Guang Lei, M.D., Ph.D., spends his days in a lab studying ferroptosis, a type of programmed cell death.

But it’s not a love of science or a fascination with cells that brought him here, although he admits he has those, too. For Lei, it’s all about finding solutions for the struggling patients he met as a resident physician in China. 

During his time as a student, Lei saw the struggles that cancer patients faced firsthand. Now, he’s determined to bring them hope.

“The intense physical and emotional toll of their illness had a profound impact on me,” he says. “Cancer is so complex, and I often felt the limits of what we could do, especially for those whose disease was resistant or had recurred.” 

He decided to pursue a Ph.D. and become a cancer researcher. He’s made a promising discovery, too.

Through his lab work, Lei has found that radiation therapy can trigger death in lung cancer cells by altering the cell’s metabolism. When combined with ferroptosis inducers – compounds that trigger this type of cell death – the effects can become stronger, even after the cancer has become resistant to radiation therapy.

He has also found that breast cancers with a BRCA1 deficiency are more likely to die from ferroptosis when treated with PARP and GPX4 inhibitors. His work may lead to clinical trials that could have a real impact for patients. 

We asked Lei some questions about his work at MD Anderson. Here’s what he had to say. 

What brought you to MD Anderson? 

MD Anderson is the No. 1 cancer research and treatment institution in the world, and that was a major draw for me. After my medical training in China, I knew I wanted to work at a place where I could make the most significant impact on cancer treatment, and MD Anderson's reputation for groundbreaking research aligned perfectly with my goals.

The collaborative environment here and the ability to translate cutting-edge research directly into clinical settings is incredibly inspiring. The opportunity to work alongside some of the brightest minds in oncology has been deeply rewarding, allowing me to explore innovative approaches to cancer treatment and bring those discoveries closer to benefiting patients.

The environment at MD Anderson is all about teamwork — we have clinicians, scientists and other experts coming together to solve complex problems. I love that we’re not just pursuing knowledge for knowledge’s sake but aiming to change real outcomes for patients. The resources and support we have, combined with the ability to test our hypotheses in clinical settings, make MD Anderson a uniquely powerful place to do research. Every day, I feel motivated knowing that the work we’re doing could help improve survival and quality of life for cancer patients around the world.

What motivates you as a cancer researcher?

Staying connected to why I started this journey is important to me. As a physician-scientist, I always remember that behind every research project are real people who are suffering from cancer. My journey started with my desire to help patients in the clinic, and that desire drives my research every day. I’ll continue working to understand how we can use the knowledge of cell death processes like ferroptosis to develop better cancer treatments, especially for those who are running out of options. It’s a long road, but it’s a journey I’m committed to.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work? 

I love playing soccer because it helps me stay active, relax, and spend time with friends. Back in university in China, I used to participate in amateur club matches, which was a great experience. Here in Houston, I occasionally play for fun with friends, which is always a good way to unwind and keep fit. I also love traveling. There’s something about exploring new places and experiencing different cultures that brings a fresh perspective. These breaks not only help me relax; they also give me new energy to come back and tackle the challenges of cancer research with renewed focus.

Learn about research careers at MD Anderson.