CoC Annual Cancer Research Paper Competition

The Commission on Cancer (CoC) and American Cancer Society host an annual paper competition for physicians-in-training to foster the importance of oncologic research in support of its mission.

Papers can be submitted under one of the two following categories:

1. Clinical Research
2. Basic Science

First-, second-, and third-place winners will be selected from each category.

2026 Cancer Research Paper Competition

Review the criteria for the 2026 Cancer Research Paper Competition.

Questions and abstract submissions should be sent to Melissa Leeb, mleeb@facs.org.

Basic Science

First Place

Shravan Leonard-Murali, MD

Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute

Paper Title
Prospective Histology And Mutation Agnostic Assessment Of Systemic Tumor Burden With Plasma Cell-Free DNA Concentration In 1000 Cancer Patients

Awarded $1,000 honorarium.

Presentation | Abstract

Clinical Research

First Place

Jaspinder Sing Sanghera, MBChB, iBSc

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Paper Title
Impact Of Fragmentation On Timely Receipt Of Guideline-Concordant Treatment In Foregut Cancer

Awarded $1,000 honorarium.

Presentation | Abstract

Second Place

Jennifer H. Chen, MD

Baylor College of Medicine

Paper Title
Prognostic Value of Circulating Tumor Cell Dynamics in Melanoma

Awarded $500 honorarium.

Presentation | Abstract

Third Place

Chris Varghese, MBChB, BMedSc(Hons)

Mayo Clinic Rochester

Paper Title

Predicting Treatment Response After Total Neoadjuvant Therapy for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer

Awarded $500 honorarium.

Presentation | Abstract