Breakthroughs in Cancer Research Highlighted at The Mark Foundation's 2025 Scientific Symposium

The Mark Foundation's 2025 Scientific Symposium: Advances in Cancer Research

On April 3, 2025, The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research hosted its annual Scientific Symposium in New York City, gathering over 150 scientists from 13 states and seven countries. This pivotal event served as a platform for grantees to share their latest findings, foster collaborations, and build a global network aimed at accelerating progress in cancer research.

A Forum for Innovation

The symposium featured presentations from ten distinguished investigators funded by The Mark Foundation. Their groundbreaking research spanned several crucial areas in cancer biology, including the utilization of circulating tumor DNA for monitoring cancer evolution and exploring how obesity influences responses to cancer immunotherapy. Notably, Regina Barzilay, a renowned expert from MIT, delivered a compelling keynote speech about the promising role of artificial intelligence in revolutionizing cancer medicine.

“In this symposium, we observed the caliber of research presented, clearly demonstrating the rapid advancements being made in this field,” stated Dr. Ross Levine, Chair of the Mark Foundation Scientific Advisory Committee. “These promising findings are not merely theoretical; they’re actively reshaping the future of cancer treatment and diagnosis.”

Focus on Collaboration and Funding Initiatives

During the opening remarks, Dr. Ryan Schoenfeld, CEO of The Mark Foundation, emphasized the essential role cancer research foundations play in funding efforts. He called for enhanced cooperation across organizations globally to maximize their collective impact on cancer research advancements.

Among the exciting announcements was the introduction of The Mark Foundation Center for Lineage Plasticity, established with a significant $10 million, five-year investment. This initiative aims to facilitate a collaborative approach between researchers at Columbia University’s Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. The center, co-supported by the Torrey Coast Foundation, will delve into the fundamental mechanisms behind tumor plasticity, targeting challenging cancers like bladder and esophageal cancer for the development of innovative therapies.

Furthermore, the Foundation revealed the latest recipients of its Endeavor Awards, a program that allocates $3 million over three years to interdisciplinary teams confronting critical issues in cancer research. This year's awards went to a collaborative group working at the Weizmann Institute and Tel Aviv University, focused on understanding and addressing cancer-associated cachexia—a severe syndrome impacting patients with advanced cancer. Additionally, with co-funding from the Torrey Coast Foundation, another team from the University of California, San Francisco, is pioneering advanced CAR T-cell therapies for gastric cancer.

Commitment to Advancing Cancer Research

“This symposium exemplifies our commitment to fostering an innovative and collaborative ecosystem that inspires scientists to push the boundaries of cancer research,” Dr. Schoenfeld noted. He added, “By facilitating knowledge exchange and strategic partnerships, we are conducting initiatives that will ultimately lead to real benefits for cancer patients across the globe.”

About The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research

Founded in 2017, The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research is a charitable organization based in New York City. It actively collaborates with scientists worldwide to fast-track research aimed at improving cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Having awarded over $250 million in grants to more than 100 academic institutions in 16 countries, the Foundation’s efforts focus on early career support, collaborative science, innovative technology, and therapeutic discovery. Their growing portfolio also includes investments in early-stage cancer diagnostics and therapies that have progressed to commercial development.

For more information, visit www.themarkfoundation.org.