Surgical Oncology

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Surgical Oncology Mr Myles Smith is a Surgical Oncologist specialising in the surgery of soft tissue sarcomas, maligna

Mr Myles Smith co-authors a study on secure AI for cancer research data...Research into rare cancers such as sarcoma dep...
25/09/2026

Mr Myles Smith co-authors a study on secure AI for cancer research data...

Research into rare cancers such as sarcoma depends on information written in patients' reports and notes, which can take a very long time to collect by hand. This new study tested an AI tool that works entirely within the hospital's own secure systems, so patient information never leaves the organisation.

The results were encouraging: 98.9% of the information it collected was correct, and importantly, it never made anything up. The paper is awaiting peer review, and larger studies are planned, but it points to a faster, safer way to support research that improves patient care.

Find out more 👉 https://surgicaloncology.co.uk/myles-smith-co-authors-study-on-secure-ai-for-cancer-research-data/

A major international clinical trial is offering new hope for people treated for high-risk melanoma. The INTerpath-001 t...
03/09/2026

A major international clinical trial is offering new hope for people treated for high-risk melanoma. The INTerpath-001 trial tested a personalised mRNA vaccine, given after surgery alongside the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab, to help the immune system target any melanoma cells left behind following an operation.

The results, reported this month, showed the vaccine combination significantly improved recurrence-free survival compared with immunotherapy alone, the first trial of its kind to do so in this post-surgical setting.

The vaccine isn't yet routinely available. It remains under investigation, and further review is needed before wider use. But for anyone diagnosed with melanoma, the message stays the same: early diagnosis and specialist advice make the biggest difference to outcomes.

If you're concerned about a changing mole or skin lesion, don't delay in seeking a referral.

Read more: https://surgicaloncology.co.uk/melanoma-vaccine-trial-offers-hope-for-patients-after-surgery/

This summer, the Committee on Medical Aspects of Radiation in the Environment (COMARE) published its 21st report, conclu...
06/08/2026

This summer, the Committee on Medical Aspects of Radiation in the Environment (COMARE) published its 21st report, concluding that commercial sunbeds increase the risk of skin cancer and that the Government should consider whether a complete ban would be appropriate.

At the same time, the Government is consulting on stronger regulation – including mandatory age verification and clearer safety standards for operators. The consultation closes on 14th August.

Here we share the new evidence, the awareness gap, and what stronger regulation could mean for patients. You can read the full article here: https://surgicaloncology.co.uk/sunbeds-and-skin-cancer-what-the-evidence-now-tells-us/

If you've noticed a new or changing mole or skin lesion, please don't wait — speak to your GP about a referral to Dermatology.

July is Sarcoma Awareness Month, and it's a good time to talk about one of the most common early signs of sarcoma: a lum...
06/07/2026

July is Sarcoma Awareness Month, and it's a good time to talk about one of the most common early signs of sarcoma: a lump that doesn't go away.

Most lumps turn out to be harmless, but some warning signs do warrant prompt investigation. A lump larger than 5cm, one that is growing, sits deep beneath the skin, or has returned after previous removal, should not be left unchecked.

One in three sarcoma patients waits more than six months for a diagnosis. That delay can affect treatment options and surgical outcomes significantly.

Read about the signs to watch for here: https://surgicaloncology.co.uk/sarcoma-awareness-month-when-should-a-lump-be-investigated/

A new parliamentary report has set out the strongest case yet for a national UV safety strategy in the UK. From sunbed l...
15/06/2026

A new parliamentary report has set out the strongest case yet for a national UV safety strategy in the UK. From sunbed licensing to VAT cuts on sunscreen, the APPG's recommendations could mark a turning point in how we approach skin cancer prevention.

Melanoma causes an estimated 2,600 deaths every year in the UK, yet the vast majority of cases are considered entirely preventable. Mr Myles Smith, Consultant Surgical Oncologist at The Royal Marsden, shares his thoughts on the report and what it means for patients.

Read the full article: https://surgicaloncology.co.uk/the-case-for-a-national-uv-safety-strategy/

This Skin Cancer Awareness Month, Mr Myles Smith has written about what happens when a mole or skin change is more serio...
05/05/2026

This Skin Cancer Awareness Month, Mr Myles Smith has written about what happens when a mole or skin change is more serious than it first appears.

Research shows that three out of four people diagnosed with melanoma didn't seek help themselves; their GP spotted the lesion by chance.

Younger people are among the least likely to get changing moles checked, despite melanoma affecting all ages. Early diagnosis makes an enormous difference to treatment and outcomes.

Read the full article on the website here: https://surgicaloncology.co.uk/what-happens-when-its-more-than-a-mole/

Always get a new or changing mole medically checked.

Mr Myles Smith and colleagues at The Royal Marsden Hospital have published a study in the World Journal of Surgical Onco...
13/04/2026

Mr Myles Smith and colleagues at The Royal Marsden Hospital have published a study in the World Journal of Surgical Oncology, looking at the ongoing value of sentinel lymph node biopsy in melanoma.

The findings clearly show that sentinel lymph node biopsy continues to provide critical staging and prognostic information, particularly in advanced melanoma cases.

Read more here:
https://surgicaloncology.co.uk/myles-smith-co-authors-study-confirming-the-continued-importance-of-sentinel-lymph-node-biopsy-in-melanoma/

New research from The Royal Marsden NHS co-authored by Mr Myles Smith and published in the Annals of Surgical Oncology e...
09/04/2026

New research from The Royal Marsden NHS co-authored by Mr Myles Smith and published in the Annals of Surgical Oncology explores how immunotherapy may help patients with advanced skin cancer avoid major surgery altogether.

The study followed 25 patients treated with cemiplimab – an immune checkpoint inhibitor – and found that 85% with operable disease avoided surgical intervention, with 64% responding to treatment.

For older patients facing significant operative risk, this represents a meaningful shift in what's possible. Read the full article here:
https://surgicaloncology.co.uk/myles-smith-co-authors-study-on-immunotherapy-avoiding-major-surgery-in-advanced-skin-cancer/

Rates of melanoma are increasing most sharply in older adults, particularly those aged over 75. This reflects a combinat...
01/04/2026

Rates of melanoma are increasing most sharply in older adults, particularly those aged over 75. This reflects a combination of lifetime sun exposure, changing behaviours, and an ageing population.

While melanoma is highly treatable when detected early, later diagnosis remains more common in older patients, making awareness especially important in this age group. Encouraging regular skin checks and recognising changes early can make a significant difference to outcomes.

Read more: https://surgicaloncology.co.uk/rising-melanoma-in-over-75s/

Our latest article explores an exciting research initiative focused on creating new laboratory models of gastrointestina...
05/03/2026

Our latest article explores an exciting research initiative focused on creating new laboratory models of gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST), including ultra-rare PAWS-GIST, to support better understanding of tumour biology and treatment resistance.

By growing and validating real tumour cell cultures, scientists can test existing and experimental drugs more effectively and accelerate progress toward new therapies. These models also aim to help researchers understand how GISTs resist current treatments and identify promising options for future clinical use.

https://surgicaloncology.co.uk/developing-new-models-of-gist/

For further information about GIST and to access dedicated patient support, visit gistcancer.org.uk/support/.

Address

The Royal Marsden Hospital, 203 Fulham Road, Chelsea
London
SW36JJ

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Monday 9am - 11am
4pm - 6pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 6am
Wednesday 8:30am - 12:30pm
Friday 2:30pm - 6pm

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