Abstract
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Dr. Rafael Molina Porto.
Dr. Molina dedicated his professional life to clinical medicine in Pathology and Clinical Laboratory Science, to teaching and organizing congresses and courses, as well as clinical and basic research in the area of Tumour Markers all over the world, resulting in 300 communications in peered reviewed journals, which elicited more than 7800 citations.
One of his main original contributions to cancer diagnosis was the development of an algorithm to combine the results of many circulating Tumour Markers in a way to – in a few hours and with just a sample of blood - tell the patient’s physician the origin of the malignancy and in some cases, even the histological type of the cancer.
Indefatigable traveler, he presented his results and established collaborations in many countries.
He was a member of the Board of the International Society of Oncology and Biomarkers (ISOBM) for many years after which he was elected President. He was also President of the European Group on Tumor Markers (EGTM) and had an important role in the guidelines the EGTM provides on the clinical use of cancer markers to European countries.
Generous and affable, his good nature was greatly appreciated by all who knew him. Who does not remember him coming down to the lobby of a hotel where a congress was being held with a few bottles of his self prepared famous Cava wine.
He left behind his dear wife, Marisa, two wonderful sons and a sweet grand daughter - to whom we send our deepest condolences.
We miss you Rafael and your absence in our future congresses will be a great loss for our Society.
You succumbed to the disease you combated all your life. But others you inspired throughout your life will pick up the torch and continue the fight until this dreadful scourge is finally conquered.
Good bye and thank you for your scientific contributions and your great friendship.
