"Dr. Pestell richly deserves this distinguished recognition because of his important fundamental contributions to our understanding of endocrinology and cancer, as well as his farsighted leadership of Georgetown's laboratories, research programs and our Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center," said Stuart Bondurant, MD, interim executive vice president for health sciences at Georgetown University.
Pestell, an internationally renowned expert in oncology and endocrinology, was named Lombardi's director in September 2002. He is a highly respected researcher and clinician whose current work is focused on developing new cancer therapies that specifically target tumors and reduce the side effects that are associated with commonly used cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation.
Pestell's research concentrates on identifying molecular markers of pre-malignant disease to develop preventive approaches to cancer. He has made significant contributions to the understanding of cell cycle regulation and the disturbances that can lead to the malignant transformation of cells.
Pestell has particular expertise in hormonally-responsive tumors, including breast and prostate cancer, and his work is directed toward the discovery of novel therapies for these cancers.
The author of more than 220 research papers and reviews and 130 research abstracts, Pestell has consistently published in leading journals including Cell, Science and Nature Medicine. He has an outstanding record of obtaining funding, with current funding, including five NIH RO1 grants funded by the National Institutes of Health, totaling more than $20 million.
The Endocrine Society of Australia is a national non-profit organization of scientists and clinicians who conduct research and practice in the field of endocrinology.
The Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of Georgetown University Medical Center and Georgetown University Hospital, seeks to improve the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cancer through innovative basic and clinical research, patient care, community education and outreach, and the training of cancer specialists of the future. Lombardi is one of only 39 comprehensive cancer centers in the nation, as designated by the National Cancer Institute, and the only one in the Washington DC area. For more information, go to http://lombardi.georgetown.edu/