A research-active consultant at Clatterbridge – who has worked in the NHS for almost 50 years – has been shortlisted for a prestigious national healthcare award.
Professor Sun Myint, a consultant at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre (CCC), has been shortlisted as Clinical Leader of the Year in the Health Service Journal (HSJ) Awards recognising his outstanding contribution to healthcare.
Prof Myint is recognised internationally as the foremost authority on contact X-ray brachytherapy, known as Papillon, for early rectal cancer. The treatment offers suitable patients an organ-preserving alternative to major surgery and can help some people avoid a permanent stoma.
His recent successful research into the therapy last year led to NHS rectal cancer patients across the country being offered more choice of treatments, including the chance to avoid life-changing surgery.
During a medical career in the NHS spanning 49 years, Prof Myint pioneered Papillon in the UK and established the first facility at CCC in 1993. Since then, more than 3,000 patients have been treated at CCC using the technique, creating the world’s largest cohort and helping to build the evidence base for wider adoption.
Prof Myint’s clinical research and leadership have helped establish Papillon as a validated non-operative option for suitable patients with rectal cancer. His work contributed to its approval by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and has influenced clinical practice across the UK and internationally.
Prof Myint has also played a leading role in the OPERA trial, which compared a Papillon boost with standard care and strengthened the evidence for organ preservation in rectal cancer treatment. His work has helped give patients more choice while supporting safe clinical pathways, including the option of surgery later if needed.
Alongside his research and clinical leadership, Prof Myint has trained and mentored clinicians around the world. Clatterbridge’s Papillon programme is the largest of its kind globally, with regular training courses and study days helping other centres develop expertise and launch services safely.
His contribution to healthcare has been recognised through major national and international honours, including the BMJ Cancer Care Team of the Year Award in 2018 and the ESTRO Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021. He has also served as a specialist adviser to NICE and as an oncology adviser to the Minister of Health in Myanmar.
By combining innovation, evidence, training and patient-centred care, Prof Myint has helped transform treatment options for people with early rectal cancer and has supported the wider rollout of a service that can improve outcomes, quality of life and value for the NHS.
The breadth of experience he has built up leading teams has culminated in him being a finalist in the HSJ Awards as Clinical Leader of the Year, with the recipient being given the title at a ceremony which will take place in London in November.
Prof Sun Myint, Consultant Clinical Oncologist at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, comments: “I am honoured to be shortlisted for Clinical Leader of the Year. This recognition reflects the dedication of colleagues, researchers and clinical teams who work together to improve treatment options and quality of life for patients. Whatever the result on the night, it is a privilege to see this work recognised alongside so many outstanding examples of healthcare leadership.”
Dr Gillian Heap, CCC Director of Research, said: “Professor Myint’s shortlisting is a fitting recognition of his extraordinary contribution to cancer care. Through his pioneering work with Papillon, he has given patients more choice, helped many avoid major surgery and shared his expertise with clinicians across the world.
“His research study, OPERA, directly led to a change in treatment options for patients, and he continues to contribute to our Trust and the NHS as an influential consultant and leader. His career is a powerful example of clinical leadership, innovation and dedication to improving patients’ lives and we wish him the very best in the final round of judging.”
The HSJ said Prof Myint’s “shortlisting for Clinical Leader of the Year recognises his commitment to clinical excellence, innovation and patient-centred care over a distinguished career”.
The HSJ Awards recognise outstanding contributions to healthcare, celebrating success stories from organisations, teams and individuals across the NHS and wider health sector. The full list of those shortlisted in a number of categories can be seen here: Shortlist 2026 | HSJ Awards.
