Johannes Fibiger

J Fibiger

Johannes Fibiger (23 April 1867 – 30 January 1928) was a Danish physician and scientist known for his research on the etiology of cancer. His work, particularly his discovery of the "Spiroptera carcinoma," a parasite he believed caused cancer in rats, earned him the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1926. Despite later evidence disproving his theory, Fibiger's contributions to medical science, especially in the field of oncology, have been recognized as pioneering efforts towards understanding cancer.

Early Life and Education

Johannes Andreas Grib Fibiger was born in Silkeborg, Denmark. After the early death of his parents, he was raised by his uncle. Fibiger began his medical studies at the University of Copenhagen in 1883, showing early interest in pathology and bacteriology. He graduated with a medical degree in 1890 and subsequently worked in various hospitals in Copenhagen.

Career and Research

Fibiger's early career was marked by his interest in microbiology and infectious diseases. He worked on tuberculosis and diphtheria, contributing to the understanding of these diseases in the pre-antibiotic era. However, his most notable work began in 1907 when he discovered nematode larvae in the stomach of cockroaches and later in rats, which he named Spiroptera carcinoma. Fibiger claimed that these parasites induced cancerous tumors in rats, a discovery that led him to propose a parasitic theory of cancer causation.

Despite initial acclaim, subsequent research failed to replicate Fibiger's results, and it was later understood that the tumors were not true cancers but rather precancerous conditions caused by vitamin A deficiency, not the parasites themselves. Nevertheless, Fibiger's work was among the first to suggest that external factors could induce cancer, laying the groundwork for future research in carcinogenesis.

Nobel Prize

In 1926, Johannes Fibiger was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine "for his discovery of the Spiroptera carcinoma." At the time, his findings were considered a significant breakthrough in medical science. However, the award later became controversial as further studies did not support his conclusions about the parasitic cause of cancer.

Legacy

Despite the controversy surrounding his Nobel Prize, Johannes Fibiger is remembered as a pioneer in cancer research. His insistence on the importance of experimental research and his efforts to identify the causes of cancer have had a lasting impact on the field. Fibiger's work encouraged other scientists to explore the environmental and chemical causes of cancer, significantly advancing our understanding of the disease.

Death

Johannes Fibiger passed away on 30 January 1928 in Copenhagen, Denmark. His legacy is commemorated by the Fibiger Institute, dedicated to cancer research.