Oncologist Andrzej Mackiewicz dies at 72

Prominent Polish oncologist Professor Andrzej Mackiewicz has passed away at the age of 72. The Poznan University of Medical Sciences announced that he died on September 20, 2026.

Professor Mackiewicz was a leading figure in medical biotechnology and oncology, serving as the long-time head of the Department of Medical Biotechnology at the Poznan University of Medical Sciences. He was recognized as a pioneer in research regarding immunotherapy and gene therapy for cancer. His work included conducting what were described as some of the first studies in the world on genetically modified cellular cancer vaccines, specifically a therapeutic vaccine for melanoma.

In recent years, he also contributed to research regarding a coronavirus vaccine. The Maria Skłodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology described his passing as a “great loss for Polish science and oncology.” Mackiewicz was a co-founder of the Scientific Council of the International Institute of Molecular Oncology and the Polish Platform for Innovative Medicine.