Anirban Maitra – Candidate for the Nominating Committee of AACR

Education

Dr. Anirban Maitra earned his MBBS degree from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi, India, in 1996. He then completed his residency in anatomic pathology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, between 1996 and 1998, with additional training in molecular pathology (1998-1999) and pediatric pathology (1999-2000). Following these fellowships, Dr. Maitra further specialized with a fellowship in gastrointestinal pathology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland, from 2001 to 2002.

Research Focus

Dr. Maitra's research focuses on the genetics and early detection of cancer, with a particular emphasis on pancreatic cancer. His work explores the biology of pancreatic cancer, including the study of microscopic and cystic precursor lesions, as well as pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors and cystic neoplasms of the pancreas. A key aspect of his research is the development of strategies for the early detection of pancreatic cancer in high-risk populations, such as individuals with pancreatic cystic neoplasms and adults with new-onset diabetes. His research aims to identify molecular markers and biomarkers that could improve early diagnosis and lead to better clinical outcomes for these patients.

Awards and Honors

• Recipient, R. Lee Clark Prize for Excellence in Translational Cancer Research, MD Anderson Cancer Center (2022)
• Recipient, Ruth Leff Siegel National Awardee for Pancreatic Cancer Research, Columbia Pancreas Center (2021)
• Recipient, Outstanding Scientist in Cancer Research Award, American Association of Indian Scientists in Cancer Research (2017)
• Recipient, American Society for Investigative Pathology Outstanding Investigator Award (2016)
• Member, Scientific Advisory Board, Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) (2011-present)
• Councilor, American Pancreatic Association (2010-present)

Leadership Roles

• Chair, Pancreatic Cancer Action Network-AACR Research Acceleration Network Scientific Review Committee (2013-2015)
• Recipient, Team Science Award (2013)
• Co-Chair, AACR Special Conference on Pancreatic Cancer (2023)
• Co-Chair, JCA-AACR Special Joint Conference on Pancreatic Cancer Research (2022)
• Member, Pathology in Cancer Research Working Group (2024-present)
• Member, Asian/AANHPI Task Force (2023-present)
• Member, Annual Meeting Clinical Trials Committee (2016-2018, 2023-2025)
• Member, Women in Cancer Research Charlotte Friend Lectureship Award Committee (2022-2024)
• Senior Editor, Cancer Research (2017-present)

Publications and Engagement

Dr. Maitra has made significant contributions to the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) through various leadership roles and service activities. He is currently a member of the Pathology in Cancer Research Working Group (2024-present) and the Asian/AANHPI Task Force (2023-present). Dr. Maitra has co-chaired several important conferences, including the AACR Special Conference on Pancreatic Cancer in 2023 and the JCA-AACR Special Joint Conference on Pancreatic Cancer Research in 2022. He has also served on multiple committees, including the Annual Meeting Clinical Trials Committee (2016-2018, 2023-2025) and the AACR-Women in Cancer Research Charlotte Friend Lectureship Award Committee (2022-2024).

Committees and Organizations

• Scientific Advisory Board, Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) (2011-present)
• Councilor, American Pancreatic Association (2010-present)

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