Dr. Eric Fearon stands as a preeminent figure in cancer research and molecular oncology, having shaped our understanding of colorectal cancer pathogenesis for over three decades. He currently holds the distinguished position of Emanuel N. Maisel Professor of Oncology at the University of Michigan and serves as Director of the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, a leadership role he assumed in 2016 after previously serving as deputy director since 2005. His academic journey at the University of Michigan began in 1995 when he joined as associate director for Basic Science Research at the Rogel Cancer Center, establishing himself as a pivotal force in the institution's cancer research enterprise. Dr. Fearon has also held significant administrative roles including division chief of Molecular Medicine & Genetics in the Department of Internal Medicine and co-director of the Cancer Center's Cancer Genetics Research Program, demonstrating his comprehensive leadership across multiple dimensions of cancer research and education.
Dr. Fearon's groundbreaking research has fundamentally advanced our understanding of the molecular genetic mechanisms underlying colorectal cancer development and progression. His extensive work on tumor suppressor genes, particularly the Dcc gene as evidenced by his NIH-funded research projects, has provided critical insights into how genetic alterations drive cancer pathogenesis. His seminal 2011 review in the Annual Review of Pathology, which has become a cornerstone reference in the field, comprehensively outlined how accumulated mutations in oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes contribute to colorectal cancer development. Through systematic analysis of genetic and epigenetic alterations, Dr. Fearon has demonstrated how these defects dysregulate conserved signaling networks that control critical cellular phenotypes including metabolism, proliferation, differentiation, and survival in cancer cells. His research has established critical links between specific genetic alterations and biologically distinct subsets of colorectal cancer, providing a molecular framework that continues to guide both basic research and clinical approaches.
Beyond his research contributions, Dr. Fearon has profoundly shaped the cancer research landscape through his leadership in national scientific organizations and editorial roles. He was elected a Fellow of the American Society for Clinical Investigation in 1999 and later served as its president from 2005 to 2006, demonstrating his standing among the nation's most respected physician-scientists. His recognition as a member of the National Academy of Medicine and his 2018 election as a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science underscore the broad impact of his scholarly contributions. Dr. Fearon has also served in influential positions including chairing NIH and National Cancer Institute advisory groups and grant review committees, helping to shape national research priorities in cancer biology. Currently as Director of the Rogel Cancer Center, he continues to advance innovative research directions while mentoring the next generation of cancer researchers, ensuring his legacy of scientific excellence extends far beyond his own laboratory discoveries.
