Through epidemiologic and interdisciplinary studies of high-risk populations, Dr. Fraumeni has contributed to a better understanding of cancer causation and prevention. In 1969, he discovered (along with Frederick P. Li) a familial syndrome of early-onset breast cancer, sarcomas, brain tumors and other malignancies. The search for an underlying biologic mechanism eventually led to collaborative studies that uncovered inherited mutations in the p53 tumor suppressor gene. Since the gene is commonly mutated in human cancer, the finding has continued to stimulate new avenues of mechanistic and translational research.
In 1975, Dr. Fraumeni led the development of computer-generated atlases of U.S. cancer mortality at the county level. The distinctive geographic patterns for certain malignancies prompted a series of studies in the United States and in China that helped to identify several carcinogenic exposures and inform population-level approaches to cancer control. In recent years, Dr. Fraumeni has been involved in developing interdisciplinary research strategies and training programs in cancer epidemiology, statistics, genetics, and related areas.
Career Highlights
2011 Fellow, American Academy of Arts and Sciences
2009 AACR Award for Lifetime Achievement in Cancer Research
2002 Member, National Academy of Sciences
1997 James D. Bruce Memorial Award, American College of Physicians
1995 Charles S. Mott Prize, General Motors Cancer Research Foundation
1995 Director, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute
1995 John Snow Award, American Public Health Association
1994 Member, Association of American Physicians
1993 Abraham M. Lilienfeld Award, American College of Epidemiology
1993 AACR-American Cancer Society Award for Research Excellence in Epidemiology and Prevention
1992 Member, Institute of Medicine
1992 Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science
1983-1986 Board of Directors, American Association for Cancer Research
1967 Fellow, American College of Physicians
1958 MD, Duke University School of Medicine