UT Health San Antonio professor Patrick Sung was awarded the Basser Global Prize by Penn's Basser Center for BRCA on Oct. 21 (Photo from Penn Medicine News).
University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio professor Patrick Sung was awarded the Basser Global Prize by Penn's Basser Center for BRCA on Oct. 21.
The Basser Center for BRCA is a specialized program within Penn’s Abramson Cancer Center focused on research, prevention, and treatment related to BRCA gene mutations. The Basser Global Prize — established by Leonard Potter and 1987 College graduate Shari Potter in 2012 — honors scientists who have advanced BRCA1 and BRCA2-related research.
Sung’s discoveries about DNA damage repair have led to a greater understanding about how BRCA genes function on a molecular level, according to Penn Medicine News. BRCA1 and BRCA2 are normally tumor suppressor genes, but mutations in either gene are associated with increased cancer risks.
Sung is a professor of biochemistry and structural biology at UT Health San Antonio and serves as the director of the Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute. He received the award for his work on the mechanisms behind homology-directed repair, a DNA repair mechanism that can be used to suppress cancer.
“It is our privilege to recognize Dr. Sung for his achievements and to support his future BRCA research,” Basser Center Executive Director Susan Domchek told Penn Medicine News. “This type of basic science research is crucial to understanding how we — together, as a community of researchers and clinicians — can advance the care of individuals living with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations.”
The award grants Sung $100,000 for research, a $10,000 cash prize, and a Basser Global Prize sculpture. He will also deliver the keynote address at the 13th annual Basser Center Scientific Symposium in April 2025.
“This recognition reflects the power of collaboration and innovation,” Sung told Penn Medicine News. “It inspires us to continue our mission in advancing cancer care and better outcomes for patients living with cancers caused by BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations.”
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