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A consultant at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre who has worked for almost 50 years in the NHS has been shortlisted for a national healthcare award.
As reported by Birkenhead News, Professor Sun Myint has been named a finalist for Clinical Leader of the Year in the Health Service Journal (HSJ) Awards for his contribution to cancer care.
Prof Myint is recognised internationally as the leading expert on contact X-ray brachytherapy, known as Papillon, for early rectal cancer. The treatment offers suitable patients an organ-preserving alternative to major surgery and can help some people avoid a permanent stoma.
He is a pioneer of the technique and established the first facility at Clatterbridge's Wirral site in 1993. Since then, more than 3,000 patients have been treated using Papillon at the centre, which is the largest in the world.
His recent research led to NHS rectal cancer patients across the country being offered more choice of treatments, including the chance to avoid life-changing surgery. The work contributed to approval by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and has influenced clinical practice across the UK and internationally.
Prof Myint has also played a leading role in the OPERA trial, which compared a Papillon boost with standard care and strengthened the evidence for organ preservation in rectal cancer treatment.
His contribution to healthcare has previously been recognised through major honours, including the BMJ Cancer Care Team of the Year Award in 2018. Working as a specialist, he also worked in a prestigious position as an oncology adviser to the Minister of Health in Myanmar.
Prof Myint said: "I am honoured to be shortlisted for Clinical Leader of the Year. This recognition reflects the dedication of colleagues, researchers and clinical teams who work together to improve treatment options and quality of life for patients."
Dr Gillian Heap, CCC Director of Research, said in a statement: "Professor Myint's shortlisting is a fitting recognition of his extraordinary contribution to cancer care. Through his pioneering work with Papillon, he has given patients more choice, helped many avoid major surgery and shared his expertise with clinicians across the world."
The winner will be announced at a ceremony in London in November.
