Judah Folkman died (1933-2008)

[momto3]

Judah Folkman, M.D., director of the vascular biology program at Children’s Hospital Boston and the Andrus professor of pediatric surgery and professor of cell biology at Harvard Medical School, died suddenly January 14, 2008. He was 74.

Internationally renowned as a pioneer in the field of angiogenesis research, Dr. Folkman’s landmark discovery that cutting off a cancerous tumor’s blood supply inhibited its growth and ability to spread revolutionized cancer treatment. Dr. Folkman's laboratory was the first to purify angiogenic protein from a tumor, basic research which led to the discovery of the first angiogenesis inhibitors and ultimately to clinical trials of anti-angiogenic therapy. Today, angiogenesis inhibitors such as Avastin, Tarceva and Macugen have received FDA approval in the U.S. and similar regulatory approval in 27 other countries for the treatment of cancer and/or macular degeneration. Dr. Folkman's research provides a firm scientific foundation for the pursuit of anti-angiogenic therapy, not only for the treatment of cancer, but for many non-neoplastic diseases.


RIP Dr. Folkman.


:cry:

[stray cat]

1. Thank you for recognizing this great man!

His death deserved more attention than it got. He deserved better.

[supernova]

2. Condolences to his family and colleagues

What wonderful man. Giant intellect.

I was working at Duke and he had been asked to come and give a talk. I was one of the throng who got to say 'hi' but it was a thrill nonetheless.