Tony Hunter

Tony Hunter, American Cancer Society Professor and Renato Dulbecco Chair at Salk Institute, pioneered the discovery of tyrosine phosphorylation (1979) that revolutionized cancer treatment. His work revealed tyrosine kinases as key oncogenic drivers, enabling development of targeted therapies including Gleevec for leukemia. Current research focuses on pancreatic tumor microenvironment signaling and phosphohistidine biology.

Significant discoveries include identifying LIF cytokine as therapeutic target in pancreatic cancer, mechanisms of DNA damage response, and novel phosphorylation pathways. His research established foundational concepts for over 60 cancer drugs. Hunter established Tang Prize Foundation Fellowships at Salk to support cancer research training.

• AAAS Lifetime Achievement Award (2022)
• Tang Prize in Biopharmaceutical Science (2018)
• Wolf Prize in Medicine (2005)
• Gairdner Foundation Award (1994)