Bernard Fisher (scientist)

American surgeon and cancer researcher

Bernard Fisher (August 23, 1918 – October 16, 2019) was an American surgeon and a pioneer in the field of breast cancer research. His work revolutionized the understanding and treatment of breast cancer, shifting the paradigm from radical mastectomy to breast-conserving surgery.

Early Life and Education

Bernard Fisher was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He attended the University of Pittsburgh, where he earned his undergraduate degree in 1940. He continued his education at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, receiving his medical degree in 1943.

Career

Surgical Training

After completing his medical degree, Fisher served in the United States Navy during World War II. Following his military service, he returned to Pittsburgh to complete his surgical residency at the University of Pittsburgh.

Breast Cancer Research

Bernard Fisher in his laboratory

Fisher's most significant contributions to medicine were in the field of breast cancer research. In the 1950s and 1960s, the standard treatment for breast cancer was the radical mastectomy, a procedure that involved the removal of the breast, underlying chest muscle, and lymph nodes. Fisher challenged this approach, hypothesizing that breast cancer was a systemic disease that could be treated with less invasive methods.

In 1958, Fisher joined the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP), where he conducted clinical trials that demonstrated the effectiveness of lumpectomy combined with radiation therapy as an alternative to radical mastectomy. His research showed that breast-conserving surgery was as effective as more radical procedures, leading to a paradigm shift in breast cancer treatment.

Later Work and Legacy

Fisher continued to lead groundbreaking research in cancer treatment, focusing on the role of adjuvant therapy in preventing cancer recurrence. His work laid the foundation for modern breast cancer treatment protocols and significantly improved the quality of life for countless patients.

Fisher's contributions to medicine were recognized with numerous awards and honors, including election to the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Controversies

In the 1990s, Fisher faced controversy when it was discovered that data from some NSABP trials had been falsified by a researcher at another institution. Although Fisher was not personally implicated in the misconduct, the incident led to a temporary suspension of his research activities. He was later exonerated and his reputation restored.

Death

Bernard Fisher passed away on October 16, 2019, at the age of 101. His legacy continues to influence the field of oncology and the treatment of breast cancer.

Related Pages

• Breast cancer
• Lumpectomy
• Radical mastectomy
• Adjuvant therapy
• National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project