Jean-Yves Blay is a renowned European medical oncologist and researcher recognized for his work in sarcomas, GISTs, and rare adult solid cancers. He is President of UNICANCER, the French Federation of Comprehensive Cancer Centres, and General Director of the Centre Léon Bérard in Lyon, one of Europe’s major comprehensive cancer centres. He is also Professor of Medical Oncology at Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1.
Professor Blay serves as Director of EURACAN, the European Reference Network for Rare Adult Solid Cancers, linking more than 100 expert centres across 26 countries to improve care, research, and cross-border access for patients with rare cancers. He previously served as President of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) (2009–2012) and as Scientific President of the ESMO 2019 Congress.
Professor Blay has been instrumental in structuring rare cancer care and research. He coordinates NETSARC+, the French National Cancer Institute–certified sarcoma network, chairs the French Sarcoma Group, and plays a key role in the World Sarcoma Network. He is also Scientific Director of AURAGEN, a national whole-genome sequencing platform within France’s Genomic Medicine 2025 plan.
A strong advocate for equity in cancer care, Professor Blay focuses on building sustainable systems that ensure patients with rare cancers receive accurate diagnosis, access to innovation, and high-quality care across Europe and beyond. He has been recognized with many honors, including ESMO’s Hamilton Fairley Award, prizes from the French National Academy of Medicine, and the Duquesne and San Salvatore prizes.
The 100 Most Influential People in Oncology in 2025 recognizes the changemakers in cancer care who have helped shape current practice in oncology and continue to drive innovation and research towards better outcomes, advocacy, philanthropy, leadership, and education. For the many deserving individuals not mentioned in this list, we will continue to acknowledge, honor, and elevate your voices in our daily publications from across the world.
See the full list of The 100 Influential People in Oncology in 2025 and stay tuned for the results of special category nominations to be announced.
