Dr. Lewis Chodosh is a distinguished physician-scientist and leading authority in cancer biology whose work has transformed understanding of cancer dormancy and recurrence mechanisms. He currently serves as the Perelman Professor and Chair of the Department of Cancer Biology at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine while also holding the position of Associate Director for Basic Science at the Abramson Cancer Center. Dr. Chodosh completed his exceptional academic training with a B.S. in Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry from Yale University followed by a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from MIT and an M.D. from Harvard Medical School. His dual expertise in clinical medicine and basic research enhanced by fellowship training in Endocrinology at Massachusetts General Hospital has positioned him at the forefront of translational cancer research. His extensive leadership within the Abramson Cancer Center has established him as a pivotal figure in advancing cancer biology research.
Dr. Chodosh's groundbreaking work has focused on understanding the mechanisms of cancer development progression and recurrence with particular emphasis on the phenomenon of cancer dormancy that leads to breast cancer relapse. His laboratory pioneered the use of genetically engineered mouse models to study how residual cancer cells enter dormant states after treatment survive undetected for months or years and then reawaken to cause recurrence. This seminal research which began somewhat serendipitously when he observed cancer recurrence in his mouse models has provided critical insights into why nearly one-third of breast cancer survivors experience relapse with tumors that share molecular features of the original disease. His work has established foundational understanding of how dormant cancer cells evade detection and treatment creating new opportunities for interventions to prevent recurrence. By elucidating the molecular pathways involved in cancer dormancy his research has opened new avenues for therapeutic development.
As Co-Director of the 2-PREVENT Translational Center of Excellence in Breast Cancer Dr. Chodosh continues to lead innovative research bridging basic science and clinical applications to eliminate breast cancer recurrence. His laboratory employs a comprehensive approach integrating genetics genomics molecular biology bioinformatics and functional imaging to address fundamental questions of clinical importance to cancer patients. Under his mentorship numerous researchers have advanced the field of cancer biology while his leadership in the Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute has strengthened collaborative efforts across disciplines. Dr. Chodosh remains dedicated to identifying the molecular changes that trigger dormant cancer cells to reawaken with the ultimate goal of developing interventions that could transform breast cancer from a potentially fatal disease to a curable condition. His ongoing research represents a critical frontier in the battle against cancer recurrence and mortality.
