Dr. Shenying Fang is a distinguished professor at the School of Public Health and Emergency Management at the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech), Shenzhen. With an extensive background in biostatistics and epidemiology, he has significantly contributed to cancer research, particularly in melanoma. His innovative work integrates multi-omics data and medical imaging to advance early cancer diagnosis and personalized treatment.
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Dr. Fang has published 78 SCI-indexed articles in prestigious journals, including the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Journal of Investigative Dermatology, Nature Genetics, International Journal of Cancer, The Lancet Oncology, and Cancer. His research has been widely cited and discussed in prominent platforms like the NEJM and Cancer Network.
- Total Citations: 3,928
- Documents: 79
- H-Index: 30
Education
Dr. Fang earned his MD in Preventive Medicine from Tongji Medical University, Wuhan, China, in 1994. He completed an MS in Epidemiology at The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China, in 1999. He furthered his education with an MS in Biostatistics in 2004 and a PhD in Biostatistics in 2008, both from The University of Texas School of Public Health, Houston, TX.
Research Focus
Dr. Fang’s research focuses on identifying genetic and environmental determinants of malignant and chronic diseases. He is particularly interested in the integrative analysis of multi-omics data with medical imaging features to promote early cancer diagnosis, tumor classification, and the prediction of individualized treatment effects and disease progression. His methodologies span statistical genetics, bioinformatics, and machine learning.
Professional Journey
Dr. Fang began his professional journey as an editor at the Chinese Journal of School Health in Bengbu, China, from 1994 to 1996. He served as an Assistant Professor of Epidemiology at the Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology from 1999 to 2002. He then moved to the United States, where he completed a postdoctoral fellowship in epidemiology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center from 2009 to 2011. He progressed to roles of increasing responsibility at MD Anderson, culminating in his position as an Associate Professor of Surgical Oncology from 2019 to 2022. In 2022, he joined SUSTech as a Professor.
Honors & Awards
Dr. Fang has received several honors and awards throughout his career, including an Outstanding Scholarship from Tongji Medical University in 1993 and a Poster Finalist for Trainee Research Day at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center in 2010.
Publications Noted & Contributions
Dr. Fang’s work in melanoma research, particularly in risk prediction and genetic determinants, has been extensively published and cited. His notable publications include studies on hepatitis costs in military populations and genome-wide association studies on melanoma.
1. Evaluation of Plasma IL-6 in Patients with Melanoma as a Prognostic and Checkpoint Immunotherapy Predictive Biomarker
- Journal: Journal of Investigative Dermatology
- Publication Date: July 2022
- DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2021.12.012
- Contributors: Yuling Wang, Vijaya Ramachandran, Dawen Sui, Kejing Xu, Lauren E. Haydu, Shenying Fang, Jennifer L. McQuade, Sarah B. Fisher, Anthony Lucci, Emily Z. Keung, et al.
- Summary: This study investigates the role of plasma IL-6 levels in melanoma patients, assessing its potential as a biomarker for prognosis and response to checkpoint immunotherapy.
2. Genetic Variants in ELOVL2 and HSD17B12 Predict Melanoma-Specific Survival
- Journal: International Journal of Cancer
- Publication Date: 2019
- DOI: 10.1002/ijc.32194
- EID: 2-s2.0-85061932949
- Contributors: Dai, W., Liu, H., Xu, X., Ge, J., Luo, S., Zhu, D., Amos, C.I., Fang, S., Lee, J.E., Li, X., et al.
- Summary: This research explores how genetic variants in the ELOVL2 and HSD17B12 genes can predict survival rates specific to melanoma, offering insights into genetic factors influencing disease outcomes.
3. Role of Immune Response, Inflammation, and Tumor Immune Response–Related Cytokines/Chemokines in Melanoma Progression
- Journal: Journal of Investigative Dermatology
- Publication Date: November 2019
- DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2019.03.1158
- Contributors: Shenying Fang, Tao Xu, Momiao Xiong, Xinke Zhou, Yuling Wang, Lauren E. Haydu, Merrick I. Ross, Jeffrey E. Gershenwald, Victor G. Prieto, Janice N. Cormier, et al.
- Summary: The article reviews the impact of immune responses, inflammation, and cytokines/chemokines associated with tumor immunity on melanoma progression.
