Obituaries
UK’s cancer research has lost its independent voice: what will it mean for patients?
How do you get the greatest impact for patients from the sum total of a nation’s clinical cancer research efforts? The answer that the UK came up with at the…
Harald zur Hausen: the virologist who opened a pathway to eliminating cervical cancer
Harald zur Hausen, virologist and Nobel laureate, passed away on May 28th. His great discovery, that cervical cancer is caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV), opened the way for…
Ian Magrath: a visionary who prepared the ground for the global oncology initiatives of today
Ian Magrath, lymphoma specialist and champion of cancer care in the developing world, has died in Brussels, aged 78. An exceptional cancer researcher, physician and teacher, he will be remembered…
Hansjörg Senn of St Gallen: A practice-changing career
The speed of progress in breast cancer – not just survival, but also quality of life and survivorship – has been the envy of the wider cancer community for many…
Michael Sporn: A pioneer in prevention and a unique and special friend
Michael B. Sporn, an internationally recognised cancer researcher who was one of the discoverers of the tumour growth factor TGF beta and a strong advocate of Cancer Prevention, died on…
Peter Boyle: a high-impact epidemiologist with contagious dreams
Peter Boyle, an outstanding epidemiologist who used the power of statistics to help inform and influence policy at European and global levels, died on July 23 after a long illness,…
Louis Denis: one of urology’s most influential and patient-facing physicians
20th January 1933 ‒ 28th July 2021 When Louis Denis described himself as a “free thinker”, as he often did, the statement went beyond a vague assertion of independence from…
Michael Peckham – the artist-oncologist who helped shape our world
Not all clinicians choose to look beyond doing their best for their patients to learn about the science behind the disease and play a role in progressing treatments. Fewer still…
In memoriam Louis Denis
We remember with immense fondness Louis Denis, a great urologist and patient advocate, and a warm, funny and kind human being, who died on July 21 2021. Louis was among…
Bella Kaufman: a rare combination of humanity and morality
Bella Kaufman had great compassion for all cancer patients – but on one in particular she was a bit tough. “Why am I so extra strict with myself?” she asked.…