In a career dedicated to translational research, Dr. Chen pioneered the concept of synergistic cancer targeting therapy and, by combining traditional Chinese medicine with Western medicine, provided the first successful model in the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia with all-trans retinoic acid and arsenic trioxide. This treatment turned this previously fatal hematologic malignancy into a largely curable disease. Under Dr. Chen’s leadership, the Chinese National Human Genome Center has contributed to human genome sequencing and SNP HaploMap projects; they recently completed genome sequencing of Schistosoma japonicum. The Chinese genome sequencing revealed features of host-parasite interplay that may pave the way for better control and prevention of schistosomiasis japonica infection, a disease that remains a significant health problem in China.
Dr. Chen learned medicine as a “barefoot” doctor practicing traditional Chinese therapies in the countryside during the Cultural Revolution, before enrolling in formal medical school in Shanghai. His many contributions have earned him awards and honorary degrees as well as the recognition of his colleagues worldwide.
Career Highlights
2018 Sjöberg Prize, The Sjöberg Foundation, Lysekil, Sweden
2012 Szent-Györgyi Prize for Progress in Cancer Research, National Foundation for Cancer Research
2008 Elected Honorary Fellow, Academy of Medical Sciences, London
2007 Elected Foreign Associate, Institute of Medicine
2006 Le Prix Etranger de I’INSERM of France
2005 Elected Foreign Member, French Academy of Sciences
2003 Elected Foreign Associate, National Academy of Sciences, Washington, D.C.
2002 Chevalier, Legion of Honor (France)
2000-2007 Vice-President, Chinese Academy of Sciences
1999 Cheung Kong Scholars Achievement Award, National Ministry of Education, China
1999 LiKaShing Foundation Prize
1998 Qiu-Shi Award for Outstanding Young Scientist
1997 Prix de l’Oise, La Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer
1995 Elected Member, Chinese Academy of Sciences
1989 PhD, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Université Paris Diderot
1981 MD, Shanghai Second Medical University