William Sampson Handley (1872-1962): champion of the permeation theory of dissemination of breast cancer

Abstract

The Halsted radical mastectomy that prevailed in the first half of the 20th century derived its scientific basis from the ‘lymphatic permeation theory’ of William Sampson Handley an Honorary Senior Consulting Surgeon and former Vice President of the Royal College of Surgeons. Through his pioneering work in the cancer research laboratories at the Middlesex Hospital in London, Handley propounded the theory of centrifugal lymphatic permeation as the leading mechanism for the spread of cancer. This work won him worldwide renown and celebrated recognition in 1911 from the Royal College of Surgeons of England for the best work in the pathology and therapeutics in cancer. During his active life he was one of the great names and influences in the world of surgery. He held many roles at the Royal College of Surgeons and was involved with the international surgical fraternity. His philosophy of the uniqueness of the individual and his kind and courteous disposition won him praise from juniors, colleagues and patients alike. Although much of his work was rejected later, much still remains noteworthy in the history of surgery and cancer research.