, Lyon 
Jean-Yves Blay, MD, PhD
Professor Jean-Yves Blay is a leading French medical oncologist specializing in sarcomas and rare cancers. He serves as President of UNICANCER, the federation of comprehensive cancer centers in France, and is the General Director of Centre Léon Bérard in Lyon.
Current Positions
- President, UNICANCER, France
- General Director, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
- Professor, Department of Medical Oncology, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
- Director, EURACAN – European Reference Network for Rare Adult Solid Cancers, Europe
- Director, NETSARC+, French Sarcoma Reference Network, France
- Scientific Director, AURAGEN, France
Education & Training
Professor Blay completed his medical training in Lyon and Paris, graduating in 1990. He earned:
- MD (Lyon, 1990)
- Board Certification in Medical Oncology
- PhD (Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 1994)
- Master’s degrees in oncogenesis (Paris VII) and statistics (Paris XI)
He also obtained research habilitation (HDR), the highest academic qualification in France.
International Engagement
A globally recognized expert, Professor Blay has contributed extensively to international oncology:
- Public Policy Director, European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO)
- Former ESMO Faculty Coordinator for Sarcoma
- Scientific President, ESMO Congress 2019 (Barcelona)
- Member, European Academy of Cancer Science Governing Board
Research & Clinical Contributions
Professor Blay’s research focuses on tumor biology, sarcomas, and rare cancers. His work includes:
- Leadership in translational and clinical research programs (LYRIC / LYRICAN)
- Director of multiple European initiatives including CONTICANET and EUROSARC
- Principal or co-investigator in over 190 clinical trials
- His early research explored the role of IL-6 in renal cell carcinoma, and he has led major INSERM research teams.
Publications & Scientific Impact
Professor Blay is among the most influential researchers in oncology:
- Over 1,700 scientific publications
- More than 117,000 citations (Google Scholar)
- H-index: up to 177
- Named Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher (2019–2025)
Awards & Honors
His work has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards, including:
- Hamilton Fairley Award (ESMO)
- Henry and Maryjane Mitjaville Prize (French National Academy of Medicine)
- San Salvatore Prize (Switzerland)
- Multiple awards from Institut Pasteur, Ligue contre le Cancer, and international societies
Research Funding & Innovation
Professor Blay has led major European and national grants exceeding millions of euros, including:
- CONTICANET (FP6)
- EUROSARC (FP7)
- LYRIC / LYRICAN programs
- EURACAN network
He is also co-inventor on several patents related to biomarkers and cancer diagnostics.
Professional Memberships & Editorial Work
He serves as:
- Reviewer for top journals including The New England Journal of Medicine, The Lancet, and Journal of Clinical Oncology
- Advisor to multiple international research agencies and institutions.