The 2025 honorees distinguished themselves through innovative therapies and protocols spanning the full spectrum of cancer care. A committee of more than 115 prominent cancer doctors selected honorees for their pioneering achievements in oncology research and clinical care. Lara was recognized for his exceptional contributions to researching and treating people with cancers of the urinary and reproductive tracts.
Lara has led or co-led numerous clinical trials exploring novel targeted inhibition strategies for advanced kidney, prostate and urothelial cancers. His work encompasses the spectrum of phase 1 through phase 3 clinical trials. Beyond drug development, Lara is a strong advocate for increasing access to clinical trials.
Chair of the Giants of Cancer Care Committee, Yelena Janjigian, presents UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center Director Primo “Lucky” Lara Jr. with award.
In 2023, Lara rose to the level of distinguished professor, the highest campus-level faculty title that can be bestowed at the University of California, for achieving distinction in scholarship, teaching and university/public service.
UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center is the only National Cancer Institute-designated center serving the Central Valley and inland Northern California, a region of more than 6 million people. Its specialists provide compassionate, comprehensive care for more than 100,000 adults and children every year and access to more than 200 active clinical trials at any given time. Its innovative research program engages more than 240 scientists at UC Davis who work collaboratively to advance discovery of new tools to diagnose and treat cancer. Patients have access to leading-edge care, including immunotherapy and other targeted treatments. Its Office of Community Outreach and Engagement addresses disparities in cancer outcomes across diverse populations, and the cancer center provides comprehensive education and workforce development programs for the next generation of clinicians and scientists. For more information, visit cancer.ucdavis.edu.
