Merve Keskinkilic | Medical Oncology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Merve Keskinkilic | Medical Oncology | Best Researcher Award

Medical Oncologist, Izmir Democracy University Buca Seyfi Demirsoy Training and Research Hospital Turkey

Merve Keskinkılıç is a dedicated Medical Oncologist at Burdur State Hospital with a strong academic background in Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology. She earned her M.D. from Dokuz Eylul University Faculty of Medicine and completed her Medical Oncology Fellowship at the same institution. Dr. Keskinkılıç has extensive clinical experience, having served as a Research Fellow at Emory University, USA. Fluent in English (C1 Advanced) and proficient in German (Elementary), she actively participates in international oncology research. Her expertise includes clinical trials, cancer treatment strategies, and translational oncology research, contributing significantly to advancements in the field.

Publication Profile

Scopus

Scholar

🎓 Education

Dr. Keskinkılıç completed her high school education at Balıkesir Science High School (2004-2008) before pursuing medicine at Dokuz Eylul University (2008-2014). She participated in an Oncology Exchange Program at Mansoura University, Egypt (2010). She later obtained an Associate Degree in Healthcare Management from Anadolu University (2014-2017). Her residency in Internal Medicine was completed at Celal Bayar University (2015-2016) and Dokuz Eylul University (2016-2019). She pursued a Medical Oncology Fellowship at Dokuz Eylul University (2019-2024) and is currently undertaking a PhD in Basic Oncology at Dokuz Eylul University Oncology Institute (since 2022). She also worked as a Research Fellow at Emory University, USA (2023).

💼 Experience

Dr. Keskinkılıç began her career as a General Practitioner at Balıkesir Susurluk State Hospital (2014-2015) before becoming a Research Assistant in Internal Medicine at Celal Bayar University (2015-2016) and later at Dokuz Eylul University (2016-2019). She served as a Specialist Doctor at Bitlis Mutki State Hospital (2019) and as a Fellow in Medical Oncology at Dokuz Eylul University (2019-2024). Currently, she is a Medical Oncologist at Burdur Public Hospital (2024-2025) and will join Izmir Democracy University Buca Seyfi Demirsoy Training and Research Hospital in 2025.

🏆 Awards & Honors

Dr. Keskinkılıç holds several prestigious certifications, including the Turkish Board of Internal Medicine Certificate (2018), Experimental Animal Use Certificate (2019), Oncology Clinical Research Training Certificate (2020), and ESMO Board of Examination Certificate (2023). She has also completed Good Clinical Practices (ICU) and Clinical Research Training and has received certifications in Research Ethics and Clinical Trials. Her contributions to oncology research and education have been recognized through multiple national and international accolades.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Keskinkılıç specializes in clinical oncology research, focusing on urothelial, bladder, gastric, prostate, and lung cancers. She is actively involved in multiple clinical trials, serving as a Sub-Investigator in research projects such as THOR (Urothelial Cancer), Niagara (Bladder Cancer), MK3475-859 (Gastric Cancer), Regeneron (Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer), and Radiant 20510 (Prostate Cancer). Her work emphasizes innovative treatment strategies, immunotherapy, and targeted cancer therapies, contributing to the development of advanced oncological treatments. Her internal medicine dissertation evaluated CMV DNA Antigenemia in Allogeneic Bone Marrow Transplant Patients.

Publication Top Notes

  • Efficacy of subsequent treatments in patients with hormone-positive advanced breast cancer who had disease progression under CDK 4/6 inhibitor therapy
    • Authors: C. Karacin, B. Oksuzoglu, A. Demirci, M. Keskinkılıç, et al.
    • Journal: BMC Cancer, 2023
    • Citations: 20

 

  • Treatment efficacy of ribociclib or palbociclib plus letrozole in hormone receptor-positive/HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer
    • Authors: S. Kahraman, E. Erul, M. Seyyar, O. Gumusay, et al.
    • Journal: Future Oncology, 2023
    • Citations: 13

 

  • Clinical outcomes of cyclin-dependent kinase 4–6 (CDK 4–6) inhibitors in patients with male breast cancer: a multicenter study
    • Authors: H. Ç. Yıldırım, E. Mutlu, E. Chalabiyev, M. Özen, et al.
    • Journal: The Breast, 2022
    • Citations: 13

 

