Hongjin Liu | Cancer Cell Biology | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Hongjin Liu | Cancer Cell Biology | Research Excellence Award

National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital & Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College | China

Hongjin Liu is a medical oncologist whose research centers on cancer biology, therapeutic resistance, and tumorigenesis. His work spans molecular oncology, hepatocellular carcinoma, and mechanisms of somatic mutagenesis across human tissues. He has contributed to high-impact studies published in Nature and Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy, including investigations uncovering the landscape of somatic mutations in normal tissues and the critical role of VAV2 in DNA repair and radiotherapy resistance. His research also explores noncoding RNA–mediated regulatory networks in liver cancer, notably identifying the oncogenic function of ELF3-AS1 through its modulation of the miR-98-5p/CPSF4 axis. Collectively, his publications provide important insights into genomic instability, tumor microenvironment dynamics, and potential molecular targets for improving therapeutic outcomes. His translational research aims to bridge molecular mechanisms with clinical oncology to support precision cancer treatment and advance strategies for overcoming therapy resistance.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications: 

1. Ge, P., Niu, S., Fang, M., Xu, Q., Zhang, W., Xu, J., Yang, F., Wang, Y., Shi, T., & Liu, H. (2025). ELF3-AS1 promotes the carcinogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by inhibiting miR-98-5p/CPSF4 axis. Nucleosides, Nucleotides & Nucleic Acids.

2. Zhang, W., Liu, Z., Liu, H., Huang, Z., Huang, X., Xu, L., Che, X., & Zhan, Z. (2025). The impact of immune checkpoint inhibitors on prognosis in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma treated with TACE and lenvatinib: A meta-analysis. Frontiers in Immunology.

3. Liu, W., Miao, C., Zhang, S., Liu, Y., Niu, X., Xi, Y., Guo, W., Chu, J., Lin, A., Liu, H., Yang, X., Chen, X., Zhong, C., Ma, Y., Wang, Y., Zhu, S., Liu, S., Tan, W., Lin, D., & Wu, C. (2021). VAV2 is required for DNA repair and implicated in cancer radiotherapy resistance. Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy, 6(9), 2906–2919.

4. Li, R., Di, L., Li, J., Fan, W., Liu, Y., Guo, W., Liu, W., Liu, L., Li, Q., Chen, L., Chen, Y., Miao, C., Liu, H., Wang, Y., Ma, Y., Xu, D., Lin, D., Huang, Y., Wang, J., Bai, F., & Wu, C. (2021). A body map of somatic mutagenesis in morphologically normal human tissues. Nature, 597(7876), 398–403.

5. Chen, Y., Zeng, Q., Liu, X., Fu, J., Zeng, Z., Zhao, Z., Liu, Z., Bai, W., Dong, Z., & Liu, H. (2018). LINE-1 ORF-1p enhances the transcription factor activity of pregnenolone X receptor and promotes sorafenib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Cancer Management and Research, 10, 6345–6358.

Li Hou | Cancer Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Li Hou | Cancer Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Li Hou , Department of Oncology and Hematology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, China

Li Hou is a distinguished Chief Physician and Director of the Hematology and Oncology Department at Dongzhimen Hospital, affiliated with Beijing University of Chinese Medicine. With a career spanning over 30 years, she has made remarkable contributions in the integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Western Medicine for treating tumors and blood diseases. A renowned researcher and educator, Hou Li has led over 40 research projects, authored 50+ papers, and published significant work on tumor and blood disease therapies. Her expertise has been recognized with the prestigious “Famous Doctor’s Excellent Demeanor Award” in 2018. Her passion for advancing healthcare through combined approaches has made her a leader in oncology and hematology in China and internationally. 🌟🎓💉

Publication Profile:

Orcid

Strengths for the Award:

