Maria Li Lung

  • Senior Research Fellowship in 2005 at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Professor Maria Li LUNG is a Chair Professor of the Department of Clinical Oncology at The University of Hong Kong and the Director of Laboratory of Cancer Molecular Genomics and Area of Excellence Center for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Research. Professor Lung is an internationally known expert interested in deciphering the molecular genetic basis of human cancers. She has played a critical role in elucidating the importance of Epstein-Barr virus genotypes in distinguishing isolates in patients of different geographical, ethnic, and disease origins and in identifying and localizing critical tumor suppressor genes involved in the development of NPC. She is also elucidating the molecular genetic basis for esophageal carcinomas using molecular and functional approaches. (2005/2006)

Currently

With the AoE support, a Center for NPC Research (CNPCR) has been established, including three universities (HKU, HKUST, HKBU) and five public hospitals (QMH, QEH, PYNEH, PMH, TMH). This CNPCR is comprised of basic scientists and clinicians working together to investigate various aspects of NPC spanning very basic studies all the way to clinical trials and translational research. The aims are to improve the personalized care of NPC patients through earlier detection and more targeted therapy. The lab has now identified and functionally characterized a number of key tumor suppressor genes contributing to tumorigenicity, including those involved in evading growth suppression, angiogenesis, tumor invasion and metastasis for both nasopharyngeal and esophageal carcinomas.