A view of the marina outside San Diego Convention Center, where the annual meeting of American Association of Cancer Researchers is taking place.Angus Chen for STAT

Angus Chen covers all issues broadly related to cancer including drugs, policy, science, and equity. He joined STAT in 2021 after covering health and science at NPR and NPR affiliate stations. His work has been recognized by national Edward R. Murrow awards, the June L. Biedler prize for cancer journalism, and more. You can reach Angus on Signal at angus.08.

Matthew Herper covers medical innovation — both its promise and its perils.

Damian Garde is a reporter at large, live and feature journalism, covering the global drug industry and contributing to STAT’s industry-leading events.

You’re reading the web version of STAT’s popup newsletter, AACR in 30 seconds, your guide to what’s happening at the American Association of Cancer Researchers’ annual meeting. Sign up here.

We’re here in San Diego, on the ground at AACR — one of the best places to spot early cancer research that will turn out to be important later on. This year? Everything is coming up KRAS. And, STAT is here in force: Cancer reporter Angus Chen, reporter-at-large Damian Garde, and senior writer Matt Herper are all contributing, and we’ll be hosting an in-person event Tuesday and a virtual one Thursday. Sign up!

AACR leaders thank Congress for standing up for science

Last year, President Trump’s budgets included dramatic cuts to the National Institutes of Health, giving NIH funded scientists a scare and prompting outcry from scientific leaders including those at AACR. Congress firmly rejected those cuts last year, and increased the NIH budget for fiscal year 2026. In response, at this year’s AACR opening ceremony, AACR CEO Margaret Foti thanked Congress for standing up for science, with a callout for members of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

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Earlier this month, Trump proposed a $5 billion cut to the NIH for 2027, which Foti called unacceptable during her opening remarks. “Our purpose is clear. Our mission is urgent. And our commitment is unwavering. We cannot allow our lifesaving mission to be adversely affected by the Administration’s plan to cut NIH funding by 20% for fiscal year 27,” she said.

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