Drs. Chang and Moore will be presented with the $250,000 Mott Prize at a ceremony that concludes GMCRF's Annual Scientific Conference, June 10-11, at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.
"This award is one of the top annual awards in cancer research internationally as well as one of the most prestigious prizes ever awarded to a University of Pittsburgh faculty member," said Arthur S. Levine, M.D., senior vice chancellor for the Health Sciences and dean, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. "In fact, the honor has been bestowed on only a select number of the world's top scientists, nine of whom have gone on to win Nobel prizes."
Drs. Chang and Moore were honored with the Mott Prize for their discovery of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), which causes Kaposi's sarcoma – the most common malignancy occurring in AIDS patients. KSHV also is linked to other disorders that involve a compromised immune system.
"Few scientists can lay claim to have truly found the cause of a cancer," said Ronald B. Herberman, M.D., director of UPCI and the UPMC Cancer Centers. "Drs. Chang and Moore not only found the long-sought cause for a very common cancer in AIDS patients, but they also used their discovery to open new and exciting areas in cancer research. They are continuing to use innovative molecular biology techniques to understand the basis for KSHV's ability to cause cancer and to unearth new pathogens and undiscovered viruses."
Samuel A. Wells, Jr., M.D., president of the GMCRF, called Drs. Chang and Moore exemplary scientists and worthy recipients of the Mott Prize. "They were chosen through a rigorous process conducted by a panel of prestigious international scientists," he said. "Through this award, General Motors supports some of the world's most gifted scientists who have made highly important discoveries leading to the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of cancer."
General Motors established the Cancer Research Foundation in 1978 to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of basic scientists and clinical scientists in cancer research around the world. The Mott Prize, among the most prestigious in the field of medicine, is one of three awards GM announces annually.
The University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in western Pennsylvania, serving a population of more than six million. UPCI is a recognized leader in providing innovative cancer prevention, detection, diagnosis and treatment; bio-medical research; compassionate patient care and support; and community outreach services. UPCI investigators are world-renowned for their work in clinical and basic research on cancer.
CONTACT:
Clare Collins
Jocelyn Uhl
PHONE: 412-647-3555
FAX: 412-624-3184
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CollCX@upmc.edu
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