Knudson, a Fox Chase Cancer Center Distinguished Scientist and senior advisor to the president, is honored for his groundbreaking development of the "two-hit" model, which subsequently launched the discovery and study of tumor suppressor genes. This pioneering, statistically based model explained both the hereditary and sporadic forms of retinoblastoma, and was followed by similar models for neuroblastoma and Wilms' tumor. The fact that the model was first proposed almost 15 years before molecular technologies were able to experimentally test and confirm it speaks not only to the novel aspects of this research, but also to the visionary nature of the work.

"Dr. Knudson's two-hit theory has served as an illuminating paradigm, guiding the investigations of countless tumor geneticists and molecular biologists," said Margaret Foti, Ph.D., M.D. (h.c.), chief executive officer of the AACR. "His fundamental contributions have profoundly influenced the course of cancer research. We are honored to recognize his exemplary contributions to the field of cancer research and genetics."

The AACR Award for Lifetime Achievement in Cancer Research was established and first presented in 2004 to acknowledge an individual who has made significant, fundamental contributions to cancer research, either through a single scientific discovery or a body of work. Those contributions, whether they have been in research, leadership, or mentorship, must have had a lasting impact on the cancer field and must have demonstrated a lifetime commitment to progress against cancer. The award joins the Landon Prizes, Pezcoller Foundation Award and numerous other scientific honors conferred annually by the AACR to recognize world-class accomplishments in basic research,
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Contact: Yarissa Ortiz
ortiz@aacr.org
215-440-9300
American Association for Cancer Research
6-Apr-2005