Moffitt Cancer Center Honors Dr. Frederick Locke as Researcher of the Year
Each year, Moffitt Cancer Center recognizes outstanding faculty members for their contributions to cancer research. The W. Jackson Pledger Researcher of the Year Award is given to a scientist who has made a major impact on understanding cancer. This year, the honor goes to Frederick Locke, MD.
Locke is a leader in CAR T-cell therapy, a groundbreaking cancer treatment that helps the body’s immune system fight cancer. As chair of Moffitt’s Blood and Marrow Transplant and Cellular Immunotherapy Department and Co-Leader of the Immuno-Oncology Program, he has worked to improve treatments for patients with lymphoma and multiple myeloma.
One of Locke’s biggest achievements has been his work on the ZUMA-1 and ZUMA-7 clinical trials. These studies helped lead to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of axicabtagene ciloleucel, or axi-cel, a CAR T-cell therapy that has become a standard treatment for aggressive lymphoma. His research has changed the way doctors treat this disease, giving patients more options and better chances of recovery.
Locke has published numerous research papers, including studies in high impact medical journals like The New England Journal of Medicine, Nature Medicine and The Journal of Clinical Oncology. He also plays a key role in national cancer research organizations, helping set guidelines for new treatments and working to improve patient care.
Locke’s research goes beyond treating cancer — he also studies how CAR T-cell therapy affects the brain and works to improve its long-term success. He is leading a major collaboration with Kite Pharma to make CAR T even better for future patients.
His translational research laboratory, funded by the National Cancer Institute, is seeking to better understand why CAR T does not always work, while he also passionately seeks ways to increase availability and access to CAR T.
Reflecting on the award, Locke said, "I am deeply honored to receive this recognition. The progress we have made in cellular immunotherapy is thanks to the dedication of my colleagues, our patients and the entire team at Moffitt. Together, we are transforming the way we treat cancer, and I look forward to continuing this important work."
Locke’s leadership and dedication to cancer research continue to make a difference in the lives of patients worldwide.
