The award recognizes Dr. Khokha's research contributions to our understanding of various aspects of cancer biology, particularly for cancers of the breast, liver, lung and bone. More recently, her research has uncovered the effects of the hormone progesterone on breast cancer stem cells and revealed the role of the TIMP gene family in regulating the tumour microenvironment.
In acknowledging Drs. Khokha and Rutka's accomplishments, Pamela Fralick, National President and CEO of the Canadian Cancer Society stated, "These extraordinary scientists represent some of the best researchers in the country. They have played a key role in our understanding of cancer and in the advancement of cancer prevention and treatment. We applaud their significant achievements."