Samsung Medical Center’s Professor Ahn Wins ESMO Oncology Award

Professor Myung-Joo Ahn from the Department of Hematology and Oncology at Samsung Medical Center has been awarded the prestigious ‘ESMO Women for Oncology Award’ at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Annual Meeting. Previously, she was honored with the 'Adi F. Gazdar IASLC Award' at the World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC) held in Singapore last year on September 9.

A recognized leader in lung cancer research, Professor Ahn has spearheaded key clinical trials in South Korea for treatments targeting EGFR mutation-positive non-small cell lung cancer, including Tagrisso (osimertinib) and Leclaza (lazertinib). She continues to engage actively in clinical trials for novel therapies with diverse mechanisms of action.

Professor Ahn's work has been instrumental in addressing gender inequality in medical research and enhancing treatment environments for patients.

Reflecting on the challenges faced by women in oncology research, Professor Ahn remarked, "Korea has a culture that places a strong emphasis on hierarchy, which often results in a male-friendly environment, particularly in oncology research. It's like running a 100-meter race where men start 15 meters ahead."

She further emphasized, "The only way to overcome this was through dedication and perseverance. Instead of avoiding the challenge, I concentrated on collaboration."

Professor Ahn's determination has led to substantial research accomplishments, particularly in EGFR mutations in non-small cell lung cancer, with her findings influencing global treatment guidelines.

Expressing her gratitude, she stated, "The progress we've made is thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Lung Cancer Center at Samsung Medical Center, research institute members, and academic and pharmaceutical partners, both in South Korea and internationally. I extend my sincere thanks to them."