- Diseases We Treat

Provider

Faculty

Lei Deng, MD

Specialty:

Medical Oncology

Physician, Fred Hutch
Assistant Professor, Thoracic, Head and Neck Cancer Program, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutch
Assistant Professor, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Washington School of Medicine

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About

Dr. Lei Deng is a board-certified medical oncologist and researcher at Fred Hutch, providing care for people with thoracic cancers while leading research on new biomarkers and treatments.

Background

Dr. Deng cares for patients with thoracic cancers such as lung cancer and head and neck cancers. His clinical work is closely integrated with his research, with an emphasis on identifying the most effective treatment strategies for each patient.

Dr. Deng’s clinical and translational research focuses on discovering and testing novel biomarkers and therapies for thoracic cancers, particularly lung cancers driven by KRAS mutations (genetic changes that can influence how cancer grows and responds to treatment). He is also interested in optimizing systemic therapy, such as chemotherapy or targeted treatments that circulate throughout the body, for patients undergoing curative surgery or definitive radiotherapy.

His work spans laboratory-based studies and clinical trials, helping bridge early scientific discoveries with patient care. In addition to his research and clinical responsibilities, Dr. Deng co-leads the early-career working group at the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer’s Career Development Committee since 2025. He was a 2016 editorial fellowship recipient of the Journal of Global Oncology (now JCO Global Oncology) and served on the publication’s editorial board from 2017 to 2024. He has published more than 40 papers with more than 3,000 citations. Dr. Deng is also a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer. 

Area of Clinical Practice
Lung cancer, head and neck cancers, thoracic cancers

“I want people to feel heard – it’s not just what we doctors say that matters, it’s also what patients want and need. I feel very privileged to be involved in bringing better outcomes to patient care.”

— Dr. Deng

What do you value about your work?

One of my medical school advisors suggested I think about what was challenging and intriguing to me, and knowing lung cancer is one of the deadliest cancer, I wanted to tackle something where I could really make an impact. I started lung cancer research in medical school and continued because I appreciate the field and the patients so much. I feel that I can help make change and improve care through clinical research and in the laboratory.

What brought you to Fred Hutch and lung cancer research?

I came here because of the history of scientific discoveries and the organization’s track record, including immunotherapy and cellular therapy discoveries, which I think can be applied to lung cancer. I see a lot of possible opportunities through working with other scientists. It’s a very supportive atmosphere.

We always try to find the best possible care, either through standard treatment already available today or through clinical trials that may lead to cancer treatment of tomorrow.

Diseases Treated

Head and Neck Cancers

Mesothelioma

Research Focus

KRAS

MTAP-loss

PRMT5

Lung cancer

Novel therapeutics

Languages

Chinese
English

Education and Experience

Fellowship, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Hematology-Oncology

Residency, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Oncology; Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Jacobi Medical Center, Internal Medicine

MD, West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University

Board Certification

Internal Medicine; Medical Oncology, American Board of Internal Medicine

Awards

Early Career Education Award, International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer

We make promising new treatments available to you through studies called clinical trials led by Fred Hutch physicians. Many of these trials at Fred Hutch have led to FDA-approved treatments and have improved standards of care globally. Together, you and your physician can decide if a study is right for you.

Find a Clinical Trial Led by Dr. Deng

Many of our Fred Hutch physicians conduct ongoing research to improve standards of patient care. Their work is evaluated by other physicians and selected for publication to the United States National Library of Medicine, the largest medical library in the world. See scientific papers this Fred Hutch physician has written.

View Dr. Deng's Publications

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At Fred Hutch, you receive care from a team of providers with extensive experience in your disease. Your team includes physicians, a patient care coordinator, a registered nurse, an advanced practice provider and others, based on your needs. You also have access to experts like registered dietitians, social workers, acupuncturists, psychiatrists and more who specialize in supporting people with cancer or blood disorders.

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