Dr. Hodi has pioneered advancements in the treatments for melanoma. He was the first to report the clinical use of CTLA-4 blocking antibodies in patients. The work included defining mechanisms of action of CTLA-4 blockade and led to the seminal study that revealed for the first time a survival advantage for patients and the basis for FDA approval. In addition, Dr. Hodi demonstrated the first successful use of a tyrosine-kinase inhibitor against KIT in melanoma, confirming the principle that melanoma may be treated based on the mutational status of patient’s tumor.