Remembering Research Pioneer Dr. Marc L. Citron
Dr. Citron was emeritus chair of oncology at ProHealth Care Associates and a clinical professor of medicine at Hofstra North Shore LIJ School of Medicine. He was recipient of the Excellence in Teaching Award by medical residents at Long Island Jewish Medical Center.
Conquer Cancer, the ASCO Foundation, is celebrating the life of Marc Citron, MD. Dr. Citron was a research pioneer and Conquer Cancer donor, who died February 25, 2020, from recurrent glioblastoma. He was 72.
“Mark was a caring colleague, devoted clinician, collaborative researcher, and career-long ASCO member who made you feel better whenever you spoke with him,” said Clifford A. Hudis, MD, FACP, FASCO, ASCO CEO, and executive vice chair, Conquer Cancer Board of Directors. “He was thoughtful, considerate, and, most of all, obsessively devoted to the well-being of his patients.”
In 2020, reflecting his belief in the value of research and education, he created the Marc L. Citron, MD Career Development Award (CDA) in Breast Cancer and the Marc L. Citron, MD Young Investigator Award (YIA) in Breast Cancer. The grants help ensure future generations can continue accelerating advances in breast cancer care and developing research skills. A CDA funds 3 years of patient-centric clinical research for physicians appointed to a faculty position working to establish independent clinical research programs. A YIA funds one year of clinical research for early-career oncologists transitioning from a fellowship program to a faculty appointment. Conquer Cancer will proudly give the inaugural Dr. Citron awards, one CDA and two YIAs, at the 2021 ASCO Annual Meeting.
During his more than 40-year career, Dr. Citron focused on breast cancer care and research. From 1997 to 2003, he led and reported on a pivotal National Cancer Institute trial that proved the value of dose-dense therapy and transformed adjuvant treatment for patients with breast cancer, contributing to improved outcomes around the world.
“It’s an incredible endorsement to have a dedicated clinician and clinical researcher like Dr. Marc Citron lend his name to our Grants & Awards program,” said Nancy R. Daly, MS, MPH, chief executive officer of Conquer Cancer. “We are grateful for his support and honored to provide researchers following in Dr. Citron’s footsteps the chance to explore and develop breakthroughs in breast cancer treatment.”
Conquer Cancer and the Citron Family appreciate all those who have donated in memory of Dr. Marc L. Citron. If you would like to honor the legacy of Dr. Citron and his meaningful work, please make a gift to support the Dr. Citron breast cancer research awards.