Dr. David Palma, Associate Scientist at Lawson Health Research Institute and Radiation Oncologist at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC), is receiving a Canadian Cancer Society Award for Excellence. Dr. Palma was announced today as a co-recipient of the William Rawls Prize.
Dr. Palma is recognized as a global leader in the field of radiation oncology. His cutting-edge clinical trials offer new treatment options to cancer patients and generate knowledge that is making a tangible impact. He recently published on a first-of-its-kind study called SABR-COMET which showed that targeted, high dose radiation can improve survival in patients with cancer that has spread to five or less sites. These results are potentially practice changing and offer new hope to patients with metastasis.
Dr. Palma has also made significant contributions to improving medical education and is the bestselling author of Taking Charge of Cancer: What You Need to Know to Get the Best Treatment. The book provides practical advice for people with cancer and their families to make decisions around the best quality care possible.
“I am grateful for the support and recognition from the Canadian Cancer Society. Their support of research and patient care in Canada has led to major improvements in Canadian cancer treatment,” says Dr. Palma, who is also an Associate Professor at Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry. “There is still much to do, and this award helps us continue to design and implement innovative research projects that will help cancer patients in Canada and internationally.”
The Canadian Cancer Society Awards for Excellence promote and recognize outstanding achievements in Canadian cancer research. The William E. Rawls Prize is given to a young investigator whose outstanding contributions have the potential to lead to, or have already led to, important advances in cancer control. It honours Dr. Rawls, Past President of the former National Cancer Institute of Canada. His research focused on viruses, particularly those involved in chronic diseases and cervical cancer.
“Today’s winners have shown tremendous dedication to the cancer cause. Their work has had significant impact on both the cancer research community and the lives of people affected by cancer,” says Dr. Judy Bray, Vice President of Research at Canadian Cancer Society. “It is thanks to research advancements made by scientists like our award recipients that the overall cancer survival rate has increased from 55 per cent in the early 1990s to 63 per cent today, and I have no doubt we will continue to see progress as a result of their efforts.”
