Hannah Wen | Breast Cancer | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Dr. Hannah Wen | Breast Cancer | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Hannah Wen, MEMORIAL SLOAN KETTERING CANCER CENTER, United States

Dr. Hannah Y. Wen, M.D., Ph.D., is a distinguished breast cancer pathologist and cancer researcher at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) in New York. With dual training in medicine and cancer biology, Dr. Wen’s career reflects a deep commitment to advancing the field of translational oncology. Her research focuses on triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), rare breast tumor subtypes, and predictive/prognostic biomarkers. Dr. Wen is a prolific academic contributor with publications in high-impact journals such as Nature Communications and Cancer Research. She integrates molecular biology with diagnostic pathology to improve cancer stratification and therapy decisions. In addition to her investigative work, she contributes as a principal investigator on multiple IRB-approved studies at MSKCC. Recognized with early academic accolades and continuously advancing the frontiers of cancer pathology, Dr. Wen exemplifies the blend of scientific rigor and clinical relevance. She is a strong candidate for any prestigious research award in pathology and oncology.

Publication Profile:

Scopus

Strengths for the Award:

  1. Extensive Academic Training
    Dr. Wen holds an M.D. from Peking University Health Science Center, one of China’s top medical schools, and a Ph.D. in Cancer Biology from MD Anderson Cancer Center, a global leader in cancer research.

  2. Robust Postdoctoral and Clinical Research Experience
    Her postdoctoral work at Genentech Inc. and ongoing clinical-scientific role at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) place her at the intersection of innovative molecular research and high-impact clinical diagnostics.

  3. High-Impact Publications
    She has authored landmark papers in journals like Cancer Research, Nature Cell Biology, PNAS, Modern Pathology, and Nature Communications, covering diverse areas such as:

    • Triple-negative breast cancer

    • Genetic markers (e.g., BRCA1, p202)

    • Molecular subtyping of rare breast tumors

    • Pathologic stratification of early-stage breast cancer

  4. Active Investigator and IRB Leadership
    Dr. Wen is Principal Investigator for multiple MSK IRB protocols involving rare breast cancer subtypes and molecular markers. This shows strong leadership in translational research.

  5. Recognition and Consistency
    From receiving Top 10 Student Awards in Beijing to leading diagnostic-pathologic breakthroughs in 2025, her excellence spans over three decades.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Visibility of Awards in the U.S. Academic System
    While her early academic awards are impressive, more documented recent honors, society memberships, or fellowships could further enhance her candidacy.

  2. Mentorship and Teaching Roles
    While likely involved, specific mention of mentorship, educational leadership, or curriculum development would strengthen her profile in academic impact.

  3. Interdisciplinary Collaborations
    Explicit examples of cross-disciplinary collaborations (e.g., computational oncology, AI in pathology) would underscore her innovation potential in modern biomedical research.

Education:

Dr. Hannah Y. Wen obtained her M.D. from Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China (1988–1993), where she was consistently recognized as an outstanding student. She pursued her Ph.D. in Cancer Biology at the University of Texas Health Science Center/MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX (1997–2001), focusing on molecular oncology. During her Ph.D., she contributed significantly to understanding interferon-inducible proteins in cancer suppression. Her educational journey reflects deep interdisciplinary training, combining clinical medicine with cutting-edge research. This robust academic background has laid the foundation for her success in translational cancer research and diagnostic pathology. Dr. Wen’s training continues with postdoctoral work at Genentech Inc. in Experimental Pathology, which further honed her molecular diagnostic skills. Her global academic trajectory—from China to elite U.S. institutions—has shaped her into a well-rounded researcher capable of addressing complex challenges in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Experience:

Dr. Wen brings over two decades of research and clinical experience in cancer biology and diagnostic pathology. After completing her Ph.D. at MD Anderson Cancer Center, she conducted postdoctoral research in Experimental Pathology at Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco (2002–2003). Since then, she has held a faculty position at the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. At MSKCC, Dr. Wen has served as Principal Investigator on multiple IRB-approved protocols investigating rare breast cancer subtypes and genetic alterations. Her daily work bridges histopathology and genomics to advance precision medicine in breast cancer. Beyond research, she mentors fellows and contributes to academic committees, reinforcing her role as a leader in her field. Her hands-on experience with triple-negative breast cancer, breast tumor markers, and breast pathology variants gives her a rare clinical-research dual expertise, making her a vital figure in contemporary breast cancer diagnostics.

