One of the UK's leading researchers into myeloma blood cancer has received a rarely awarded degree from the University of Leeds.
Gordon Cook, Professor of Haematology, is just the ninth person to be awarded the prestigious Higher Doctorate by Leeds since 2008.
It is awarded to candidates who distinguish themselves by means of a substantial and sustained contribution that leads to international recognition.
Gordon has pioneered clinical trials into treatments for myeloma, which are improving outcomes for patients around the world.
Everyone has something to contribute – don't let adversity hold back your potential."
He was joined at his graduation ceremony by his wife and two daughters. Gordon dedicated his thesis to Stan Dagg, a close friend's father, who suffered from myeloma and passed away in 2015.
"I am deeply honoured to receive this degree. It is a proud moment," he said.
"I have worked in Leeds since 2002 for the NHS and the University and I wanted a degree from Leeds because I have spent most of my working life here."
His advice to this year's graduates is clear. "Everyone has something to contribute – don't let adversity hold back your potential," he said. "I grew up on a council estate. I was the first person in my family to go to university. I'm also dyslexic. For anyone facing similar challenges, don't let them hold you back."
Professor Hai-Sui Yu, Interim Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Leeds, said: "The Higher Doctorate is reserved for individuals who have made an exceptional and substantial contribution in their field. In Gordon's case, his continuing commitment and expertise are helping to improve health outcomes for patients with myeloma. This is a richly deserved award."
The Myeloma X trial
Myeloma (also known as multiple myeloma) is a type of blood cancer that occurs in plasma cells. In the UK alone, around 5,900 people are diagnosed with the disease each year, according to charity Myeloma UK.
Gordon's thesis describes how he designed national clinical trials into patients whose disease relapsed following stem cell transplants.
The trial (Myeloma X) provided the first and only global clinical evidence for the benefits of a second transplant for relapse patients, finding that it did not compromise quality of life.
His findings have been adopted in national and international guidelines and have been pivotal to formulating clinical practice.
It is estimated that more than 100 patients a year in the US have benefitted from this treatment as a result of the published trial outcomes, with similar benefits reported in France and other European countries.
"We continue to expand our understanding of myeloma but there is still a long way to go," said Gordon, whose attention has now turned to his next area of research, focusing on myeloma among patients with frailty.
Gordon is a Co-Director of Leeds Cancer Research Centre – a collaboration between the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and the University of Leeds – and was appointed this year as a Senior Investigator by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).
Since 2000, he has secured, either individually or in collaboration with colleagues, over £54m in peer-reviewed grant funding.
