Judah Folkman

Judah Folkman (February 24, 1933 – January 14, 2008) was an American scientist, pathologist, and professor at Harvard Medical School. He is best known for his pioneering research in the field of angiogenesis, the process through which new blood vessels form from pre-existing vessels. This work has had a profound impact on the understanding and treatment of cancer, ocular diseases, and a variety of other conditions.

Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]

Judah Folkman was born in Cleveland, Ohio, to a Rabbi father and a mother who was a homemaker. From a young age, Folkman was interested in science and medicine, inspired by the medical challenges faced by his family and community. He pursued his undergraduate education at Ohio State University, where he earned a degree in biology. He then attended Harvard Medical School, receiving his M.D. in 1957.

Career and Research[edit | edit source]

After completing his medical degree, Folkman served in the United States Navy, where he began his research into angiogenesis. Following his service, he joined the faculty at Harvard Medical School and became the surgeon-in-chief at Boston Children's Hospital. It was here that Folkman developed his hypothesis that tumor growth was dependent on the formation of new blood vessels, a theory that was initially met with skepticism by the scientific community.

Despite the initial resistance, Folkman persisted with his research, and his work eventually led to the discovery of angiogenic growth factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF). These discoveries have paved the way for the development of anti-angiogenic therapies, which aim to treat cancer by inhibiting the growth of blood vessels that supply tumors with nutrients and oxygen.

Impact and Legacy[edit | edit source]

Judah Folkman's research has had a significant impact on the field of oncology and biomedical research. His work on angiogenesis has not only advanced the understanding of how tumors grow and spread but has also led to the development of new therapeutic strategies for treating cancer and other diseases characterized by abnormal blood vessel growth, such as age-related macular degeneration.

Folkman received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to science and medicine, including the Lasker Award for Clinical Medical Research and the Wolf Prize in Medicine. He was also a member of the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Death[edit | edit source]

Judah Folkman passed away on January 14, 2008, at the age of 74. His death was a significant loss to the scientific and medical communities, but his legacy continues through the ongoing research and clinical applications of angiogenesis.