Gordon John McVie

Oncologist and tireless champion of cancer research. He was born in Glasgow, UK, on Jan 13, 1945, died Bristol, with non-Hodgkin lymphoma COVID-19 20, 2021, aged 76 years. Best known for his directorship the now superseded Cancer Research Campaign (CRC), medical oncologist Gordon McVie passionate support CRC used every opportunity to publicise UK charity its scientific work. “He a great communicator”, says Richard Sullivan, Professor Global Health at King's College London Director Institute Policy. “Prince or pauper, he treated everyone same, had an ability communicate very complicated clinical work simply.” Describing him as one godfathers oncology, Sullivan adds that McVie, “drove forward public sector translational research years before anybody else”. also encouraged researchers answer biological questions within context trials: radical idea time backed it. When took directorship, did so foundation solid previous career academic medicine included drug discovery number tumours—a might not have been predictable student days. Having barely kept head above water during preclinical studies University Edinburgh, it required parental pressure keep from giving up. But following unexpected success physiology examination, having realised offered intellectual satisfactions, threw himself into In 1970, year after graduation medicine, Medical Council fellowship Hodgkin Edinburgh Department Therapeutics, where worked until 1976. From there moved Glasgow University's Clinical Oncology, then Netherlands. After almost decade Netherlands consultant oncology Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital country's National Amsterdam, became Scientific and, 1996, General. At established trials committee. This valuable, according colleague Kate Law, who later spent period CRC's successor, UK. Before over, “all compete [for funds] laboratory research”, she says. Too often, adds, lost out. That eventually found itself exceptionally high proportion patients no small part due McVie. As Law sees it, “this commitment patient benefit”. Alexander Eggermont, Chief Officer Princess Máxima Centre Paediatric Oncology Utrecht, Netherlands, agrees. first met through European Organisation Treatment Cancer, which President 1994 1997. “Gordon interested service delivery, how should develop, what mattered patients”, Eggermont authority be leader…always organisational matters policy.” Following 2002 decision merge Imperial Fund, Milan 2003 take new role Senior Consultant Oncology. saw importance online publication most people”, Sullivan. [the Italian oncologist] Umberto Veronesi become founding editors journal] ecancer.” Never fearful controversy, always prepared face annoyance critics. A press release celebrate millennium headed “End sight”. It prompted Lancet editorial titled “Overoptimism about cancer” expressing fear any “gap between is being said achieved” adversely affect fund raising. unrepentant, still defending assertion 5 later. knew prompt discussion, Eggermont. able make everybody want speak.” could talk convincingly doctors, scientists, policy makers, advocates, politicians, always, affectionately admiringly, “with little sting here sure awake”. survived by sons Malcolm, Tammas, Douglas marriage Evelyn, second wife Claudia, stepchildren Susie Danny.