The Sanjiv “Sam” Gambhir Memorial Award for Cancer Early Detection

The Sanjiv “Sam” Gambhir Memorial Award for Cancer Early Detection was created to recognize individuals or teams that have contributed to the field of cancer early detection research either through an outstanding sustained commitment or a singular scientific research achievement.

Dr. Gambhir pioneered molecular imaging, leading significant initiatives to develop and apply innovative technologies to the early detection of cancer. Over several years in his early career, he produced a series of papers rigorously establishing the cost-effectiveness of FDG-PET in indication after indication in oncology, ultimately supporting FDA approval and broad reimbursement coverage.

Today, we take it for granted that FDG-PET is integral to routine cancer care. However, it took the sustained efforts of many, with Dr. Gambhir’s decision analysis defining the benefit this imaging modality would provide patients.

He was also intrigued by advances in understanding the molecular biology of cancer and sought ways to combine the fields. Reporter gene imaging, multimodality imaging, immunoPET—these techniques grew from Dr. Gambhir’s unique ability to reach across disciplines to create innovative approaches and solutions.