In Memoriam: Felix Feng, MD

On December 10th, 2024, our cherished friend and colleague Felix Feng, MD, passed after a long fight with cancer. We offer our deepest condolences to Felix’s family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Felix joined UCSF in 2016, he held numerous leadership roles that advanced our mission and strengthened the University as a whole. He was a George and Judy Marcus Distinguished Professor; a Professor of Radiation Oncology, Urology and Medicine; Vice Chair for Translational Research in the UCSF Department of Radiation Oncology; Director, Benioff Initiative for Prostate Cancer Research; Associate Director for Translational Clinical Research; and Co-Leader, Prostate Cancer Program, UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center.

A giant in oncology, Felix transformed the prostate cancer program and translational research at UCSF, mentoring the next generation of scientists who will find cures for cancer. Felix has over 500 peer reviewed publications and was the leader of numerous clinical trials. For years, he chaired the genitourinary cancer committee of NRG Oncology, a national clinical trials group, and built a network of research collaborators around the world who became his work family, supporting each other toward the common goal of ending deaths from cancer. As an entrepreneur, he founded 2 companies aimed at individualizing cancer treatments for each patient.  

Felix’s vision, dedication, and commitment inspired colleagues, peers everywhere, and patients. He embodied the very essence of our mission at the cancer center: to push the boundaries of science, deliver compassionate care, and make a lasting difference in the lives of patients and their families, and those he mentored. His legacy will live on through the many lives he touched and the impact of his work.

As we reflect on Felix’s life and contributions to the field, we hope this Symposium serves as a tribute to his deep compassion and remarkable career.