4. Association of Body-Mass Index and Outcomes in Patients with Metastatic Melanoma Treated with Targeted Therapy, Immunotherapy, or Chemotherapy: A Retrospective, Multicohort Analysis
- Journal: The Lancet Oncology
- Publication Date: 2018
- DOI: 10.1016/S1470-2045(18)30078-0
- EID: 2-s2.0-85041944438
- Contributors: McQuade, J.L., Daniel, C.R., Hess, K.R., Mak, C., Wang, D.Y., Rai, R.R., Park, J.J., Haydu, L.E., Spencer, C., Wongchenko, M., et al.
- Summary: This analysis evaluates how body mass index (BMI) influences outcomes in metastatic melanoma patients undergoing various treatments, including targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy.
5. Genetic Variants in RORA and DNMT1 Associated with Cutaneous Melanoma Survival
- Journal: International Journal of Cancer
- Publication Date: 2018
- DOI: 10.1002/ijc.31243
- EID: 2-s2.0-85045258840
- Contributors: Li, B., Wang, Y., Xu, Y., Liu, H., Bloomer, W., Zhu, D., Amos, C.I., Fang, S., Lee, J.E., Li, X., et al.
- Summary: This study investigates the association of genetic variants in RORA and DNMT1 with survival in patients with cutaneous melanoma, contributing to understanding the genetic factors affecting survival.
Research Timeline
Dr. Fang’s research timeline includes several significant projects, such as the Integration of Clinical and Molecular Biomarkers for Melanoma Survival (NIH/NCI, 2017-2022), The Skin Microbiome and Cutaneous Melanoma (UT MD Anderson, 2020-2021), Genetic Polymorphisms of IL‐12p35 and IL‐23p19 in Melanoma Progression (NIH/NCI, 2011-2012), C-reactive Protein and Melanoma Outcomes (NIH/NCI, 2012-2014), and Genetic Determinants of Breslow Tumor Thickness (NIH/NCI, 2013-2014).
Collaborations and Projects
Dr. Fang collaborates with various institutions and has contributed to numerous projects funded by the NIH/NCI. His collaborative efforts focus on integrating clinical and molecular biomarkers, studying the skin microbiome, and understanding genetic polymorphisms in melanoma progression.
Strengths of Dr. Shenying Fang’s Excellence in Research
- Innovative Integration of Multi-Omics Data: Dr. Fang excels in combining multi-omics data with medical imaging to enhance early cancer diagnosis and personalized treatment. This interdisciplinary approach is cutting-edge and addresses complex cancer research challenges.
- Extensive Publication Record: With 78 SCI-indexed articles in prestigious journals such as Journal of Clinical Oncology, Nature Genetics, and The Lancet Oncology, Dr. Fang has demonstrated significant contributions to the field of cancer research, particularly melanoma.
- High Citation Impact: His work has garnered a substantial number of citations (3,928), reflecting the high impact and relevance of his research in the scientific community. An H-index of 30 further underscores the influence of his publications.
- Diverse Research Focus: Dr. Fang’s research spans several critical areas, including genetic determinants of cancer, the role of immune responses in disease progression, and the influence of body mass index on treatment outcomes. This broad focus allows for a comprehensive understanding of melanoma.
- Strong Collaborative Network: His collaborations with prominent institutions and participation in NIH/NCI-funded projects highlight his ability to work effectively with a wide range of researchers and contribute to significant research initiatives.
Areas for Improvement
- Broader Research Scope: While Dr. Fang’s research is highly specialized in melanoma, expanding his focus to include other types of cancer or chronic diseases could diversify his research impact and attract broader funding opportunities.
- Public Engagement: Increasing efforts to translate research findings into public knowledge and policy recommendations could enhance the societal impact of his work. Engaging with media and public forums might improve visibility and application of his research.
- Research in Emerging Technologies: Incorporating emerging technologies, such as advanced AI and machine learning techniques, could further enhance the precision and effectiveness of his research methodologies. Staying abreast of technological advancements could provide new insights and methods.
- Grant Acquisition: Focusing on acquiring additional grants from various funding bodies could provide more resources for expanding research projects and exploring new areas of inquiry. Diversifying funding sources could also reduce dependence on specific institutions.
- Collaborations with Industry: Strengthening collaborations with industry partners might facilitate the translation of research findings into practical applications and innovations. These partnerships could also provide additional funding and resources.
Conclusion
Dr. Shenying Fang’s research in biostatistics and epidemiology, particularly in melanoma, showcases a high level of expertise and impact. His innovative approach to integrating multi-omics data with medical imaging is a notable strength that contributes significantly to cancer research. However, expanding his research scope, enhancing public engagement, and incorporating emerging technologies could further amplify the reach and impact of his work. By addressing these areas for improvement, Dr. Fang can continue to advance the field and contribute to meaningful progress in cancer research and beyond.