The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) has recognized the outstanding achievements of three leading cancer specialists with its three prestigious annual awards: the 2009 ESMO Award, Hamilton Fairley Award and ESMO Lifetime Achievement Award.
Professor T. Andrew Lister, Center Lead for Medical Oncology, Institute of Cancer, Barts and the London School of Medicine, UK, has been awarded the 2009 Hamilton Fairley Award. The award commemorates one of the founding fathers of medical oncology in Europe and is presented to candidates who are internationally recognized for lifetime achievements in science and clinical / laboratory research.
Professor Lister is a physician, clinical academic and teacher who is recognized internationally for his leading role in improving the outcome of hematologic cancer malignancy. He is particularly well known for his pioneering work on the biology and treatment of follicular lymphoma, and the Medical Oncology Unit he leads in the Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry is one of the leading cancer centres in the UK, with a worldwide reputation. Professor Lister was chairman of the Association of Cancer Physicians and of the Royal College of Physicians Committee on Medical Oncology from 1988-1991. The award for Professor Lister is especially significant as he had the privilege of having Gordon Hamilton Fairly as his as his mentor and role model.
"I am most flattered and honored to receive the Hamilton Fairley Award in respect of the work that has been carried out in the Unit of which he was the first director," Professor Lister said. "I am delighted to accept it on behalf of the CR-UK Medical Oncology Unit at Barts.
Professor Elisabeth de Vries, head of the department of medical oncology at University Medical Center Gronigen in The Netherlands has been named as the recipient of the 2009 ESMO Award. The ESMO Award is conferred on an ESMO member who has made an outstanding contribution to the development of oncology in Europe and who recognizes the importance of promoting oncology as a specialty within the international community.