Dr. Wafik El-Deiry, MD, PhD, FACP

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Get to know Oncologist Dr. Wafik El-Deiry, who serves patients in Providence, Rhode Island.

Dr. El-Deiry is a powerhouse in the field of oncology and an esteemed figure in the medical world. With a background that combines medical expertise and extensive research achievements, he has made significant strides in understanding cancer biology and developing new treatment strategies. He specializes in the care of patients with colorectal cancer, and patients with rare genetic drivers of other tumor types.

Currently holding the position of Associate Dean for Oncologic Sciences at the Warren Alpert Medical School and serving as the Director of the Cancer Center at Brown University, he plays a pivotal role in advancing oncological sciences and patient care. 

Additionally, Dr. El-Deiry oversees the Joint Program in Cancer Biology, a collaborative effort involving Brown University and affiliated hospitals. His vast knowledge and experience in the field have earned him the distinction of being an American Cancer Society Research Professor, further solidifying his standing as a leading authority in the domain of oncology.

Educated in the United States, he earned his MD and PhD degrees from the University of Miami School of Medicine. He went on to complete his internal medicine residency and medical oncology fellowship at the Johns Hopkins Hospital and the Johns Hopkins Oncology Center in Baltimore, Maryland, two prestigious institutions known for their excellence in medical training.

Recognized as a Fellow of the American College of Physicians (FACP), Dr. El-Deiry holds the titles of Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Professor of Medical Science, and Mencoff Family University Professor at Brown University. Notably, he is also a licensed practicing physician-scientist and Medical Oncologist with clinical privileges at prominent healthcare institutions such as The Rhode Island Hospital and The Miriam Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island. His combination of clinical practice and scientific expertise underscores his dedication to translating cutting-edge research into improved patient outcomes.

Before his current roles, he held various positions that demonstrated his commitment to advancing cancer research. Until December 2018, he was the Deputy Cancer Center Director for Translational Research at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia, where he also co-led the Molecular Therapeutics Program. In addition, he served as the William Wikoff Smith Endowed Chair in Cancer Research, further attesting to his impact in the field.

One of Dr. El-Deiry’s most significant contributions to cancer research is his groundbreaking work in elucidating the genomic DNA-binding consensus sequence for the p53 tumor suppressor protein. This pioneering research, published in Nature Genetics in 1992, has played a pivotal role in identifying numerous genes as direct p53 targets, shedding light on the mechanisms behind tumor suppression. 

Moreover, his discovery of the cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor p21(WAF1) as a p53 target gene and cell cycle inhibitor in 1993 has been instrumental in understanding the mammalian cell stress response. This work eventually led to the development of a new class of FDA-approved CDK inhibitor drugs, further revolutionizing cancer therapy. Notably, the discovery of p21 in 1993 remains one of the most highly cited original works published in Cell.

Throughout his career, Dr. El-Deiry’s excellence in research and commitment to advancing the field of oncology earned him tenure at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, where he rose to the position of Professor of Medicine, Pharmacology, and Genetics. He was also recognized as a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator from 1995 to 2004, highlighting his exceptional contributions to biomedical research.

Oncology is a branch of medicine that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. A medical professional who practices oncology is an oncologist. An oncologist is a doctor who treats cancer and provides medical care for a person diagnosed with cancer. They lead a cancer treatment team of various healthcare professionals, treat patients with radiation therapy, coordinate treatment plans and prescribe various types of treatment, including chemotherapy and immunotherapy, as well as assist patients with pain management.

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