ASCO: UT MD Anderson Faculty Honored as 2026 Special Award Recipients

In honor of their outstanding contributions to oncology, Sharon Giordano, M.D., chair of Breast Medical Oncology, and Eduardo Vilar-Sanchez, M.D., Ph.D., chair ad interim of Clinical Cancer Prevention, from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center will receive Special Awards at the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting.

“We are proud to recognize Dr. Giordano and Dr. Vilar-Sanchez for their incredible work to both improve the lives of patients with cancer and to help stop cancer before it starts,” said Peter WT Pisters, M.D., president of UT MD Anderson. “Their contributions advance our understanding of cancer and set a higher standard for how science can meaningfully transform care, strengthen early intervention and ultimately change lives.”

Giordano is the 2026 recipient of the Gianni Bonadonna Breast Cancer Award for her transformative contributions to breast cancer research and care, particularly in areas that directly improve patient outcomes at a population level. Her work has refined treatment decision-making, informed clinical guidelines and health policy, and advanced care delivered across diverse patient populations.

Vilar-Sanchez is the 2026 recipient of the ASCO-American Cancer Society Cancer Prevention Award for his innovative work in advancing cancer prevention, specifically for individuals at high genetic risk. His research has helped shift the field toward proactive, personalized prevention strategies, including investigations into immune-based approaches and experimental vaccines designed to prevent cancer before it develops.

“Drs. Giordano and Vilar‑Sanchez exemplify exceptional leadership in cancer care and research, helping us to advance our mission to end cancer,” said Albert Koong, M.D., Ph.D., chief scientific officer at UT MD Anderson. “We are proud to celebrate their remarkable impact with these honors from ASCO.”

More information on all UT MD Anderson ASCO Annual Meeting content can be found at MDAnderson.org/ASCO.

Giordano honored for contributions to transform breast cancer care

Giordano is an internationally recognized breast medical oncologist, researcher and physician-leader whose work has had a lasting impact on breast cancer care worldwide. Throughout her career, she has focused on improving patient outcomes through evidence-based, equitable and high-quality cancer care.

She is widely known for her pioneering research in breast cancer treatment patterns, quality of care and health disparities. Her work has advanced our understanding of how breast cancer care is delivered across diverse populations and has helped shape national and international clinical guidelines. By bridging health services research and clinical oncology, she has influenced how care is measured, delivered and improved globally.

In addition to her research, Giordano is a dedicated clinician and mentor who has played a key role in training and inspiring the next generation of oncologists and researchers. Her leadership and expertise are internationally recognized, particularly in quality of care, treatment toxicities and male breast cancer.

Vilar-Sanchez recognized for improving lives through cancer prevention

Vilar‑Sanchez is a globally distinguished physician-scientist whose work has significantly advanced cancer prevention, particularly for individuals at high risk for hereditary and gastrointestinal cancers. He has dedicated his career to translating discoveries in cancer genetics and molecular biology into effective prevention strategies and improved patient care.

His leadership in hereditary cancer research stands out, with a focus on genetic syndromes that predispose individuals to colorectal and other cancers. His work has helped define optimal screening, surveillance and risk‑reduction strategies for high‑risk populations, directly influencing clinical practice and preventive care worldwide.

By integrating molecular science with clinical research, he has advanced understanding of how early detection and targeted interventions can reduce cancer incidence and mortality.

In addition to his research contributions, Vilar‑Sanchez is a highly respected clinician and advocate for prevention-focused care. He is deeply committed to patient education, genetic counseling and multidisciplinary collaboration to ensure that advances in science translate into meaningful benefits for patients and families. He also has been a strong mentor to trainees and early‑career investigators, helping cultivate the next generation of leaders in cancer prevention research.