  • The effect of low HER2 expression on treatment outcomes in metastatic hormone receptor-positive breast cancer patients treated with a combination of a CDK4/6 inhibitor and…
    • Authors: E. C. Yildirim, E. Atag, E. Coban, et al.
    • Journal: The Breast, 2023
    • Citations: 12

 

  • Efficacy of first-line CDK 4-6 inhibitors in premenopausal patients with metastatic breast cancer and the effect of dose reduction due to treatment-related neutropenia
    • Authors: H. C. Yildirim, C. Kapar, B. Koksal, et al.
    • Journal: Journal of Chemotherapy, 2024
    • Citations: 4

 

  • The prognostic indicator in breast cancer treated with CDK4/6 inhibitors: the prognostic nutritional index
    • Authors: M. Keskinkilic, H. S. Semiz, G. Polat, et al.
    • Journal: Future Oncology, 2023
    • Citations: 4

 

  • Antibody-Drug Conjugates in Triple Negative Breast Cancer
    • Authors: M. Keskinkilic, R. Sacks
    • Journal: Clinical Breast Cancer, 2024
    • Citations: 3

 

  • 194P Increased blood creatinine level due to CDK 4/6 inhibitor treatments: single center experience
    • Authors: M. Keskinkılıç, H. S. Semiz, T. Yavuzsen, A. Karaoglu
    • Journal: Annals of Oncology, 2022
    • Citations: 3

 

  • The prognostic nutritional index (PNI): A new biomarker for determining prognosis in metastatic castration-sensitive prostate carcinoma
    • Authors: H. I. Ellez, M. Keskinkilic, et al.
    • Journal: Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2023
    • Citations: 11

 

  • The role of immune checkpoint inhibition in triple-negative breast cancer
    • Authors: K. Tarekegn, M. Keskinkilic, T. J. Kristoff, S. T. Evans, K. Kalinsky
    • Journal: Expert Review of Anticancer Therapy, 2023
    • Citations: 10

 

  • The percentage of ALK-positive cells and the efficacy of first-line alectinib in advanced non-small cell lung cancer
    • Authors: M. Hizal, B. Bilgin, N. Paksoy, et al.
    • Journal: Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology, 2023
    • Citations: 5

 

  • CD47 (‘don’t eat me’ signal) expression levels and its relationship with clinicopathologic features in early‐stage prostate carcinoma
    • Authors: H. S. Semiz, Ü. Küçük, E. Kısa, M. Keskinkılıç, et al.
    • Journal: The Prostate, 2022
    • Citations: 5

 

  • A severe case of levothyroxine intoxication successfully treated in intensive care unit
    • Authors: Y. Savran, T. Mengi, M. Keskinkilic
    • Journal: Journal of Acute Disease, 2018
    • Citations: 11

 

 

Jessica Abene| Oncology| Best Researcher Award

Ms. Jessica Abene| Oncology| Best Researcher Award

Ms. University of Pennsylvania,  United States

Jessica Abene is a dedicated nursing professional with a passion for advancing healthcare through evidence-based research. She earned her Bachelor of Nursing Science (BSN) from the University of Pennsylvania in 2023 and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Statistics and Data Science, as well as a PhD. Jessica is deeply engaged in research focused on improving patient care, particularly in oncology and eating disorders. She is an author of several publications, including systematic reviews on chemotherapy toxicities, food insecurity, and binge eating. Her expertise extends to clinical trials and the development of innovative healthcare solutions, such as a smart swaddle for infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome. Jessica is committed to improving patient quality of life through her work as a graduate research assistant and peer reviewer.

Profile

Scopus

🎓 Education

University of Pennsylvania Bachelor of Nursing Science (BSN), 2023. Master of Statistics and Data Science, In Process. Doctor of Philosophy, In Process

💼 Experience

Graduate Research Assistant, University of Pennsylvania, 2021-Present Jessica leads research on diet interventions to alleviate chemotherapy toxicities, coordinates data for clinical trials, and manages a systematic review on food insecurity and binge eating. Peer Reviewer, European Journal of Oncology Nursing, 2024-Present Evaluates submissions for scientific rigor, providing feedback to improve clarity and validity. Penn Nursing Innovation Accelerator Awardee, 2022 Led a team to develop a smart swaddle for infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome, offering comfort and distress relief.

