Award-winning junior doctor inspires change in eye cancer treatment

A JUNIOR doctor from a South Yorkshire hospital has won a top award for her presentation on an innovative way of treating eye tumours that is now set to be used across the globe.

Dr Ella Kim, from the Sheffield Ocular Oncology Service at Royal Hallamshire Hospital, was awarded ‘best trainee paper’ for her presentation at the International Society of Ocular Oncology Biennial Conference in Australia.

The service is one of three specialist National Eye Cancer Centres in England, where patients with eye tumours are referred to from across the UK and abroad. It is well known internationally for leading on innovative techniques.

Dr Kim and the team have started treating patients awaiting surgery for fast-growing eye tumours on the surface of the eye with a drug called Interferon, which is injected directly into the tumour at the first visit. These tumours can be difficult to manage, because they can grow rapidly.

The injections have shown promising results, with tumours found to have reduced in size and blood supply at the time of surgery, making it easier to operate, improving the prognosis.

Dr Kim’s research on the topic was well-received by the international ocular oncology network, with many international centres keen to start using the treatment.

She said: “This has inspired and motivated me to continue further research into eye cancers.”

Paul Rundle, the clinical lead for ocular oncology, said that the service had experienced a 47 per cent increase in referrals during the last seven years, and that the new treatment would help it to continue hitting national cancer targets.