A University of Melbourne researcher who has provided accurate estimates of cancer risk associated with breast cancer genes is the recipient of the 2023 Tony Burgess Medal.
Dr Shuai Li, a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Melbourne, will be officially presented with the medal on 22 June when he delivers the Tony Burgess Address on the eve of the VCCC Alliance Postdoctoral Symposium at the Melbourne Brain Centre.
Dr Li, who is also Deputy Head of the Breast Cancer Unit at the Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, topped a list of outstanding applications for the 2023 award.
VCCC Alliance Executive Director Professor Grant McArthur said:
“Dr Li’s application was a stand-out, with its strong collaborative focus, commitment to equitable care and innovative research.”
Dr Li’s research program has published the world’s largest study of the risks associated with BRCA1 and BRCA2 in 24 cancers.
“My research has provided the strongest evidence that, besides female breast and ovarian cancers, BRCA1/2 gene alterations are only associated with male breast, pancreatic, and prostate (BRCA2 only) cancers. This is a very clear message,” Dr Li said. “We also determined the most precise risk estimates for these cancers.”
His team also led the world’s most comprehensive study predicting breast cancer risk using genetics and family history.
Dr Li’s research findings have made a significant impact on clinical guidance, including being incorporated into the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guideline, Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Breast, Ovarian, and Pancreatic, for risk assessment of male breast and pancreatic cancers for BRCA1/2 mutation carriers. His findings could be used in an updated breast cancer risk model (BOADICEA), available in seven languages and used by over 9000 clinicians in more than 120 countries.
The age-specific breast cancer risk assessment data has helped design international collaborative whole-genome sequencing studies – led by the Breast Cancer Association Consortium – to search for new breast cancer genes.
Dr Li was previously the recipient of the 2018 VCCC Alliance Picchi Award for Excellence in Cancer Research.
Click here to register for the Tony Burgess Medal Ceremony and Address, to be held on the 22 June, 5.30 - 8.00 pm at the Melbourne Brain Centre.
