Frederick Pei Li

Frederick Pei Li

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Frederick Pei Li

Frederick Pei Li (1940–2015) was a pioneering American physician and researcher known for his work in the field of cancer genetics. He is best known for co-discovering the Li-Fraumeni syndrome, a hereditary condition that greatly increases the risk of developing several types of cancer.

Early Life and Education

Frederick Pei Li was born in 1940 in Canton, China. He immigrated to the United States with his family, where he pursued his education. Li attended Yale University, where he earned his undergraduate degree. He then went on to receive his medical degree from the University of Rochester School of Medicine.

Career

Li began his career in medicine with a focus on oncology and genetics. He joined the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in the 1960s, where he worked alongside Dr. Joseph Fraumeni. Together, they conducted groundbreaking research that led to the identification of the Li-Fraumeni syndrome.

Li-Fraumeni Syndrome

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Frederick Pei Li in his later years

Li-Fraumeni syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by a predisposition to a wide range of cancers, including breast cancer, sarcoma, leukemia, and brain tumors. The syndrome is associated with mutations in the TP53 gene, which plays a critical role in regulating the cell cycle and preventing tumor formation.

Li's work in identifying this syndrome has had a profound impact on the field of cancer genetics, providing valuable insights into the hereditary nature of cancer and the role of genetic mutations in cancer development.

Contributions to Medicine

Frederick Pei Li's contributions to medicine extend beyond the discovery of Li-Fraumeni syndrome. He was a strong advocate for the integration of genetic counseling and testing in clinical practice, emphasizing the importance of understanding genetic risk factors in cancer prevention and treatment.

Li also played a key role in developing guidelines for the management of patients with hereditary cancer syndromes, helping to shape the way these conditions are diagnosed and treated today.

Legacy

Frederick Pei Li's work has left a lasting legacy in the field of medical genetics and oncology. His research has paved the way for advancements in genetic testing and personalized medicine, allowing for more targeted and effective cancer treatments.

Li's dedication to understanding the genetic basis of cancer has inspired countless researchers and clinicians, and his contributions continue to influence the field of cancer research and treatment.

Related Pages

• Li-Fraumeni syndrome
• Cancer genetics
• TP53
• National Cancer Institute