Ep.19: The Accidental Discovery That Changed Cancer Research

Episode #19: The Accidental Discovery That Changed Cancer Research Forever

Back in 1979, a scientist made an accidental discovery involving a simple tumor virus. That breakthrough eventually led to more than 80 FDA-approved cancer drugs used around the world today.

That scientist is Dr. Tony Hunter. In the latest episode of All Things Cancer, he joins us to share the full story.

“We didn’t know at the time whether it would be important in human cancer. But quite quickly it became clear: yes.”

Dr. Hunter didn’t plan on ending up at the Salk Institute. He moved to San Diego with his first wife, happened upon a lab focused on tumor viruses, and ended up staying. There, he discovered tyrosine phosphorylation, which showed for the first time how rogue enzymes can hijack normal cell growth signals and cause cancer. This accidental discovery was quickly accepted by the scientific community.

But this episode offers more than just a history lesson. It’s a rare opportunity to hear Dr. Hunter speak openly about his discovery and the big challenges facing cancer research today. He talks about the funding crisis affecting labs across the country, the “valley of death” where promising discoveries get stuck before reaching patients, and the loss of talented scientists who leave research for more stable careers. His honest perspective and experience make this episode especially informative.

“You have to be willing to take a risk that what you’re testing is not going to be successful.”

He also shares his cautious optimism about AI, explaining what it can really do today in cancer diagnostics and data analysis, and why every AI-generated hypothesis still needs to be tested in the lab. He even talks about spending three weeks at the bottom of the Grand Canyon with no cell signal, and how that kind of disconnection helped him become a better scientist.

This episode features a rare, thoughtful conversation that reveals both the story behind a major discovery and an insider’s honest view of cancer research today and in the future. Whether you work in research, support cancer causes, or have been affected by this disease, you’ll find unique, firsthand insights.

About Dr. Tony Hunter

Dr. Tony Hunter is a renowned molecular biologist at the Salk Institute and discoverer of tyrosine phosphorylation, a key mechanism in cancer. His breakthrough laid the foundation for many targeted cancer therapies.

In 2025, Dr. Hunter was awarded the Szent-Györgyi Prize for Progress in Cancer Research at the NFCR Global Summit. You can watch his speech now on NFCR’s YouTube Channel ↗

About All Things Cancer

Each episode of All Things Cancer will spotlight the most pressing topics in oncology, from cutting-edge treatments and emerging research to personal stories of resilience and hope. More than just a podcast, it’s a platform for raising awareness, advancing cancer education, and fostering a global community of support and collaboration.

Hosted by NFCR CEO, Sujuan Ba, Ph.D., this compelling series will bring together the entire ecosystem of cancer research—including leading scientists, oncologists, doctors, patient advocates, caregivers, biotech innovators, and survivors—for powerful discussions on the breakthroughs shaping the future of cancer research, treatment, and care.

All Things Cancer is now available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, with new episodes released biweekly.

Subscribe now to stay up to date on the latest episodes and join the conversation that’s shaping the future of cancer research. Cancer impacts everyone—whether you’re a patient, caregiver, advocate, or researcher, this podcast delivers invaluable insights from those on the frontlines of the fight against it.

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Episode #19: The Accidental Discovery That Changed Cancer Research Forever

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Episode #19: The Accidental Discovery That Changed Cancer Research Forever