Dr Melero, who holds a joint appointment at the Centre for Immuno-Oncology, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, and Clinica y Cima Universidad de Navarra, has been named a member of the SITC Academy in recognition of his decades-long contribution to the field of cancer immunotherapy. The Academy brings together leaders in immuno-oncology from across the globe, representing more than 35 medical specialties and over 4,500 members in 63 countries.
SITC highlighted Dr Melero's transformative research in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common form of liver cancer. His work has been instrumental in improving survival outcomes for patients with inoperable tumours through immunotherapy-based approaches.
A key focus of Dr Melero's research has been the development of intratumoural immunotherapies and the selective stimulation of the 4-1BB protein, which enhances T-cell proliferation, survival and tumour-killing efficacy. Appointed Kidani Professor of Immuno-Oncology at Oxford in 2022, Dr Melero continues to lead internationally collaborative research into new therapeutic techniques.
Reflecting on the recognition, Dr Ignacio Melero said: "I feel deeply honoured to receive this recognition. What matters most to me is how immunotherapy changes the outlook for people who previously had no options. Every therapeutic advance brings us closer to the day when cancer becomes a controllable, and perhaps even curable, disease."
Professor Tim Elliott, Scientific Director of the Centre for Immuno-Oncology at Oxford, added: “Nacho’s work exemplifies the power of translational science: moving insights from the lab into treatments that extend and transform lives. His leadership in immuno-oncology continues to push the boundaries of what we believed possible in liver cancer therapy, and this insight extends to other hard-to-treat cancers.”
The SITC induction ceremony took place in Maryland, USA, where Dr Melero was honoured alongside four other international experts: Drs Julie R. Brahmer, George Coukos, F. Stephen Hodi and Michael Lotze.
"These honourees represent the highest level of achievement in cancer immunotherapy," said Professor Leisha A. Emens, President of the SITC Executive Council. "Their discoveries are not only widening our scientific knowledge, but are saving patients' lives and lifting hope for many more around the world."