W.K. Alfred Yung

W.K. Alfred Yung, MD is Professor and Chair Emeritus of the Department of Neuro-Oncology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, where he built one of the world's largest and most productive neuro-oncology programs over more than three decades of leadership. He is a pioneer in glioma molecular biology and one of the architects of the modern molecular classification of gliomas, including foundational work on IDH1/2 mutations, EGFR amplification, PTEN loss, and chromosome 1p/19q co-deletion as defining molecular events in distinct glioma subtypes. Dr. Yung played a central role in the clinical development of temozolomide for recurrent GBM, leading pivotal phase II trials in the late 1990s that demonstrated its activity and favorable tolerability profile compared to procarbazine. These trials were instrumental in gaining FDA approval for temozolomide and set the stage for its subsequent evaluation in newly diagnosed GBM leading to the Stupp protocol. His laboratory simultaneously pursued genomic and epigenomic characterization of gliomas, contributing to large-scale consortium efforts including the TCGA glioma working groups that described the comprehensive molecular landscape of GBM and lower-grade gliomas. As Department Chair at MD Anderson for many years, Dr. Yung oversaw the development of an internationally recognized multidisciplinary neuro-oncology program encompassing surgery, radiation, medical oncology, neuroimaging, and translational research. He has mentored an extraordinary number of academic neuro-oncologists who now lead programs globally. His contributions to glioma biology, clinical trial methodology, and program building represent a foundational legacy to the field.