Drug discovery panel at Feng Symposium on Prostate Cancer Revolutions
In late February, the Feng Symposium on Prostate Cancer Revolutions in San Francisco brought together a community of researchers, clinicians, and innovators committed to accelerating treatments for patients with prostate cancer. The event continued the rich legacy of University of California, San Francisco powerhouse Dr. Felix Feng in nurturing team science and mentorship in cancer research.
A Legacy of Mentorship Lives On
Slides from Drs. Eric Small and Meng Zhang echoed the lasting legacy of Dr. Feng on his mentees and peers.
Symposium co-chairs Amina Zoubeidi, PhD and Todd M. Morgan, MD, welcomed the participants to the day of talks and panel discussions. They were followed by a powerful keynote from HDFCCC President Alan Ashworth, PhD, FRS, on "The Journey to PARP Inhibitors in Prostate Cancer."
A major highlight of the day was the Young Investigator Forum, led by UCSF Cancer Center Deputy Director and ASCO president Eric Small, MD, showcasing inspiring work from the next generation of leaders: Jeremiah Wala, MD, PhD, Patrick Lewicki, MD, Miles Mannas, MD, and Meng Zhang, PhD. Wala was the recipient of the inaugural Felix Feng Endowed Young Investigator Award in 2025, an ASCO Conquer Cancer Foundation grant funded in honor of Feng.
Joshua Lang, MD, MS
The “Drugs on the Horizon” panel, led by Joshua Lang, MD, MS, featured insights from Himisha Beltran, MD, Oliver Sartor, MD, Rana McKay, MD, and Robert Dess, MD, sparked conversations about emerging therapies and what lies ahead. "From therapeutic discoveries to biomarker development, this is the most exciting time in prostate cancer research,” said Lang.
The final session focused on adapting new ideas and technologies to solve the most pressing challenges in the next five years, with discussion led by Neha Vapiwala, MD, FASCO and panelists Nick James, MBBS, PhD, Charles Ryan, MD and Mark Stein, MD. Attendees, presenters, and hosts expressed a shared goal of advancing prostate cancer research and care.
The event was made possible by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and sponsors, ArteraAI, Sumitomo Pharma America, Inc., Bayer, and UCSF Benioff Initiative for Prostate Cancer Research.