Newswise — TAMPA, Fla. Robert Gillies, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Cancer Physiology and vice chair of Radiology Research at Moffitt Cancer Center, was awarded the World Molecular Imaging Society’s highest honor. The 2018 Gold Medal Award recognizes his contributions to the field of molecular imaging. The award was presented to Gillies earlier this month at the World Molecular Imaging Congress in Seattle.

Gillies’ career successes have led to new understandings of the development and progression of cancer, as well as new cancer treatment options. His research approach focuses on one theme — understanding cancers as complex, heterogeneous and dynamic systems. This has allowed him and his team to investigate cancer through multiple approaches including radiomics and cellular biology. 

His most recent work, published in Nature Communications, provides insight on how the metabolism and pH environments inside and outside of cancer cells contribute to disease growth. Further study in this area, including lowering the pH inside cells, could lead to new therapeutic approaches.  

Gillies joined Moffitt in 2008. He has received numerous awards, including Moffitt’s Researcher of the Year in 2012. He is a past president of the World Molecular Imaging Society and founding member and chair of the Molecular Imaging study section at the National Institutes of Health.

About Moffitt Cancer Center Moffitt is dedicated to one lifesaving mission: to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer. The Tampa-based facility is one of only 49 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers, a distinction that recognizes Moffitt’s scientific excellence, multidisciplinary research, and robust training and education. Moffitt is a Top 10 cancer hospital and has been nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report since 1999. Moffitt devotes more than 2 million square feet to research and patient care. Moffitt’s expert nursing staff is recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center with Magnet® status, its highest distinction. With more than 6,000 team members, Moffitt has an economic impact in the state of $2.1 billion. For more information, call 1-888-MOFFITT (1-888-663-3488), visit MOFFITT.org, and follow the momentum on FacebookTwitter and YouTube. 

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