🏆 Awards & Honors

Best Review Paper, International Journal of Eating Disorders (2023) Recognized for outstanding scholarly work as an early career scholar. Rita and Alex Hillman Foundation Pilot Award ($5,000) Awarded for innovative healthcare research. Doctoral Student Organization Research Grant ($325) Provided funding to support academic research. Penn Nursing Innovation Accelerator Awardee ($2,500) Awarded for leading an innovation team developing a smart swaddle system. Eastern Nursing Research Society Annual Conference Abstract Presentation (2023) Presented impactful research findings.

🔬 Research Focus

Jessica’s research aims to improve patient outcomes through evidence-based interventions. She is particularly focused on the impact of diet on chemotherapy toxicities and quality of life, as well as the relationship between food insecurity and binge eating disorders. Additionally, she coordinates clinical trials and studies exploring the effects of lymphedema and fibrosis treatment. Her innovative work includes developing a smart swaddle system for infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). Jessica’s research seeks to create practical solutions for complex health challenges and contribute to enhancing patient care in diverse clinical settings.

🏆Conclusion 

Jessica Abene’s combination of rigorous academic training, innovative research, and leadership in healthcare makes her a standout candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her systematic reviews, dedication to improving patient quality of life, and groundbreaking work in the intersection of healthcare and technology reflect her potential to make significant contributions to the nursing field. Continuing to expand her research network and engaging more broadly with the community will further enhance her already impressive career trajectory.

Publication

  • Dietary Interventions for Alleviating Chemotherapy Toxicities in Patients with Cancer: A Systematic Review
    Year: 2024
    Authors: Abene, J. & Deng, J.
    Status: In process

 

  • Diet as an Adjunct Therapy in Reducing Chemotherapy Toxicities and Improving Patients’ Quality of Life: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
    Year: 2024
    Authors: Abene, J., Tyburski, S., Kral, T. V. E., Quinn, R., & Deng, J.
    Journal: Nutrition and Cancer, 1–19
    DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2024.2437833

 

  • Food Insecurity and Binge Eating: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
    Year: 2023
    Authors: Abene, J. A., Tong, J., Minuk, J., Lindenfeldar, G., Chen, Y., & Chao, A. M.
    Journal: The International Journal of Eating Disorders, 56(7), 1301–1322

 

  • Binge Eating Disorder and Eating Self-Efficacy in Adults Seeking Bariatric Surgery
    Year: 2022
    Authors: Chao, A. M., Abene, J., Allison, K. C., Pearl, R. L., Wadden, T. A., Williams, N. N., & Tronieri, J. S.
    Journal: Clinical Obesity, e12531
    DOI: 10.1111/cob.12531

 

  • The Importance of Student Nursing and Engineering Collaborations
    Year: 2022 (May 20)
    Authors: Leary, M., Abene, J.
    Journal: American Nurse

 

Fabiana Tortora | Cancer | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Fabiana Tortora | Cancer | Women Researcher Award 

Dr. Fabiana Tortora is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Institute of Genetics and Biophysics (IGB-ABT), CNR, Naples, Italy. With expertise in molecular biology and biochemistry, her research focuses on protein interactors of long non-coding RNAs in bladder cancer and their therapeutic potential. She has presented at numerous international conferences and published extensively in peer-reviewed journals. Dr. Tortora’s work bridges molecular mechanisms and clinical applications, contributing to advancements in cancer research and environmental biochemistry.

Profile

Scopus

🎓 Education

Ph.D. in Biochemical and Biotechnological Sciences: University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli (2019). Master’s Degree in Biology (LM-6): University of Naples “Federico II” (2016), graduated 110 cum laude. Undergraduate Training: Specialization in molecular biochemistry and precision medicine. Academic projects focused on antioxidant assays, DNA/RNA analysis, and apoptosis markers.

🧑‍🏫 Experience

Postdoctoral Fellow: AIRC-funded project on bladder cancer, IGB-ABT, CNR (2023-2026). Research Grant Recipient: IBP Institute, CNR, Naples (2020-2022). Visiting Scientist: Zewail City of Science and Technology, Egypt (2021). Internship: University of Tübingen, Germany (2018); Campania Luigi Vanvitelli (2016). Expertise in cell cultures, protein purification, FACS, and PCR.

