Hannah Abrams, MD Receives 2026 Conquer Cancer-AccessHope Young Investigator Award for Pioneering Cancer Research

Dr. Hannah Abrams Awarded for Groundbreaking Cancer Research

Dr. Hannah Abrams, a hematology-oncology fellow at Fred Hutch Cancer Center and the University of Washington, has earned the prestigious 2026 Conquer Cancer-AccessHope Young Investigator Award (YIA). This accolade comes with a one-year grant of $50,000 aimed at enhancing the understanding of the time involved in participating in cancer clinical trials, a crucial aspect often overlooked in cancer care.

The Importance of Time in Cancer Trials

AccessHope, LLC, an organization dedicated to improving access to top-tier cancer expertise, announced the award as a part of its commitment to advancing evidence-based cancer care. This initiative has been developed in tandem with the Conquer Cancer® foundation, marking a significant investment in the future of oncology research.

Dr. Abrams is set to explore how the time burden associated with clinical trial participation influences patients' decisions about enrollment and retention in these vital studies. One primary motivation for her research is to create greater transparency about the time commitments required of patients—knowing that informed decisions are key to confident enrollment.

“I believe that understanding and communicating time commitments can empower patients in their decision-making process regarding participation in clinical research,” said Dr. Abrams.

An Innovative Approach to Clinical Trials

Her research will evaluate the time demands tied to 245 clinical trials facilitated by the SWOG Cancer Research Network, regarded as one of the leading cancer research organizations in the country. This project aims to yield one of the most comprehensive assessments of the time costs of cancer treatment trials to date.

Working under the mentorship of Veena Shankaran, MD, co-director of the Hutchinson Institute for Cancer Outcomes Research, Dr. Abrams has incorporated insights from patient advocacy groups to frame her proposal, ensuring it addresses real patient needs. Her work led to the conclusion that many patients are prepared to engage in demanding clinical trials if they have a clear understanding of the time associated with them.

A Roadmap for Future Research

The Conquer Cancer-AccessHope YIA is especially crucial in helping early-career researchers establish themselves as competent scientists and gain access to essential funding opportunities. The structure of the award allows recipients like Dr. Abrams protected time for research, which is vital to developing preliminary data and securing larger grants from organizations like the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

“Ensuring that early-stage researchers can pursue bold, evidence-based solutions is essential to combat the complexity of cancer. The YIA aids in solidifying their paths toward impactful research,” said Yousuf Zafar, MD, chief medical officer for AccessHope.

AccessHope represents a remarkable bridge between advanced cancer care and local healthcare systems, improving the lives of patients nationwide. With direct review of cancer cases by experts from National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers, AccessHope’s approach aims for better outcomes for patients receiving care close to home.

Dr. Abrams is set to join the sarcoma faculty at Fred Hutch Cancer Center in January 2027, furthering her commitment to advancing the field of oncology. The work funded by the Conquer Cancer-AccessHope YIA is not only timely in the context of ongoing challenges faced by patients in clinical trials, but also showcases the importance of mentorship and collaborative efforts in pushing the boundaries of cancer research.

Future Directions

Studies funded by Conquer Cancer have significantly impacted the field since its inception, with many past awardees successfully securing additional funding for their research. The insights from Dr. Abrams’ study may well contribute to reducing barriers currently faced by patients in clinical trials, ultimately improving participation rates and treatment outcomes.

AccessHope’s mission resonates deeply with Dr. Abrams' research goals, both aimed at refining the quality of cancer care through innovative strategies and immense dedication to patient-centric practices. As the landscape of oncology continues to evolve, awards like the YIA represent a beacon of hope for both current and future generations of patients and oncologists alike.