DF/HCC Program Affiliation

Member, Cancer Epidemiology Program
Member, Cancer Genetics Program
Member, Cancer Risk Reduction Program
Member, Lung Cancer Program
Member, Cancer Disparities Program
Member, Breast Cancer Program

DF/HCC Associations

Co-Director, Rapid Case Identification Core
Member, Center Scientific Council

Research Abstract

Dr. Li's research has historically focused on two main areas: inherited susceptibility to cancer and late effects of cancer in long-term survivors. His studies of cancer prone individuals and families helped highlight the exceptionally high risk of cancer among genetically predisposed individuals. This led to the clinical description of Li-Fraumeni syndrome, and, subsequently, the identification of germline p53 mutations as the inherited defect in these families. Thereafter, his genetic research has been expanded to include hereditary retinoblastoma, breast cancer, melanoma and colon cancer. Concurrently, the occurrence of second primary cancers in predisposed families prompted Dr. Li to pursue studies of diverse late effects of cancer, including reproductive complications, dysfunction in vital organs and high risk of multiple neoplasms. In the last several years, Dr. Li's research has shifted to include risk reduction, based on new knowledge of genetic and environmental causes of cancer. His recently funded studies with Karen Emmons include a smoking cessation project targeting survivors of childhood cancers. Data on a cohort of nearly 20,000 childhood cancer survivors indicates that approximately 18 percent are current smokers. In a second project, siblings of melanoma patients are being counseled to perform skin examination and seek dermatology consultation for early melanoma detection. The rationale is that siblings not only share sun exposure behaviors, but also genetic susceptibility factors. Dr. Li is also part of an international study of nearly 5,000 breast cancer families. He has recently received an R01 to perform genotype analysis on 2,000 of these cases. The second study of breast cancer is evaluating the Clinical Model of breast cancer genetic testing, as offered outside of academic centers. With IRB approval, 200 patients have been enrolled and will be followed for cancer occurrence and risk reduction behaviors. Dr. Li is also pursuing a second new research area, analysis of determinants of disparities in cancer care, by race, in the US. He is the national Director of Research for a newly submitted grant to develop interventions in Asian-American populations.

Publications

• Xiao GS, Jin YS, Lu QY, Zhang ZF, Belldegrun A, Figlin R, Pantuck A, Yen Y, Li F, Rao J. Annexin-I as a potential target for green tea extract induced actin remodeling. Int J Cancer 2007 Jan 1; 120(1):111-20
  PMID: 17019707
• Lee JS, John EM, McGuire V, Felberg A, Ostrow KL, DiCioccio RA, Li FP, Miron A, West DW, Whittemore AS. Breast and ovarian cancer in relatives of cancer patients, with and without BRCA mutations. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006 Feb; 15(2):359-63
  PMID: 16492929
• Hisada M, Garber JE, Fung CY, Fraumeni JF, Li FP. Multiple primary cancers in families with Li-Fraumeni syndrome. J Natl Cancer Inst 1998 Apr 15; 90(8):606-11
  PMID: 9554443
• Foretova L, Garber JE, Sadowsky NL, Verselis SJ, Joseph DM, Andrade AF, Gudrais PG, Fairclough D, Li FP. Carcinoembryonic antigen in breast nipple aspirate fluid. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 1998 Mar; 7(3):195-8
  PMID: 9521431