A PIONEERING American medic last night said Liverpool was a leading light in the global fight against lung cancer.

Dr James Mulshine, vice-president of research at Rush University, in Chicago, told the Daily Post the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation played a vital role in fighting the disease.

He praised the Mersey charity’s campaigning work and research, but also Liverpool people for their support. The academic has worked with Liverpool doctors for the past decade to reduce lung cancer deaths.

He said: “The persistent voice from Liverpool shows that a community can rally in the battle to reduce smoking.

“The Fag Ends stop smoking service and institutions like John Moores University all have their part to play. In addition to that, you have these research facilities studying the disease in Liverpool, trying to understand the risks and who is at higher risk, the nature of the disease.”

Talking of leading Liverpool lung cancer experts, including Professor John Field, from Liverpool University, Dr Mulshine said: “The cohort that has emerged is one of the most important cohorts in the world. Resource modelling comes out of Liverpool, and it is the coordinating centre for major European framework studies and lung cancer resource research that leads other research centres in Europe.