Jeffrey Peterson, PhD, a pioneering researcher in chemical biology and cancer, died of rectal cancer Jan. 2 at age 53, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported.
Dr. Peterson became a professor of cell biology at Philadelphia-based Fox Chase Cancer Center in 2004. He quickly became one of its leading researchers and was awarded his own independent lab, known as the Peterson Lab, according to the Jan. 11 report.
He and his colleagues discovered a new type of cellular fiber, identified novel ways to inhibit cancer-causing proteins, created a diet-based process of killing triple negative breast cancer cells, and led other advances in cancer research and treatment.
"Jeff's work was always innovative," a colleague said.
Jonathan Chernoff, director at Fox Chase, added, "He was also one of the best-liked people at our institution."
Dr. Peterson is survived by his wife, two children, father and sister.