Sanjiv Sam Gambhir

American physician and scientist

Sanjiv Sam Gambhir (November 23, 1962 – July 18, 2020) was a prominent American physician and scientist known for his pioneering work in the field of molecular imaging. He was the Virginia and D.K. Ludwig Professor of Cancer Research and the Chair of the Department of Radiology at Stanford University School of Medicine.

Early life and education

Sanjiv Sam Gambhir was born in Ambala, India, and moved to the United States at a young age. He completed his undergraduate studies in Physics at Arizona State University, where he graduated summa cum laude. He then pursued a combined MD/PhD program at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he earned his PhD in Biomolecular Chemistry and his MD in 1993.

Career

Gambhir's career was marked by significant contributions to the field of molecular imaging, a discipline that combines molecular biology, chemistry, and medical imaging to visualize biological processes in living organisms. He joined the faculty at Stanford University in 2003, where he held several key positions, including Director of the Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (MIPS) and Director of the Canary Center at Stanford for Cancer Early Detection.

Research contributions

Gambhir's research focused on developing novel imaging techniques to detect cancer and other diseases at an early stage. He was instrumental in advancing positron emission tomography (PET) imaging and integrating it with other imaging modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT). His work led to the development of new imaging agents and technologies that have improved the diagnosis and management of cancer.

Sanjiv Sam Gambhir

Innovations in molecular imaging

One of Gambhir's notable achievements was the development of "smart" imaging probes that could provide real-time information about the molecular activity of tumors. These probes were designed to target specific biomarkers associated with cancer, allowing for more precise imaging and treatment planning. His work in this area has had a profound impact on personalized medicine, enabling tailored therapies based on the molecular characteristics of a patient's disease.

Awards and honors

Throughout his career, Gambhir received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to science and medicine. He was elected to the National Academy of Medicine and the National Academy of Inventors. He also received the Paul C. Aebersold Award from the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, among other prestigious accolades.

Personal life

Gambhir was married to Aruna Gambhir, and they had one son, Milan. He was known for his dedication to mentoring young scientists and his passion for advancing the field of molecular imaging.

Death

Sanjiv Sam Gambhir passed away on July 18, 2020, after a battle with cancer. His legacy continues to influence the field of molecular imaging and cancer research.

Related pages

• Molecular imaging
• Positron emission tomography
• Stanford University School of Medicine