Dr. Wafik S. El-Deiry is a distinguished leader in oncology and translational cancer research who currently serves as the Associate Dean for Oncologic Sciences at the Warren Alpert Medical School and Director of the Legorreta Cancer Center at Brown University. He holds multiple prestigious appointments including Mencoff Family University Professor of Medical Science, Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, and American Cancer Society Research Professor. A physician-scientist board certified in medical oncology, Dr. El-Deiry earned his MD/PhD degrees from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in 1987 and completed his internal medicine residency and medical oncology fellowship at Johns Hopkins Hospital. His career trajectory includes significant leadership roles as Deputy Cancer Center Director for Translational Research at Fox Chase Cancer Center and Chief of Hematology-Oncology at Penn State University, where he established himself as a prominent figure in cancer research and clinical oncology.
Dr. El-Deiry has made groundbreaking contributions to cancer biology through his discovery of the TRAIL receptor DR5, a critical cancer suppressor mechanism that has transformed understanding of programmed cell death in malignancies. He pioneered the development of ONC201TIC10 (Dordaviprone), a novel therapeutic agent that activates this cancer suppressive pathway, founding Oncoceutics, Inc. which was later acquired by Chimerix, Inc. in 2021. His innovative work has positioned this therapeutic approach for potential FDA approval in 2025 specifically for treating aggressive brain tumors, representing a significant advancement in targeted cancer therapy. His research laboratory focuses on unraveling mechanisms of cancer drug resistance, developing novel therapeutic strategies, and advancing precision oncology approaches that match specific molecular targets with tailored treatments for individual patients.
Recognized for his leadership in personalized cancer medicine, Dr. El-Deiry was elected Chair of the Worldwide Innovative Network (WIN) Consortium in 2023, positioning him at the forefront of global efforts to advance precision oncology. In 2024, he was elected as a Senior Member of the National Academy of Inventors, acknowledging his significant contributions to translational cancer research and therapeutic development. He has been named a Top Doctor in Oncology in both Pennsylvania and Rhode Island and maintains active clinical practice treating patients with colorectal cancer while continuing his research on novel cancer therapeutics. Dr. El-Deiry remains dedicated to mentoring the next generation of physician-scientists and advancing the field through his leadership at Brown University, where he directs the Joint Program in Cancer Biology and continues to pioneer innovative approaches to overcome cancer drug resistance.
