A geneticist and physician, Dr. Knudson is internationally recognized for his "two-hit" theory of cancer causation, which explained the relationship between the hereditary and non-hereditary forms of a cancer and predicted the existence of tumor-suppressor genes that can suppress cancer cell growth. This now-confirmed theory has advanced understanding of errors in the genetic program that turn normal cells into cancer cells.

Among Knudson's many professional distinctions, he received the 2004 Kyoto Prize,considered among the world's leading awards for lifetime achievement. He also earned the 1998 Albert Lasker Award for Clinical Medical Research, one of 7 Lasker Awards presented that year. Considered "America's Nobels," Lasker Awards rank among the highest recognition for careers of distinguished work because of the extremely rigorous process of nomination and selection conducted by a jury of the world's top scientists.

In September 2002, Knudson received Fox Chase Cancer Center's 14th annual Wick R. Williams Memorial Award. The American Society of Clinical Oncology also honored him with its 2002 Special Award in the form of a Pediatric Oncology Lectureship recognizing individuals who are accomplished in pediatric oncology.

In 1999, Knudson received the Distinguished Career Award of the American Society of Hematology/Oncology and the international John Scott Award from the City of Philadelphia. In 2000, the American Academy of Dermatology honored him with its Lila Gruber Memorial Cancer Research Award for researchers whose lifetime contributions have been outstanding in importance and distinction.

In addition, Knudson has received the 1988 Charles S. Mott Prize of the General Motors Cancer Research Foundation; the American Cancer Society's 1989 Medal of Honor; the 1990 Founders' Award of the Chemical Industry Institute for Toxicology; the American Radium Society's 1990 Janeway Medal; Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center's 1990 Katharine Berkan Judd Award; the 1991 William Allan Memorial Award of the American Society of Human Genetics; M. D. Anderson Cancer Center's 1995 Bertner Award; Switzerland's 1995 Charles Rodolphe Brupbacher Foundation Award; the 1996 Robert J. and Claire Pasarow Foundation Award; the 1996 Durham City of Medicine Award; Canada's 1997 Gairdner Foundation International Award; and the American Society of Clinical Oncology's 1997 Karnofsky Memorial Lecture Award. Read More »