) is the latest recipient of the 2024 Basser Global Prize.
A leading researcher in the field of DNA damage repair and cancer biology, Sung has been awarded the prestigious prize for his groundbreaking contributions in elucidating the DNA repair functions of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. The award recognizes Sung’s contributions in advancing the knowledge of these critical genes and their implications for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.
Presented by the Basser Center for BRCA at the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania, the Basser Global Prize recognizes a leading scientist each year who has advanced BRCA1 and BRCA2-related research. Individuals with mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are at an increased risk of breast, ovarian, pancreatic and prostate cancers.
“I am deeply honored to be recognized by the Basser Center,” said Sung, professor of biochemistry and structural biology at the Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine at UT Health San Antonio. “This recognition reflects the power of collaboration and innovation. It inspires us to continue our mission in advancing cancer care and better outcomes for patients living with cancers caused by BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations.”
Sung will receive the award at the 13th annual Basser Center Scientific Symposium on April 22-23, 2025, where he will give the keynote address.
"Congratulations to Dr. Sung for receiving this well-deserved honor,” said Robert Hromas, MD, FACP, acting president of UT Health San Antonio. “This recognition is a testament to his outstanding work in the mechanistic dissection of BRCA1 and BRCA2 functions, driving significant advancements in understanding and treating cancers associated with BRCA gene mutations.”
Sung holds a Robert A. Welch Distinguished Chair in Chemistry and is the recipient of an Outstanding Investigator Award from the National Cancer Institute. He is also the Principal Investigator of a multi-institutional Program Project Grant from the National Cancer Institute. Sung is a Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) Established Investigator, a role that underscores the importance of leadership and commitment to advancing cancer research and prevention efforts within Texas and beyond.
“We are proud of the tremendous work Dr. Sung has made in BRCA1/2 and DNA repair research,” said Lei Zheng, MD, PhD, executive director of Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio. “His contributions not only deepen our understanding of cancer biology but are also leading to more effective treatments for patients. This prestigious recognition highlights the global impact of Dr. Sung’s accomplishments.”
The Basser Global Prize offers $100,000 in unrestricted funding for the recipient's research related to BRCA1 and BRCA2, along with a Basser sculpture and a personal prize of $10,000, which will be presented at the symposium.
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio) is one of the country’s leading health science universities and is designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution by the U.S. Department of Education. With missions of teaching, research, patient care and community engagement, its schools of medicine, nursing, dentistry, health professions, graduate biomedical sciences and public health have graduated more than 43,886 alumni who are leading change, advancing their fields and renewing hope for patients and their families throughout South Texas and the world. To learn about the many ways “We make lives better®,” visit UTHealthSA.org.
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The Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio is one of only four National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Centers in Texas. The Mays Cancer Center provides leading-edge cancer care, propels innovative cancer research and educates the next generation of leaders to end cancer in South Texas. To learn more, visit https://cancer.uthscsa.edu.
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The Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute is one of only two institutes in the United States dedicated solely to pediatric cancer research. With its 20 laboratories, researchers are focusing on cancer genomics, DNA repair, RNA biology and drug development for new and less-toxic treatments for childhood cancers.