The Prize designed by the Cura Project Institute, a non-profit organization, was created to pay homage to Renata Thormann Procianoy, stimulate philanthropy and recognize researchers in the field of oncology, encouraging the increase of academic studies in Brazil. This year, the winner of the 6th Edition of the Prize was announced on June 22nd in São Paulo.

Winner of the 6th Edition of the Renata Thormann Prociany Prize

The winner of the Renata Thormann Procianoy Prize in 2024 was the HERCULES Study, with Dr. Fernando Maluf as principal investigator, developed in research centers across Brazil.

Coordinated by Lacog Cancer Research - LACOG, the study pointed out a new path for the treatment of advanced penile cancer, with immunotherapy associated with chemotherapy. The results so far are impressive: 33 patients tested since 2020, of which 75% of them experienced some reduction in tumor volume and 39.4% showed significant reduction.

The award was presented by the president of the Cura Project Institute, Fernanda Schwyter, together with doctors Fabio Franke and Antonio Buzaid, to Dr. Fernando Maluf, during the 1st Symposium on the Overcoming Cancer Clinical Research Network, organized by Overcoming Cancer.

A new feature of the 6th Edition of the Prize is that I mentioned the second ranked study in recognition of the second place, reinforcing the need to stimulate and encourage new researchers in the fight against cancer. The recognition award was awarded to Dr. Maria Cecília Mathias for the Study: impact on the survival of KRAS mutations in first-line metastatic colorectal cancer (Abstract number: 3547 - Institution: ICESP)

The award is an inspiring love story

The story behind the award is profoundly touching. Nora Thormann, a psychiatrist, faced a health problem and could not find an effective treatment within existing protocols. However, her daughter Renata Thormann Procianoy, knowing the importance of research, searched for innovative studies for two years that could help her mother. This search resulted in the inclusion of Nora in a clinical study coordinated by Dr. Roberto Miranda, at the MD Anderson hospital at the University of Texas, in the USA. The research sought to understand the relationship between breast implants and some rare types of breast cancer. And so Nora had a remission of her illness.

Unfortunately, a few months after Nora's cure, Renata suffered a car accident and died. Nora's testimony can be seen below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohLeWAOaBkg

History of previous winners

2019: Dr. Thiago Bueno de Oliveira

The first winner of the Renata Thormann Procianoy Prize was Dr. Thiago Bueno de Oliveira. His innovative research focused on the evaluation of circulating tumor cells in patients with head and neck cancer, offering new perspectives for the monitoring and treatment of this condition.

2020: Dr. Fernando Maluf

In 2020, Dr. Fernando Maluf was awarded for his study on a new drug for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer. The research, conducted at 14 research centers in Brazil, stood out for its promising results and its potential impact on the lives of many patients.

2021: Dr. Luciana Landeiro

Dr. Luciana Landeiro was the 2021 winner with her study on the use of electric hand warmers to reduce discomfort during scalp cooling. This technique aims to prevent chemotherapy-induced alopecia, improving patients' quality of life during treatment.

2022: Dr. Verônica Torres

In 2022, Dr. Verônica Torres was recognized for her study on the 2021 CKD-EPI equation without racial coefficient in adults with solid tumors. His research brought important insights for the assessment of renal function in cancer patients, promoting a more inclusive and accurate approach.

2023: Dr. Fernanda Bronzon Damian

The most recent winner, in 2023, was Dr. Fernanda Bronzon Damian. His Lacog 1018 study was highlighted during the Best of Asco 2023 - Brazil Edition, demonstrating significant advances in cancer treatment and reaffirming the importance of continuous and innovative research.

Scientific Committee 2024

The Scientific Committee responsible for evaluating and judging the Brazilian studies presented at ASCO 2024, which took place in Chicago between May 30 and June 4, is composed of renowned oncologists. In alphabetical order, the members are: Dr. Abna Vieira, Dr. Max Mano, Dr. Cristiano de Pádua Souza, Dr. Eduardo Romero, Dr. Fernando Moura, Dr. Guilherme Harada, Dr. Mariana Scarantini and Dr. Pedro Neffá.

According to Fernanda Schwyter, founder and president of the Cura Project Institute: “It is a great pleasure to stimulate the development of scientific knowledge in the country, to collaborate with the improvement of treatment worldwide, and to improve the outcome of patients' quality of life.”

The Renata Thormann Procianoy Award is an important tribute to researchers and researchers for their dedication and innovation in the field of oncology. It pays homage to the memory of Renata Thormann Procianoy, encourages and recognizes the efforts of researchers who are at the forefront of the fight against cancer, contributing to a future where more accurate diagnoses and more effective treatments are a reality for everyone.

‍