Paul Marks (scientist)

Paul Marks was a prominent American scientist and oncologist known for his significant contributions to the field of cancer research. He served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) in New York City from 1980 to 1999.

Early Life and Education

Paul Marks was born on August 16, 1926, in Mott Haven, Bronx, New York City. He attended Columbia University, where he earned his B.A. in 1945. He then went on to receive his M.D. from the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1949.

Career

Marks began his career as a researcher at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) before joining the faculty at Columbia University. In 1970, he became the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Columbia. His tenure at Columbia was marked by significant advancements in medical education and research.

In 1980, Marks was appointed President and CEO of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Under his leadership, MSKCC became one of the world's leading institutions for cancer treatment and research. Marks was instrumental in the development of new cancer therapies and the establishment of collaborative research programs.

Research Contributions

Paul Marks made numerous contributions to the understanding and treatment of cancer. His research focused on the molecular mechanisms of cancer and the development of targeted therapies. He was a pioneer in the use of histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDAC inhibitors) as a treatment for cancer. His work in this area led to the development of several new drugs that are now used in clinical practice.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Marks received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to science and medicine. These include the National Medal of Science, the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Award for Lifetime Achievement in Cancer Research, and the Lasker-DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award.

Personal Life

Paul Marks was married to Joan Marks, a genetic counselor and educator. They had three children. Marks passed away on April 28, 2020, at the age of 93.

Legacy

Paul Marks' legacy is marked by his profound impact on cancer research and treatment. His leadership at MSKCC and his pioneering research have saved countless lives and continue to influence the field of oncology.

See Also

• Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
• Histone deacetylase inhibitors
• National Institutes of Health
• Columbia University