Professor Tom Powles, cancer researcher at Queen Mary and physician, is recognised for leading a transformative clinical trial for the treatment of severe bladder cancer.
For over a decade, Nature’s 10 list explores key developments in science over the past year and recognises ten influential individuals who contributed to these amazing discoveries. Tom Powles, Professor of Genitourinary Oncology at Queen Mary University of London’s Barts Cancer Institute and the Director of the Barts Cancer Centre at St. Bartholomew's Hospital, has been recognised by the leading science journal for his work on new treatments for metastatic bladder cancer as a world-class contribution to science.
Professor Powles’ research – which has identified a treatment that can double the life expectancy of patients with this type of cancer – has earned him a place amongst a list of the top 10 individuals who have driven key developments this year. He takes his place alongside figures such as Ilya Sutskever, OpenAI’s chief scientist who helped to create ChatGPT, and Kalpana Kalahasti, leading engineer from India’s successful moon landing.
Professor Powles said: “It’s very humbling appear on this list. This bladder cancer work has been a huge effort from a large number of scientists, doctors and patients across the globe, over many years. Representing this group is a real honour.”
President and Principal, Colin Bailey CBE said: “This prestigious honour is a testament to the monumental impact of Professor Powles' cancer research. His groundbreaking clinical trials have paved the way for improved treatments that will benefit thousands of bladder cancer patients around the world. This recognition will no doubt serve as inspiration for the next generation of cancer research pioneers. Professor Powles' passion and persistence in pursuit of progress exemplifies the best of scientific ideals. Both he and the university should feel immensely proud of achieving this level of global recognition.”
The new combination treatment for bladder cancer was shown in clinical trials to double overall survival of patients. It uses both chemotherapy and immunotherapy drugs to target cancer cells and has been the first advance in treatment for this disease in 40 years. Its efficacy was studied in the EV302 clinical trial which involved nearly 900 people, and was carried out by researchers at Barts Health NHS Trust and Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London.
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