Dr. Li Hou is highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award due to her exceptional contributions in integrating Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Western Medicine for the treatment of hematological diseases and cancers. Her career is distinguished by over 40 research programs and more than 50 published papers, demonstrating her expertise in oncology and hematology. She has authored notable articles in high-impact journals, showcasing her deep understanding of tumor biology and blood disorders. Her leadership in research, coupled with her clinical practice, has led to groundbreaking insights into the treatment of malignancies, including her work on identifying novel drug targets for cancers. Furthermore, her role in academia and professional service, as a key figure in several influential medical associations, highlights her outstanding impact in the medical field. 🌟🧑‍🔬📚

Areas for Improvement:

While Dr. Li Hou research achievements are commendable, expanding her research collaborations internationally could further enhance her impact. Engaging with global research communities may foster new perspectives and facilitate the exchange of ideas, particularly in the context of cutting-edge medical technologies. Additionally, expanding research into the long-term outcomes of integrated therapies in various populations could provide further evidence of the benefits of combining TCM with Western approaches. This would allow her work to gain even more recognition and clinical application worldwide. 🌍🔬

Education:

Li Hou completed her Bachelor’s in Chinese Medicine at Beijing University of Chinese Medicine in 1993. She then pursued her Master’s degree in Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine from the same institution, completing it in 1998. In 2004, she earned her Doctorate in Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine. Her academic journey has been rooted in the application of both traditional and modern methods to treat complex diseases like cancer and blood disorders, providing her with a strong foundation for her career in clinical practice, research, and education. 🎓📚🩺

Experience:

Li Hou clinical career began in 1993 as a resident at Dongzhimen Hospital. By 1999, she advanced to attending physician, and by 2008, she became an associate chief physician. In 2013, she was appointed as Chief Physician at Dongzhimen Hospital, where she has been working ever since. She holds significant leadership roles within the field, including Chairman of several prestigious oncology committees. Additionally, her role as an evaluation expert for the National Natural Science Foundation of China demonstrates her expertise in research. She has been instrumental in combining traditional Chinese medicine with modern treatments in the management of cancer and hematological conditions. 🏥💼👩‍⚕️

Research Focus:

Li Hou research focus revolves around the integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Western medicine to treat hematological diseases and cancer. She has made significant strides in identifying novel therapeutic approaches, with an emphasis on improving cancer treatment outcomes. Her work includes studying the role of TCM in modulating drug responses and enhancing chemotherapy effectiveness. Through her extensive research, she has contributed to understanding the genetic and molecular mechanisms involved in blood cancer and tumor progression, aiming to optimize patient care and survival rates. Her studies have been published in leading medical journals. 🧬🔬💡

Publications Top Notes:

  • Identification of potential drug targets for four site-specific cancers by integrating human plasma proteome with genomeJournal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis (2025)
  • Genetic analysis from multiple cohorts implies causality between 2200 druggable genes, telomere length, and leukemiaComputers in Biology and Medicine (2024)
  • Genetically predicted 486 blood metabolites in relation to risk of colorectal cancer: A Mendelian randomization studyCancer Medicine (2023)
  • Improvement of Early Death in Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia: A Population-Based AnalysisClinical Lymphoma Myeloma and Leukemia (2023)
  • Tanshinone IIa Induces Autophagy and Apoptosis via PI3K/Akt/mTOR Axis in Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia NB4 CellsEvidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2021)
  • Effectiveness of Acupuncture Treatment on Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: A Pilot, Randomized, Assessor-Blinded, Controlled TrialPain Research and Management (2020) 📝📚🎯

Conclusion:

Dr. Li Hou contributions to medicine are profound and multifaceted, blending traditional and modern therapeutic approaches to offer innovative solutions for cancer and blood diseases. Her research has not only advanced scientific knowledge but also improved patient care. As a leader in both clinical practice and research, she exemplifies the qualities of a Best Researcher Award recipient. Through her continued dedication to her work, Dr. Hou Li will undoubtedly remain at the forefront of medical research, driving progress in both China and globally. 🏆💉🩺