Michael B. Kastan

Michael B. Kastan is an American oncologist and medical researcher known for his significant contributions to the field of cancer research. He is currently the Executive Director of the Duke Cancer Institute and the William and Jane Shingleton Professor of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology and Pediatrics at Duke University.

Early Life and Education

Michael B. Kastan was born and raised in the United States. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he majored in chemistry. He then pursued his medical degree from the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri. Following his medical studies, Kastan completed his residency in pediatrics at Johns Hopkins Hospital and a fellowship in hematology and oncology at the National Cancer Institute.

Career

Kastan began his career as a faculty member at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, where he served as the Director of the Division of Pediatric Oncology. He later moved to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, where he served as the Director of the Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Chair of the Department of Hematology. In 2011, he joined Duke University as the Executive Director of the Duke Cancer Institute.

Research

Kastan's research primarily focuses on understanding the cellular responses to DNA damage and how these responses impact the development and treatment of cancer. He is best known for his work on the p53 tumor suppressor protein and the ATM kinase, two key regulators of the DNA damage response. His research has significantly advanced our understanding of how cells protect themselves from genetic damage and has implications for the development of new cancer therapies.

Awards and Honors

Kastan has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to cancer research, including the American Association for Cancer Research Clowes Memorial Award and the American Society of Clinical Oncology Pediatric Oncology Award. He is also a member of the National Academy of Medicine and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

External Links

• Duke Cancer Institute Profile