2017 iCMLf Prize awarded to Professor Jerald Radich

The 2017 iCMLf Prize winner is Professor Jerry Radich. The award is in recognition of his dedication to overcome the challenges of access and expense of CML testing around the world. The iCMLf Prize is awarded by the Foundation to recognise outstanding contributions to the improvement of CML treatment in the emerging economic regions.

Professor Radich has consistently worked to develop methods to make molecular monitoring less expensive, giving both his personal and professional time to increase access to CML diagnosis and monitoring for those who need it most.

Most recently Jerry’s development of diagnostic screening for patients using blood spotted on filter paper has the potential for significant impact on patients who lack access or resources for standard CML screenings.

Thanks to his work, patients can now send their samples on paper cards via conventional mail, to ensure equal access to accurate and affordable diagnostics for CML patients all over the world.

Jerry Radich serves as Director of the Radich Laboratory and the Molecular Oncology Lab at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle (USA). He is a Member of the Clinical Research Division of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, and a Professor of Medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine. A world-recognized expert in CML, he serves as the Chair of CML Guidelines Panels for the National Comprehensive Cancer Network and member of the European LeukemiaNet, both of which synthesize the best available evidence, including findings from state-of-the-art molecular monitoring, to support optimal decision-making in the medical management of CML patients. Dr. Radich is Chair of SWOG Leukemia Translational Medicine Committee, the Co-Chair of the National Cancer Institute Leukemia Steering Committee, and is on the Board of Scientific Counselors, NIH Genome Research Institute. He is also on the Scientific Board of the MAX Foundation and the International CML Foundation, performing diagnostic and monitoring tests for CML patients in developing countries.

His main research interests include the molecular genetics of leukemia and the use of and development of modern molecular biology techniques towards early detection of leukemia and the detection of minimal residual disease.

Dr Radich earned his M.D. degree from the University of California Davis, School of Medicine and conducted fellowships in medical oncology at the University of Washington and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

“I am honored, humbled, and overwhelmed by winning the iCMLf prize. It is a testimony of the inspiring work of my friends and colleagues in my lab, at the Max Foundation, the iCMLf, and the physicians and patients throughout the globe. It is uplifting to know that making a difference together is not a quaint slogan, it is the truth. Thank you to all who contributed to this work, and those who thought me worthy of the prize. I will not let you down.” (Professor Jerald Radich)

Learn more about Jerald P. Radich here