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Hannah Y. Wen has received numerous recognitions throughout her academic journey. Early in her career, she was honored with the Outstanding Student Award by Peking University Health Science Center (1988–1992), a distinction granted to top-tier medical students. She was also named among Beijing’s Top 10 Outstanding Students in 1992, recognizing her academic and leadership excellence. While formal awards during her U.S. career are not extensively documented in the data provided, Dr. Wen’s growing impact in high-impact journals and role as a Principal Investigator at MSKCC are implicit accolades in the competitive world of academic medicine. Her contributions to translational breast cancer research, including studies on BRCA1 inactivation and tumor progression markers, underscore her continuous excellence. Given her record of impactful research and professional standing at one of the world’s leading cancer centers, she remains a strong contender for recognition such as the Best Researcher Award.

Research Focus:

Dr. Wen’s research centers on triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a challenging and aggressive subtype of breast cancer with limited therapeutic targets. She also investigates rare and under-recognized breast tumor subtypes such as microglandular adenosis, acinic cell carcinoma, and tall cell carcinoma with reversed polarity. Her work involves the identification of predictive and prognostic markers, employing techniques such as targeted gene sequencing, BRCA1 methylation analysis, and molecular stratification models. As Principal Investigator, she leads studies under MSK IRB Protocols #16-411 and #16-596, exploring the genomic and epigenetic landscape of TNBC. Her research stands out for its clinical translation, directly impacting patient diagnosis and treatment planning. Recent contributions to Nature Communications and Modern Pathology show her innovative use of multimodal histopathological models and molecular profiling. Dr. Wen’s research reflects a powerful blend of diagnostic pathology, molecular genetics, and precision oncology—positioning her as a leader in breast cancer research.

Publications Top Notes:

  1.  The Role of Platelet Activating Factor in Reproduction – Progress of Anatomical Sciences (1996)

  2.  Transforming Growth Factor-α and Its Receptor in Reproduction – Medical Sciences (1997)

  3.  TGF-α Expression in Mouse Embryos and Uterus – J. Beijing Medical Univ. (1997)

  4.  p202 Slows Prostate Cancer Cell Growth – Oncogene (1999)

  5.  p202 Enhances TNF-α-Induced Apoptosis in Breast Cancer – Cancer Research (2000)

  6.  β-catenin as a Prognostic Marker in Breast Cancer – PNAS USA (2000)

  7.  HER-2/neu Drives Androgen-Independent Prostate Cancer – Cancer Research (2000)

  8.  EGFR’s Nuclear Role as a Transcription Factor – Nature Cell Biology (2001)

  9.  p202 Mediates Anti-Tumor Activity in Pancreatic Cancer – Cancer Research (2001)

  10.  Systemic Tumor Suppression via Bik Gene – Cancer Research (2002)

Conclusion:

Dr. Hannah Y. Wen is a highly qualified and deserving nominee for the Best Researcher Award. Her outstanding academic background, consistent and impactful research output, and leadership in breast cancer pathology make her a top-tier researcher in the field of translational oncology. She excels in integrating molecular biology with diagnostic pathology to improve cancer detection, stratification, and treatment.

With minor enhancements in visibility and cross-disciplinary leadership, Dr. Wen is not only suitable but a model candidate for this award. Her work is advancing breast cancer care at both the bench and bedside—fulfilling the core mission of research excellence.

Sheng-Chi Hsu | molecular diagnosis | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Mrs. Sheng-Chi Hsu | molecular diagnosis | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Sheng-Chi Hsu , Department of Laboratory Medicaine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at LinKou , Taiwan

Sheng-Chi Hsu, M.S., is a leading expert in tumor biology, molecular pathology, and personalized medicine. Currently serving as the Deputy Director of the Department of Laboratory Medicine at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, he has extensive experience in cancer diagnostics, molecular pathology, and clinical research. With a strong academic background and a commitment to advancing medical science, Hsu has contributed significantly to the field of oncology, focusing on novel diagnostic approaches and precision medicine strategies. His research has resulted in several impactful publications, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and the development of targeted therapies for various cancers. Hsu’s work has played a pivotal role in improving patient outcomes and shaping the future of cancer treatment in Taiwan.

