OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center Researcher Wins Prestigious Award to Advance Rare Cancer Treatments
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Abdul Rafeh Naqash, M.D. has received a major honor — the 2025 Conquer Cancer Career Development Award (CDA) from Conquer Cancer®, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Foundation. This award is given to only a handful of rising stars in cancer research worldwide and supports bold, innovative work that can transform patient care.
What Does This Mean for Patients?
Dr. Naqash is focused on improving treatments for rare and hard-to-treat cancers, like alveolar soft part sarcoma, and advancing personalized medicine through early-phase clinical trials. With this award, he’ll have the resources to explore new ways to identify cancer biomarkers — clues in the body that help doctors detect cancer earlier and match patients with the most effective treatments.
His work at OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center is already helping bring leading-edge research and clinical trials continue to advance, offering patients access to the latest and most effective cancer therapies. Especially to those with rare cancers or limited treatment options. This award will accelerate that progress, giving hope to patients who need it most. This recognition isn’t just a win for Dr. Naqash — it’s a win for patients across Oklahoma and beyond who are counting on the next breakthrough in cancer care.
This award highlights the importance of the joint clinical, research, and educational missions of OU Health and the University of Oklahoma.
Learn more about how this prestigious award empowers innovative cancer research at OU Health.
