2024 IMWG Summit Awards Honor Dr. Shaji Kumar and Dr. Francesca Gay
The International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) and the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) are proud to announce the 2024 recipients of the Robert A. Kyle Lifetime Achievement Award and the Brian G.M. Durie Outstanding Achievement Award. Every year during the IMWG Summit, two researchers who have made significant contributions in the field of myeloma are honored with these awards. This year’s awards ceremony was held on June 11 during the 15th annual IMWG Summit in Madrid, Spain.
Robert A. Kyle Lifetime Achievement Award
The Robert A. Kyle Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals whose work has resulted in significant advances in research, treatment, and care of patients with myeloma. Dr. Kyle (Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN) is a world-renowned myeloma expert whose groundbreaking work led to the discovery of significant hematologic entities, such as monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM).
The recipient of the 2024 Robert A. Kyle Lifetime Achievement Award is Shaji K. Kumar, MD. Dr. Kumar is Professor of Medicine and Chair of the Myeloma, Amyloid, and Dysproteinemia Group at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. Dr. Kumar has had a sustained impact on the field of myeloma and related disorders. He has led numerous phase I, II, and III clinical trials that have advanced new treatments for patients with myeloma. He has published more than 600 peer-reviewed manuscripts. His extensive laboratory research contributions include the development of targeted therapies as well as biomarkers for response assessment and prognosis.
Dr. Kumar led the development of the IMWG response criteria in myeloma and established the currently used definitions for minimal residual disease (MRD). His work has contributed to a better understanding of the tumor microenvironment, mechanisms of disease progression, and risk stratification of plasma disorders.
“It is a great honor to be chosen for an award that bears the name of Prof. Robert A. Kyle, who is a teacher, a mentor, a colleague, and a friend to most of us in the field of plasma cell disorders and an inspiration for generations of myeloma clinicians and researchers. This recognition is, without doubt, the highlight of my career, and I am humbled by the fact that all my work has been built on the foundation laid by many individuals over decades. I am forever grateful to my mentors and colleagues at Mayo; without their help and constant encouragement, I would not have been able to succeed, and I accept this award on behalf of the entire Mayo team,” said Dr. Kumar upon accepting the award.
Yelak Biru, IMF President & CEO and 28-year myeloma survivor, extended his warmest congratulations: “As Dr. Kumar’s patient, I’m overwhelmed with joy to see him honored with the Robert A. Kyle Lifetime Achievement Award. Dr. Kumar’s impact goes far beyond groundbreaking research. His empathy and care are unparalleled. He takes the time to understand his patients truly, explains complex situations in a clear and comforting way, and is always available to address any concerns. His methodical and thoughtful approach instills confidence in his patients. Dr. Kumar’s research is prolific and highly respected by his colleagues – a testament to his collaborative spirit, which embodies the essence of Dr. Kyle’s legacy. This award is a well-deserved recognition of Dr. Kumar’s exceptional contributions that have given hope and improved the lives of countless myeloma patients, including myself.”
In 2021, Dr. Kumar was recognized by the IMF and the IMWG with the Brian G.M. Durie Outstanding Achievement Award.
Brian G.M. Durie Outstanding Achievement Award
The Brian G.M. Durie Outstanding Achievement Award recognizes excellent achievements in myeloma research. Dr. Durie is the former IMF Chief Scientific Officer, IMWG Chairman, leader of the IMF’s Black Swan Research Initiative® (BSRI®), Professor of Medicine, Hematologist-Oncologist, and recipient of the 2019 Honorary Doctorate for Scientific Excellence from the Vrije Universiteit Brussel.
The recipient of the 2024 Brian G.M. Durie Outstanding Achievement Award is Francesca Gay, MD, PhD. Dr. Gay is an Associate Professor at the University of Torino (Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences) and a hematologist at the SSD Clinical Trials in oncohematology and myeloma, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Italy. Dr. Gay has more than 150 peer-reviewed publications, has led multiple phase I, II, and III clinical trials in myeloma, and has worked on international multicenter projects and data analyses. Dr. Gay’s research contributions include the use of new biological molecules, monoclonal antibodies, immunotherapeutic agents, CAR-T cells, and stem-cell transplantation techniques.
“It is a great honor for me to receive this award. Dr. Durie [has] dedicated his life to myeloma research and patient care and is a model to all researchers. It is a privilege for me to work with many colleagues to improve the outcome of myeloma patients. This award acknowledges the work we have been doing and goes to the whole team,” said Dr. Gay.
Prof. Mario Boccadoro, the Head of Hematology at the University of Torino (Oncology Division), the founder of the Italian Myeloma Study Group, and the recipient of the 2008 Dr. Kyle Lifetime Achievement Award said: “I think this award is a recognition for all the trials Francesca was able to design. She is brilliant and able to foresee where myeloma therapy is headed, and then to plan the right clinical trial at the right moment.”
Dr. S. Vincent Rajkumar, IMF Chairperson of the Board of Directors, applauded Dr. Gay’s exceptional achievements: “Dr. Gay has had a huge impact on the field, with her enduring contributions through a series of well-designed laboratory and clinical trials. I am particularly pleased that we were able to work together on several research projects on the treatment of myeloma.”
Yelak Biru expressed his appreciation: “I am thrilled to congratulate Dr. Gay on receiving the Brian G.M. Durie Outstanding Achievement Award. Dr. Gay’s dedication to research, particularly in the area of new treatment options for newly diagnosed myeloma patients undergoing autologous stem cell transplantation, is truly inspiring. It’s especially noteworthy that Dr. Gay is the second woman to receive this prestigious award. This highlights the growing influence of female researchers in the field of myeloma, paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse future. Her collaborative spirit, evident in her work with the European Myeloma Network and leadership roles within multiple professional organizations, reflects the essence of Dr. Durie’s legacy. The IMF is proud to recognize Dr. Gay’s achievements and to celebrate her as a role model.”
In 2019, Dr. Gay was recognized by the International Myeloma Society (IMS) with the Bart Barlogie Young Investigator Award. In 2022, she was the recipient of the COMy (Controversies in Myeloma) World Congress Achievement Award. The entire IMF team extends our profound appreciation for these two outstanding myeloma researchers, Dr. Kumar and Dr. Gay.
(This article was published in the 2024 Summer Edition of the IMF's quarterly publication, Myeloma Today. Read the full publication here.)