UCLH clinician awarded medal for improving prostate cancer care

UCLH consultant urological surgeon Veeru Kasivisvanathan has been awarded the prestigious Society of Apothecaries 2026 William Farr Medal in recognition of his work to advance prostate cancer care globally.

The William Farr Medal recognises the significant contribution by a UK healthcare professional to improving care for older people.

Dr Kasivisvanathan is also an associate professor at UCL and leads several research groups whose work has improved the quality of life of patients and introduced new treatments to clinical practice.

His research contributed greatly to MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) becoming part of the standard way prostate cancer is diagnosed, leading to more accurate diagnosis.

As a result of this work, every year, about four million men now have a prostate MRI globally and one to two million avoid an unnecessary biopsy (involving a needle being inserted into sample tissue across the prostate) – a procedure that comes with a risk of infection.

He has recently provided evidence for streamlined 15-minute MRI scans, which have doubled the global capacity for MRI overnight, which helps in achieving his vision of every man who needs a scan being able to access one, no matter their background or postcode.

UCLH radiology, urology and pathology departments have played a central role in delivering the research studies over the last decade.

Dr Kasivisvanathan said: “It is a great honour to receive one of the most prestigious awards of the Society of the Apothecaries. Being able to make a difference to millions of men around the world is such a great privilege.

“It is fantastic that the society recognises such important work in the advancement of medicine for older people. This recognises the efforts of many others in my research and clinical teams, global networks and my patients who have given so much to allow the successful delivery of the practice-changing trials that have paved the way for these discoveries.” 

The Society of Apothecaries was founded in 1617 by Royal Charter to regulate the profession of apothecaries, who were the predecessors of modern pharmacists and general practitioners.