Thanks for sharing your perspective on the influence of the JAMA Oncology peer review. I would add that Dr. Ashkan also has considerable influence with the MHRA—his work is world-renowned and he is highly respected, especially in the UK. He led the P3 trial in Europe and currently oversees the ongoing Specials Program for DCVax-L in the UK. The MHRA continues to support the use of DCVax-L under the Specials Program, and a patient treated through the program was the subject of a peer-reviewed case study.
In April 2025, NICE published a note referencing its ongoing communication with NWBO as they are awaiting completion of MHRA’s review of their voluminous MAA submission:
“NICE is continuing to liaise with Northwest Biotherapeutics. The company reports that it is still fully occupied and engaged in the Marketing Authorisation Application (MAA) process with the MHRA.”
King’s College London maintains established connections with the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), and Dr. Ashkan holds a prominent position at King’s!
“His work on brain cancer vaccines received the top presentation award by the British Neuro-Oncology Society in 2022 and promises to impact the care of patients with brain tumours worldwide.”
Consultant Neurosurgeon at @KingsCollegeNHS, Professor Keyoumars Ashkan, receives an MBE for services to neurosurgery.
In 2020, he removed patient Dagmar's brain tumour while she played her violin throughout the surgery. 👇pic.twitter.com/H2Z4LZic0h
Congratulations to all the nominees and winners @TheSun Who Cares Wins awards, including Professor Keyoumars Ashkan, Consultant Neurosurgeon at King’s, who was a runner up in the Groundbreaking Pioneer category.#TeamKings@KensingtonRoyal @OfficialTM_3 @KingsNeuropic.twitter.com/6qTnOfazAN