AACR Statement on the Russian Invasion of Ukraine and the Threat to Cancer Patients and Research

Today, AACR President David A. Tuveson, MD, PhD, FAACR, and AACR Chief Executive Officer Margaret Foti, PhD, MD (hc), issued the following statement:

“As the world’s first and largest organization dedicated to accelerating advances against cancer, the AACR and its more 50,000 members from around the world stand in solidarity with the citizens of Ukraine during the Russian attack on their country.

Ukrainian cancer patients of all ages are vulnerable especially at this time while their care is interrupted by acts of war, criminal attacks on medical facilities, and dwindling food and supplies. As a global cancer research organization, the AACR is committed to supporting its members in Ukraine and the entire Ukrainian cancer community. We call for the immediate protection and safe passage to other countries of all cancer patients and of the cancer researchers and medical providers who are needed to maintain the momentum of cancer discovery and care.

Progress against cancer depends on the scientific and clinical contributions of experts from around the world to maintain the high quality of our medical research enterprises and health care services. This abhorrent war, which has been instigated by Russia’s leaders, is isolating and interrupting the lifesaving work of scientists and clinicians in Ukraine and Russia, threatening years of effective research collaborations and community building. Limiting the exchange of innovative ideas, practices, and data across borders will significantly retard cancer research and have an adverse effect on public health.

The AACR is outraged at the widespread suffering and death stemming from Russia’s shameful invasion of Ukraine and joins the world in calling for an immediate end to this unjustified aggression.”