Publication Profile: 

Scopus

Strengths for the Award:

Sheng-Chi Hsu has demonstrated exceptional expertise in tumor biology, molecular pathology, and personalized medicine, contributing to groundbreaking advancements in cancer diagnostics and precision medicine. His leadership roles at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, particularly in the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, showcase his ability to manage large teams and oversee complex laboratory operations while pushing the boundaries of research. His publications in prestigious journals highlight significant research achievements, including the identification of key biomarkers for cancer therapies and advancing molecular diagnostic techniques. Hsu’s research on cancer biomarkers, including ALK translocation and ROS1 translocation in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), has provided valuable insights into targeted therapies, which are directly influencing patient care and therapeutic approaches. His work on multidrug resistance also opens new therapeutic avenues to overcome chemotherapy resistance, making his contributions pivotal to modern cancer treatment strategies.

Areas for Improvements:

While Hsu’s research accomplishments are impressive, expanding his involvement in large-scale, multi-center clinical trials could further enhance the real-world application and validation of his research findings. Collaborating with international institutions or expanding his research scope to include more diverse populations may also increase the generalizability and impact of his findings. Additionally, although Hsu has an extensive background in molecular diagnostics, there may be room to explore emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence in pathology, to further optimize diagnostic procedures and improve precision medicine outcomes.

Experience:

Sheng-Chi Hsu has over 15 years of experience in laboratory medicine and pathology, with expertise in tumor pathology and molecular diagnostics. He is currently the Deputy Director of the Department of Laboratory Medicine at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, where he leads research and development in laboratory diagnostics. Previously, he served as the Deputy Director of the Department of Pathology, overseeing innovations in histopathological diagnostics. Hsu’s leadership has been instrumental in advancing cancer diagnostics, optimizing molecular diagnostic techniques, and improving laboratory workflows. His career also includes roles as a Chief and Senior Medical Technologist, where he pioneered research in tumor pathology, focusing on biomarker identification and the development of diagnostic assays.

Research Focus:

Sheng-Chi Hsu’s research focuses on advancing molecular diagnostics, particularly in oncology. His work aims to enhance diagnostic precision for various cancers, with a strong emphasis on personalized medicine. Hsu has made significant contributions to the genetic characterization of tumors, identifying key biomarkers for targeted therapies in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), synovial sarcoma, and gestational trophoblastic disease. His research in multidrug resistance mechanisms and the role of Wnt5A in cancer therapy has opened new avenues for overcoming chemoresistance. Hsu’s pioneering studies in molecular pathology have significantly impacted clinical practices, helping improve treatment strategies and patient outcomes through advanced diagnostics.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Wang HS, Liu CY, Hsu SC, Huang SC, Hung TH, Ng KF, Chen TC. A Single-Institute Experience with C-ros Oncogene 1 Translocation in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancers in Taiwan. Int J Mol Sci. 2022 May 21;23(10):5789. 📄
  2. Hsu SC, Hung TH, Wang CW, Ng KF, Chen TC. Anaplastic lymphoma kinase translocation is correlated with anaplastic lymphoma kinase expression and mutually exclusive with epidermal growth factor receptor mutation in Taiwanese non-small cell lung cancer. Pathol Int. 2015 May;65(5):231-9. 📄
  3. Hung TH, Hsu SC, Cheng CY, Choo KB, Tseng CP, Chen TC, Lan YW, Huang TT, Lai HC, Chen CM, Chong KY. Wnt5A regulates ABCB1 expression in multidrug-resistant cancer cells through activation of the non-canonical PKA/β-catenin pathway. Oncotarget. 2014 Dec 15;5(23):12273-90. 📄
  4. Chen KH, Hsu SC, Chen HY, Ng KF, Chen TC. Utility of fluorescence in situ hybridization for ploidy and p57 immunostaining in discriminating hydatidiform moles. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2014 Apr 4;446(2):555-60. 📄
  5. Chuang HC, Hsu SC, Huang CG, Hsueh S, Ng KF, Chen TC. Reappraisal of TLE-1 immunohistochemical staining and molecular detection of SS18-SSX fusion transcripts for synovial sarcoma. Pathol Int. 2013 Dec;63(12):573-80. 📄

Conclusion:

Sheng-Chi Hsu is highly deserving of the “Best Researcher Award” due to his outstanding contributions to cancer research and diagnostic advancements. His innovative approach to tumor pathology and molecular diagnostics, along with his leadership in clinical and research operations, makes him a transformative figure in the field. With a continued focus on expanding his research scope and incorporating emerging technologies, Hsu’s impact on personalized cancer treatments is poised to grow even further.