Dr. Emil Lou named to TIME’s 2026 TIME100 Health list of the world’s most influential leaders in health
The Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota is pleased to announce that TIME has named Emil Lou, MD, PhD, to the 2026 TIME100 Health List of the World’s Most Influential Leaders in Health. Dr. Lou is a professor at the University of Minnesota Medical School, a Masonic Cancer Center researcher, and a medical oncologist with M Health Fairview. The 2026 TIME100 Health spotlights the 100 most influential leaders in health this year.
Dr. Lou, a member of the U of M Medical School faculty for nearly 15 years, was recognized by TIME for his innovative approach toward translational research in oncology, including his leadership in the first‑in‑human clinical trial using a CRISPR/Cas9 gene‑editing approach to help the immune system target advanced gastrointestinal cancers. Published in The Lancet Oncology, the trial showed potential for tailoring cutting-edge treatments that improve outcomes in patients with late-stage forms of this disease.
“I am humbled and honored by this recognition, which reflects the synergies achieved by scientific collaboration and the power for teamwork to make a difference by bringing hope to people suffering from incurable cancers,” said Dr. Lou. “In my dual role as both a physician and scientist, I see every day how there is a strong need to devise better treatments. My clinical practice informs my research with the ultimate goal of moving the needle forward to improve the lives of these patients.”
Research in Lou’s lab also has uncovered the important role of intercellular communication in cancer occurring via tunneling nanotubes—essentially ‘biological skyways’ that connect cancer cells and allow them to communicate and share resources, contributing to drug resistance and tumor growth.
This first-in-human study represents the pinnacle of translational research and was made possible due to resources and services of the Masonic Cancer Center. MCC's Cancer Research Translational Initiative (CRTI) played a pivotal role in establishing the clinical trial infrastructure, including study design of the electronic case report forms, development of the Data Management Plan, and coordination of the transition to a contract research organization. CRTI also supported industry engagement efforts and provided targeted input in GMP product development and pilot funding to get this research off the ground. This translational effort was subsequently handed off to MCC's Clinical Trials Office for implementation, positioning the program for continued growth and execution.