Physician-Scientist, specializing in Breast Cancer
Dr. H. Shelton (Shelley) Earp, MD, is a distinguished physician-scientist and cancer center leader specializing in cancer cell signaling, targeted therapies, and translational oncology. He is the Director of the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he also serves as Professor of Medicine and Pharmacology. Dr. Earp earned his medical degree from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, completed his residency in internal medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, and his fellowship in medical oncology at the National Cancer Institute.
Dr. Earp’s research has provided critical insights into receptor tyrosine kinase signaling, particularly the EGF receptor family, and their roles in cancer progression and therapeutic resistance. His laboratory has contributed to the development of novel targeted agents and combination strategies, as well as to biomarker discovery efforts that inform precision oncology. He has also been a leader in integrating basic science findings into early-phase clinical trials for solid tumors.
In his leadership role at UNC Lineberger, Dr. Earp has overseen significant growth in research programs, clinical services, and community outreach initiatives. He is a dedicated mentor to junior faculty and trainees, fostering careers in translational cancer research. His numerous awards and extensive publication record reflect his influence in both cancer biology and cancer center administration. Through his visionary leadership and scientific contributions, Dr. H. Shelton Earp continues to shape the field of oncology.