5 Things to Know About Dr. Tony Hunter

Dr. Tony Hunter of the Salk Institute is well-known for discovering the cellular process of tyrosine phosphorylation and how miscues in this signaling pathway can lead to unchecked cell growth. The results of his discovery are the development of the blueprint for targeted cancer therapies and more than 50 FDA-approved tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs).

On Friday, October 24, 2025, Dr. Hunter will be awarded the 2025 Szent-Gyorgyi Prize for Progress in Cancer Research at the NFCR Global Summit and Award Ceremonies in Washington, DC. Ahead of this event, we get to know Dr. Hunter a little bit better.

Here are 5 things you should know about Dr. Tony Hunter:

Dr. Hunter received his education at the University of Cambridge and came to the U.S. as a postdoctoral trainee at the Salk Institute, where he continues his vital work today, 50 years later.

While at the University of Cambridge, Dr. Hunter studied under two Nobel Prize Winners: Fred Sanger and Max Perutz. He credits these two as major influences on the direction of his career.

The most well-known cancer therapy developed as a result of his work is Gleevec, which revolutionized treatment for chronic myeloid leukemia and has saved hundreds of thousands of lives worldwide.

He has earned recognition at the highest level in seven different countries (the US, Canada, Britain, Sweden, Spain, Thailand, Japan), demonstrating his global impact. Some of these distinctions include being elected to the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Medicine in the U.S.

Today, Dr. Hunter’s lab is advancing research on one of the toughest challenges in oncology, pancreatic cancer. His team discovered that cancer-associated fibroblasts secrete a signaling molecule called leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) that helps tumors resist treatment. By blocking LIF, they slowed tumor growth and improved chemotherapy responses in animal models. Elevated LIF levels are also linked to more aggressive disease in patients, suggesting LIF is both a biomarker and a promising therapeutic target.

Join Us in Honoring Dr. Hunter’s Contributions to Saving Cancer Patients’ Lives

Hear Dr. Hunter speak about his research and his pathway to discovery at the 2025 NFCR Global Summit and Award Ceremonies for Cancer Research and Entrepreneurship. NFCR’s Global Summit is unlike any other event because attendees have the chance to ask questions, advance the conversation, and network with other researchers and leaders like Dr. Hunter. Tickets will sell out, so reserve your spot today!