Victor E. Velculescu

Dr. Victor E. Velculescu is a prominent figure in the field of cancer genomics and precision medicine. He currently serves as a Professor of Oncology, Pathology, and Medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and is Co-Director of the Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics Program at the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center. Dr. Velculescu is renowned for leading the first genome-wide sequencing analysis of human cancers, which revealed critical genes and pathways involved in tumorigenesis. His work has significantly advanced our understanding of cancer, identifying key mutations, such as PIK3CA, which are crucial to cancer development. Dr. Velculescu is also credited with coining the term "transcriptome" to describe global gene expression patterns in cancer cells. His groundbreaking research has directly contributed to FDA-approved therapies and diagnostic tests, particularly those targeting PI3K and IDH1. In addition, his innovative work on liquid biopsy and artificial intelligence for early cancer detection has the potential to revolutionize non-invasive diagnostic methods, making cancer monitoring and treatment more effective and personalized. Dr. Velculescu’s academic journey began at Stanford University, where he graduated with Honors in Biological Sciences, followed by earning both his M.D. and Ph.D. in Human Genetics and Molecular Biology from Johns Hopkins University. His extensive contributions to cancer research have earned him numerous prestigious awards and honors, including the AACR Team Science Award, the Paul Marks Prize for Cancer Research, and recognition as a Highly Cited Researcher. He has founded several companies, including Personal Genome Diagnostics and DELFI Diagnostics, aiming to integrate cutting-edge genomic technologies into clinical practice. As a member of several scientific advisory boards and the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), Dr. Velculescu plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of cancer research and treatment. His current research focuses on advancing cancer genomics, liquid biopsy methods, AI-driven cancer detection, and precision medicine strategies for improving therapeutic outcomes. Through his innovations, Dr. Velculescu has significantly contributed to the global effort to improve cancer detection, treatment, and patient outcomes.