🏆 Awards and Honors

Ph.D. Excellence: University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli (2019).  Awarded 2022 AIRC Postdoctoral Fellowship for cancer research. Recognized for outstanding research presentations at international conferences. Cum Laude distinction for Master’s degree in Biology.

🔬 Research Focus

Bladder Cancer: Investigating long non-coding RNAs (uc.8+) and their diagnostic/therapeutic potential. Molecular Biochemistry: Protein-DNA/RNA interactions and apoptosis mechanisms. Antioxidant Research: Protective effects of hydroxytyrosol in oxidative stress and mercury detoxification. Techniques: In silico docking, cell/tissue cultures, ROS assays, and enzymatic kinetics.

🏆Conclusion 

Dr. Tortora’s academic rigor, technical proficiency, and impactful research contributions make her a strong contender for the Women Researcher Award. Her work addresses critical biomedical challenges, such as cancer diagnostics and environmental toxicology, underscoring her relevance in both clinical and ecological contexts. By broadening her collaborations and enhancing publication impact, Dr. Tortora can further solidify her position as a leading researcher. She exemplifies excellence in research and is well-suited for recognition through this prestigious award.

📚Publications 

  • Prediction of Pesticide Interactions with Proteins Involved in Human Reproduction by Using a Virtual Screening Approach: A Case Study of Famoxadone Binding CRBP-III and Izumo
    • Year: 2024
    • Authors: Tortora, F., Guerrera, V., Lettieri, G., Febbraio, F., Piscopo, M.

 

  • Emerging RNA-Based Therapeutic and Diagnostic Options: Recent Advances and Future Challenges in Genitourinary Cancers
    • Year: 2023
    • Authors: Tortora, F., La Civita, E., Trivedi, P., Terracciano, D., Cimmino, A.

 

  • CD33 rs2455069 SNP: Correlation with Alzheimer’s Disease and Hypothesis of Functional Role
    • Year: 2022
    • Authors: Tortora, F., Rendina, A., Angiolillo, A., Febbraio, F., Vitale, E.

 

  • Effects of long non-coding RNAs on androgen signaling pathways in genitourinary malignancies
    • Year: 2021
    • Authors: Tortora, F., Calin, G.A., Cimmino, A.

 

  • Liquid biopsy biomarkers in urine: A route towards molecular diagnosis and personalized medicine of bladder cancer
    • Year: 2021
    • Authors: Ferro, M., La Civita, E., Liotti, A., Cimmino, A., Terracciano, D.

 

  • Novel insights into mercury effects on hemoglobin and membrane proteins in human erythrocytes
    • Year: 2020
    • Authors: Piscopo, M., Notariale, R., Tortora, F., Palumbo, G., Manna, C.

 

  • Hydroxytyrosol decreases phosphatidylserine exposure and inhibits suicidal death induced by lysophosphatidic acid in human erythrocytes
    • Year: 2019
    • Authors: Tortora, F., Notariale, R., Lang, F., Manna, C.

 

  • Phenol-rich feijoa sellowiana (Pineapple guava) extracts protect human red blood cells from mercury-induced cellular toxicity
    • Year: 2019
    • Authors: Tortora, F., Notariale, R., Maresca, V., Piscopo, M., Manna, C.

 

  • Comparative analysis of the effects of olive oil hydroxytyrosol and its 5-S-lipoyl conjugate in protecting human erythrocytes from mercury toxicity
    • Year: 2018
    • Authors: Officioso, A., Panzella, L., Tortora, F., Napolitano, A., Manna, C.

 

Angelika Długosz-Pokorska | cancer research | Women Researcher Award

 Dr. Angelika Długosz-Pokorska | cancer research |Women Researcher Award

 Dr at Medical University of Łódź,  Poland

A dedicated researcher and project leader at the Medical University of Lodz, Poland, with expertise in pharmacological characterization and anticancer drug development. As Principal Investigator and Co-investigator, led projects funded by prestigious grants like OPUS and SONATA, focusing on opioid peptide analogs and alpha-methylidene-delta-lactones. Supervising international student exchanges and engaging in expert activities, workshops, and editorial work. Recognized with numerous awards for scientific excellence, including Rector’s Awards and IF=8.638 for publication series on opioid mimetics and glutathione peroxidase. Committed to advancing medical science through innovative research and academic leadership.

