Lifetime Achievement in Clinical Research

Dr. Mariano Provencio

Puerta de Hierro University Hospital

Dr. Ana Oaknin

Vall D'Hebron University Hospital

Mariano Provencio Pulla: has revolutionized lung cancer treatment by introducing neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy, leading the use of prognostic and predictive markers in liquid biopsies, and pioneering the application of big data to analyze clinical and molecular data from cancer patients.

 

Ana Oaknin Benzaken: recognized for her efforts in transforming the treatment of gynecological neoplasms globally and her pioneering work in the research and development of personalized molecular therapies and immunological treatments, which have brought significant improvements to cancer treatments in these areas.

Award for Lifetime Achievement in Translational Research: Dr. Mariano Provencio Pulla

Dr. Mariano Provencio is honored for his pioneering contributions in the field of lung cancer, combining clinical excellence, innovative research, and international leadership. His work has transformed the management of this disease and improved patients’ quality of life.

A Doctor of Medicine and Head of the Medical Oncology Department at Puerta de Hierro University Hospital, Dr. Provencio is President of the Spanish Lung Cancer Group (GECP) and Principal Investigator of the Translational Research Group on Lung Cancer at IDIPHISA. He has led clinical trials such as the NADIM and NADIM II studies, which established neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy as a revolutionary approach, approved by the FDA, EMA, and Spain’s Ministry of Health, changing the paradigm for operable-stage lung cancer treatment.

His contributions include the development of liquid biopsy as an advanced diagnostic tool, tumor microenvironment characterization, and the use of big data to optimize patient care. He has patented innovations such as OncoApp and the CLARIFY platform, recognized by the European Commission for its impact on clinical decision-making.

With over 828 publications and an h-index of 70, Dr. Provencio has been cited more than 19,500 times, reflecting his influence in oncology. His multidisciplinary team of over 67 members integrates clinical practice and basic research, consolidating Puerta de Hierro Hospital as an international leader in oncology. His leadership and translational vision have defined new therapeutic strategies that benefit patients worldwide.

 

Award for Lifetime Achievement in Clinical Research: Dr. Ana Oaknin Benzaken

Dr. Ana Oaknin is honored for her outstanding contributions to the advancement of gynecological oncology, leading the development of personalized molecular therapies and immunotherapy that have transformed the global treatment of gynecological cancers.

A medical oncologist from Complutense University of Madrid and a PhD graduate from the Autonomous University of Barcelona, Dr. Oaknin has developed an international career with training at institutions such as MD Anderson Cancer Center and Memorial Sloan Kettering. Currently, she serves as the Head of the Gynecological Oncology Program at Vall d’Hebron University Hospital and a clinical research leader at the Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), where she has established the Gynecological Tumor Unit as a global benchmark.

Her scientific contributions include pioneering studies that led to the approval of innovative treatments such as Dostarlimab and Cemiplimab by the EMA and FDA, revolutionizing the management of metastatic endometrial and cervical cancers. She has published over 170 scientific articles with an h-index of 50 and has received more than 15,000 citations, underscoring her impact in oncology.

Dr. Oaknin has also promoted international collaboration as Chair of the Cervical Cancer Committee of the GCIG, and under her leadership, the Global Cervical Cancer Consensus will take place in 2024. Her vision and dedication to translational research have significantly improved the prognosis and quality of life for cancer patients.