David Munn, MD, a physician‑scientist whose discoveries fundamentally reshaped the understanding of immune regulation in cancer, has been appointed director of the Georgia Cancer Center at the Medical College of Georgia. He has served as interim director since March, during which time he has worked to streamline clinical trials and recruit new basic and translational science researchers. 

A pediatric hematologist/oncologist, Regents’ Professor and co‑director of the Pediatric Immunotherapy Program, Munn is internationally recognized for research that revealed how tumors manipulate the immune system and for translating those insights into new therapeutic strategies. 

Early in his career at MCG, Munn and his then‑colleague, immunologist Andrew Mellor, PhD, found that an enzyme called IDO, which the body normally uses to protect a healthy pregnancy, is also used by cancer cells to shield themselves from immune attack. Their work demonstrated that tumors do not simply hide from the immune system, they actively create a protective environment around themselves. 

That insight led to the development of IDO inhibitors, therapies designed to break down that protection and help the immune system recognize and fight cancer. These inhibitors are now in clinical trials around the world, including here at MCG, and are being used in children with recurrent brain tumors, offering new options where few have existed.

“Dr. Munn is deeply respected across our institution not only for his groundbreaking research and clinical expertise, but also for his humility, collaboration, and unwavering commitment to patients and families,” said Augusta University President Russell T. Keen. “As Georgia’s designated health sciences university, Augusta University is committed to advancing discoveries that improve lives across our state and beyond, and Dr. Munn’s leadership will help further position the Georgia Cancer Center as a destination for innovative research, world-class care, and expanded access to cutting-edge clinical trials for Georgians.” 

“Dr. Munn is one of the most service minded leaders I know. He is an extraordinary physician and scientist whose work has changed the way the world understands cancer and the immune system,” said MCG Dean David Hess, MD. “His deep institutional knowledge and unwavering commitment to our mission are tremendous assets. Under his leadership, the Georgia Cancer Center is well positioned to advance toward our goal of becoming Georgia’s first public NCI designated Cancer Center. I look forward to our continued work together.” 

NCI designation would enable the GCC to attract more federal grants, private philanthropy and biotech partnerships. It would also expand access to advanced trials and therapies, ensuring Georgians in rural and underserved areas can benefit from cutting-edge cancer care.  

Munn is a 1984 MCG graduate. He returned to Augusta and his alma mater in 1990 after completing training at Rainbow Babies’ and Children’s Hospital and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. 

As director, he will guide the Georgia Cancer Center’s scientific strategy, strengthen its research infrastructure and advance its mission to improve cancer outcomes for patients across Georgia and beyond.