2020 Finalists

Razelle Kurzrock is known for developing the largest Phase 1 clinical-trials department in the world while at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. A central theme of that program was the personalized medicine strategy, embodied in a protocol called PREDICT for Profile-related Evidence Determining Individualized Cancer Therapy. This approach utilized advanced molecular technologies to match patients with targeted cancer treatment that is more likely to work for their individual tumors. At Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health, Kurzrock’s charge is broad, including growing and innovating the center’s clinical-trials program and heading its newly established Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy. This center focuses on precision medicine trials, using the most innovative genomically-targeted drugs and/or agents that arm the immune system. This program is a global leader in precision medicine, bringing the first personalized transcriptomic study to the clinic in an international setting spanning five countries (WINTHER), as well as the first study of individually customized combination therapy (IPREDICT). She has approximately 800 peer-reviewed publications. Kurzrock has four children and three dogs, and lives with her husband, dermatologist Philip Cohen, in San Diego.

Radovich and Schneider lead the IU Health Precision Genomics Program, a clinical service that uses genomics to guide therapy for the care of metastatic cancer patients. The program has genomically sequenced over 5,000 patients to date. With four clinics across the state of Indiana, the program provides access to cutting-edge, genomic-based cancer care for patients in the community. Each patient’s genome is reviewed and deliberated by more than 20 IU faculty and staff, including oncologists, genomics scientists, pathologists, pharmacists, nurses, and clinical trial specialists. The program is also passionate about advancing research in precision medicine through innovative clinical trials.

Lincoln Nadauld founded the Intermountain Precision Genomics program with a vision of finding solutions to improve health and disease through genomics and precision medicine without increasing costs. With his vision in mind, he oversees the clinical implementation of precision genomics across Intermountain’s 24 hospitals and 160 physician clinics. In addition, he facilitates genomic research to better understand the human genome. Nadauld conceived and is leading the recently announced Heredigene, Population Study — a collaborative effort with deCODE Genetics in Iceland to collect and perform whole-genome sequencing on 500,000 participants in the Intermountain system. Nadauld’s work in founding Intermountain Precision Genomics was recognized with the Utah Governor’s 32nd Annual Science Medal for Industry, which is the highest civilian award to be bestowed by the state of Utah and honors significant contributions to science and technology. He is married with five children and enjoys attending their many activities and events, as well as water sports, fishing, and other athletic pursuits.