Bahamian doctor, Colton Jones and cancer scientist has achieved a series of milestones in cancer research, and placed The Bahamas at the forefront of international medical innovation.
Jones, a hematology/oncology Fellow and cancer researcher at UT Health San Antonio and the Mays Cancer Center MD Anderson, delivered an oral podium presentation at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting in Chicago. ASCO is widely recognized as the world’s largest and most influential oncology conference.
“This milestone is not just a personal achievement, it is a testament to what Bahamian and Caribbean scientists can contribute to global medicine when given the opportunity and support,” said Jones. “I hope this inspires young people across the region to pursue careers in research, oncology, and public health.”
The doctor’s research tackles one of the most talked-about frontiers in modern medicine: the expanded therapeutic potential of GLP-1 receptor agonists (the class of drugs widely known for diabetes management and weight loss).
Serving as lead author and primary investigator, Jones and his research team are among the first in the world to identify a significant association between GLP-1 therapy and a reduced risk of several highly aggressive malignancies, including lung, colorectal, breast, liver, and pancreatic cancers, as well as acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
The findings are being hailed as potentially transformative for preventative oncology. Currently, there are no FDA-approved medications on the market to prevent lung, liver, colorectal or pancreatic cancers, nor any form of leukemia. Jones’ data represents the first study of its kind to demonstrate a protective link against leukemia in high-risk patients.
While his groundbreaking work currently keeps him at the cutting edge of academic medicine in the United States, Jones said his heart remains firmly rooted in his home country.
“I look forward to the day when I can return home to serve my country.”
In tandem with Jones’ presentation on the ASCO stage, he was recently honored with the Healio Next Gen Disruptor Award for Hematology & Oncology. This peer-voted accolade celebrates rising physician-scientists whose cutting-edge work challenges conventional medical thinking and drives practice-changing breakthroughs.
Beyond the clinical data and global accolades, Jones views the momentous achievement as a victory for representation and a beacon of hope for the Caribbean scientific community.
