Dr Melero, who holds a joint appointment within the Centre for Immuno-Oncology, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, and at Cima Universidad de Navarra, received the award for his outstanding work in translational cancer immunology and the development of novel immunotherapeutic approaches.
The ESMO Immuno-Oncology Prize is one of the field’s most prestigious honours, awarded by Europe’s leading professional organisation for medical oncology and a global authority in setting standards for cancer care and research. The panel recognised Dr Melero’s pioneering research in identifying new targets for cancer therapy, including the co-stimulatory molecule 4-1BB, expressed on immune cells such as T lymphocytes. The society also noted the significant progress made by his team in developing treatments that inhibit immune checkpoint proteins—mechanisms that act as brakes on the immune system and limit anti-tumour responses.
Reflecting on the award, Dr Melero said “It is a great honour to receive this recognition from ESMO. Immunotherapy has already transformed cancer treatment, but there is still enormous potential ahead. Our goal is to develop the next generation of precision therapies that can benefit more patients and more tumour types. I am excited for the discoveries that lie ahead.”
At the opening session of the ESMO Immuno-Oncology Congress in London, Dr Melero delivered a lecture reviewing key advances in the field and outlining future challenges for immunotherapy research.
This honour marks Dr Melero’s second major international recognition in the past month, following his induction into the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) Academy in November.