Carlos Cordón Cardó, one of the world’s leading experts in the field of cancer research, was awarded an honorary doctorate degree by the UB on 9 November at noon in the Paranimf of the UB. At the ceremony, presided over by the rector, Màrius Rubiralta, Carlos Cordón was sponsored by Professor Antonio Manuel Ballesta Gimeno from the Department of Physiological Sciences. The award was one of the acts commemorating the centenary of the UB’s Faculty of Medicine and the Hospital Clínic de Barcelona.

Carlos Cordón Cardó (Calella, 1957) has been the director of the Division of Molecular Pathology in the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York since 1995. Having graduated in Medicine from the UAB in 1980, he obtained his PhD in Cell Biology and Genetics from Cornell University in 1985. He then joined the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Centre in New York, and it is in this prestigious institution that his career in research has been largely based. Since 1992, Carlos Cordón has also worked as Associate Professor of Pathology at Cornell University Medical College in Ithaca, New York, and more recently he has taken up teaching and research responsibilities at the University of Columbia. Carlos Cordón is one of the most cited researchers in Clinical Medicine according to the ISI (Thomson Scientific) and his publications – including, articles, chapters for various books, etc. – number more than five hundred.

In the words of Professor Ballesta, «Professor Cordón Cardó has been one of the leading instigators of the changes that have revolutionised classical pathological anatomy, and he has helped the new generations of pathologists to move beyond the paraffin barrier and to become familiar with the new technologies of molecular biology». In his speech, Ballesta reminded the audience that Cordón’s work on the molecular mechanisms that unchain cancer have helped open up new perspectives in providing an early and more accurate diagnosis, as well as offering more personalised treatment.

In discussing Professor Cordón’s contribution to scientific development, Ballesta underlined his innovative studies in the development of cancer diagnosis «on two fronts, because as well as his great achievements in basic research, we must add his vocation and dedication to clinical work». While he has contributed to the development of tumour immunology with the application of immunochemical methods adapted to the study of solid tumours, in the field of molecular pathology, he has also participated in the discovery of tumour suppressor genes – fundamental in the origin and development of cancer – and their application to diagnosis and clinical prognosis. «His motivation», continued Ballesta, «is based equally on his deep scientific vocation as well as on his generous social conscience which means he loves his work as he is fully aware of the benefits it can have for the health of our society».

In his speech, Carlos Cordón Cardó commented that «the most rewarding aspect of my profession is being able to be with the patient». Among the scientific achievements of his research team, he highlighted the characterisation of the P-glycoprotein (Pgp), codified by the multi-drug resistance (MDR) gene, in normal human tissues and in tumours; and the analysis of the retinoblastoma (RB) gene and its codified product (pRB). Cordón Cardó also spoke of «systems pathology», a new discipline that integrates clinical variables with histological parameters, tissue and cell morphometry, as well as molecular profiles. This is a new concept involving the integrated management of the oncology patient, including risk assessment, early detection, diagnosis, extent of spread and response to this treatment.

Professor Cordón went on to say that «Our ultimate goal is to offer each patient greater possibilities of a cure by selecting the best treatment for their illness. What links all professionals working in the field of biomedicine is our responsibility in contributing to the maintenance of the physical and mental health of our community. This responsibility is not only vocational, but reflects our intense and constant dedication, which accepts only excellence and rejects mediocrity. There is nothing more sacred for the individual and society than the state of welfare resulting from good health. At the same time, it is vital that health workers are respected for their work and their contribution to the common good. Society needs to commit itself to developing a long-term vision of clinical management and biomedical research».

Carlos Cordón Cardó also directed some of his comments to medical students and young researchers. «Do not be frustrated. Your passion for science, combined with perseverance and professional ethics, will dissipate all your doubts and lead you to your final goal. Dare to think beyond the boundaries of convention, even if you are only taught within the accepted norms, and are criticised when you stray outside them. Remember that you will never reach new horizons by keeping to the same road».

Carlos Cordón Cardó is a member of many prestigious scientific societies including the United States & Canadian Academy of Pathology; the American Association for Cancer Research, the International Society of Urological Pathology; the Association for Molecular Pathology; the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), etc., to name just a few. He has been included on the Roll of Honour of the International Union against Cancer (UICC), and has received numerous international awards and distinctions, including the Gold Medal from the Swedish Academy of Medicine and the Ramón y Cajal Prize from the Spanish American Medical and Dental Society, among others.