
It is with deep sorrow and profound respect that the Li-Fraumeni Syndrome Association (LFSA) honors the memory of Dr. Pierre Hainaut, a cherished member of our Medical Scientific Advisory Board and a close friend to our organization. Dr. Hainaut passed away suddenly on July 31, 2025, while hiking in the mountains of Italy—an activity he loved and in which he found peace. His untimely passing is a great loss, not only to the global scientific community, but to all of us in the LFSA family who benefited from his expertise, insight, and genuine compassion.
Dr. Hainaut was a pioneering cancer biologist whose groundbreaking work on the TP53 gene has shaped much of what we understand today about Li-Fraumeni syndrome and cancer development. As the architect of the TP53 mutation database at the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), he provided an invaluable tool for researchers and clinicians alike. His scientific contributions were vast—over 450 publications and 50 books—and yet it was his generosity of spirit, humility, and unwavering dedication to improving the lives of others that truly set him apart.
Pierre’s voice and vision helped guide the LFSA’s mission from the beginning. He was not only a trusted advisor, but also a source of hope and illumination for countless families navigating the uncertainty of LFS. We are forever grateful for his wisdom, mentorship, and the kindness he extended to our community. His legacy will continue to inspire and inform our work, and his absence will be deeply felt.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Dr. Hainaut’s family, colleagues, and friends. The LFSA mourns his passing and celebrates a life lived with brilliance, purpose, and heart.