Zubrod Memorial Lecture and Poster Competition Honors Scientific Innovators
The event recognized Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center faculty and showcased more than 150 scientific posters.
At the 24th Annual Zubrod Memorial Lecture, faculty, trainees and staff from Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, came together to showcase innovative discoveries, spotlight promising young investigators and reflect on the transformative contributions of Dr. Charles Gordon Zubrod, a visionary who helped shape the foundation of modern oncology.
A physician-scientist and trailblazing leader, Dr. Zubrod pioneered the clinical use of chemotherapy and transformed cancer treatment during his tenure as head of the Division of Cancer Treatment at the National Cancer Institute. In 1974, he became the founding director of what was then called the University of Miami Cancer Center, now Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. His son, Stephen Zubrod, attended the event and made remarks in tribute to his father’s legacy.
Luminary Cancer Research
This year’s distinguished Zubrod lecturer, Tak W. Mak, OC, Ph.D., DSc (Hon.), delivered they keynote: “Beyond the Immune Checkpoint Blockade: Emerging Strategies.” Internationally recognized for co-discovering the T-cell receptor, Dr. Mak shared insights into the next frontier of cancer immunotherapy.
Thomas Malek, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Miller School, received the Lifetime Achievement award. Dr. Malek’s pioneering research has deepened the understanding of T-cell biology, particularly through decades of work on the IL-2 receptor (IL-2R) and its critical role in immune regulation.
In his opening remarks, Antonio Iavarone, M.D., Sylvester deputy director and Sylvester Brain Tumor Institute (SBTI) director, discussed Dr. Mak’s trailblazing career in cancer research and congratulated Dr. Malek on a distinguished career in advancing immunological research.
Fellows, residents, scientists, post-doctoral fellows and students showcased their research in poster presentations spanning clinical, basic science, translational and population-based research categories.
“The poster session serves as both a catalyst for innovative cancer research and a vital platform for the exchange of ideas across disciplines,” said Kerry Burnstein, Ph.D., associate director for education and training at Sylvester and professor and chair of molecular and cellular pharmacology.
Dr. Iavarone also recognized the exceptional faculty and trainees who received awards for their impactful contributions to cancer research, teaching and mentoring during the Sylvester Annual Retreat this past November.
Top Five Posters Win Awards
More than 150 scientific posters were presented and judged, with five winners announced at the lecture.
Tumoral IL-33/ST2 Signaling Drives Immune Escape Through Reduced Antigen Presentation
• Awardee: Alyssa Cornista
• Mentor: Kevin Van der Jeught, Ph.D.
• Category: Basic Science
NRF2 Translation Inhibition Sensitizes DLBCL to Ferroptosis and CAR T
• Awardee: Paola Manara
• Mentor: Jonathan Schatz, M.D.
• Category: Translational Research
High-Grade Colorectal Adenocarcinomas with SMAD4 Deficiency
• Awardee: Yasamin Mirzabeigi, M.D.
• Mentor: Oliver McDonald, M.D., Ph.D.
• Category: Clinical Research
Myeloid Cell IL-33/ST2 Signaling Drives Immunosuppression Through CD24-Mediated Phagocytosis Blockade
• Awardee: Niksa Roki, Ph.D.
• Mentor: Kevin Van der Jeught, Ph.D.
• Category: Basic Science
Global Trends in Asbestos-Related Mesothelioma Mortality from 1990 to 2021
• Awardee: Kyle Edwards
• Mentor: Estelamari Rodriguez, M.D., MPH
• Category: Population Science
For information about next year’s event, email Rositsa Kalinova or call 305-243-1539.
Tags: cancer research, Dr. Kerry Burnstein, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Zubrod Memorial Lecture