Profile

  1. Scopus

 

  1. Orcid

📜 Employment History:

Research Associate (2017-present) Medical University of Lodz, Poland; Faculty of Medicine. Co-investigator (2016-2021)
Project: Rational design and pharmacological characterization of chimeric cyclic opioid peptide analogs targeting multiple receptors
Grant: OPUS 9, project ID 2015/17/B/ST5/00153. Principal Investigator (2016-2021) Project: Analysis of the anticancer activity of new synthetic alpha-methylidene-delta-lactones in selected cell lines Grant: SONATA, project ID 2015/17/D/NZ3/02226. Supervisor, Project Manager, and Principal Investigator (2018-present) Project: Analysis of the anticancer activity and molecular mechanism of action of new hybrid molecules containing uracil skeleton with an exo-cyclic methylene group Grant: PRELUDIUM13, project ID UMO-2017/25/N/NZ3/01039

📚 Short Research Training:

University of Rouen, France (2014) Laboratoire de Neuropsychopharmacologie Expérimentale

🌍 Activities:

  • Expert Activity/Reviewer (2024)
    Platform: Qeios
  • International Student Exchanges and ERASMUS Supervision (2024)
    Engaging in initiatives and participating in European Union programs, overseeing ERASMUS students.
  • Participation in Scientific Workshops and Research Teams (2024)
    Engaging in workshops aimed at exchanging experiences, self-improvement, and organization.
  • Editorial Work (2023-present)
    Journal: Reviewer for Breast Cancer-Tokyo, ISSN 1340-6868, eISSN 1880-4233.

🏆 Awards and Distinctions:

2022: First-level Special Award for Outstanding Didactic Work by Academic Teachers Medical University of Lodz.

2020: Team Distinction from the Faculty of Chemistry Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń Rector’s Award Medical University of Lodz Second-degree scientific award for a series of publications titled: ‘Investigation of the Anticancer Properties of Synthetic Analogues of Compounds Isolated from Plants’. (Impact Factor – 8.034). Polish Intelligent Development Award – Nomination.

2019: Investigation of Anticancer Activity of Synthetic Analogues of Methylenolactones”, IF=4.026PTBioch Bursary Scholarship 44th FEBS Congress “From Molecules to Living Systems”. Rector’s Award Medical University of Lodz Second Prize for Publication: ‘Synthetic Analogues of Coumarin as Novel Agents with Anticancer Activity’. (Impact Factor = 4.173). Rector’s Award Medical University of Lodz Team Second award for Publication Series:

2017: Rector’s Award Medical University of Lodz First Prize for Publication Series: “Synthesis and Investigation of Biological Activity of Opioid Mimetics and Glutathione Peroxidase”. (IF=8.638). Rector’s Award Medical University of Lodz Team First Prize for Publication Series: “Anticancer Properties of Novel Synthetic Dicoumarins”. (IF=6.221) “Investigation of Anticancer Activity of Sesquiterpene Lactones”. (IF=4.994)

2016: Rector’s Award Medical University of Lodz First Prize for Publication Series: “Anticancer Properties of Novel Synthetic Lactones in Combination with Known Anticancer Drugs”. (IF = 8.835)

Publications Top Notes 📝

  • Title: Synthesis of New Chiral β-Carbonyl Selenides with Antioxidant and Anticancer Activity Evaluation-Part I
    • Authors: Laskowska, A., Pacuła-Miszewska, A.J., Obieziurska-Fabisiak, M., et al.
    • Journal: Materials
    • Year: 2024
    • Volume: 17
    • Pages: 1–15
    • Summary: This study focuses on the synthesis of new chiral β-carbonyl selenides and evaluates their antioxidant and anticancer activities, providing valuable insights into potential therapeutic agents.

 

  • Title: New Uracil Analog with Exocyclic Methylidene Group Can Reverse Resistance to Taxol in MCF7 Cancer Cells
    • Authors: Długosz-Pokorska, A., Perlikowska, R., Janecki, T., et al.
    • Journal: Biologics: Targets and Therapy
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 17
    • Pages: 69–83
    • Summary: This article presents a novel uracil analog with potential to reverse resistance to Taxol in MCF7 cancer cells, indicating its promising role as an anticancer agent.

 

  • Title: New Uracil Analog- U-359 can Reverse Resistance to Taxol in MCF-7 cancer cells
    • Authors: Długosz-Pokorska, A., Perlikowska, R., Janecki, T., et al.
    • Journal: Acta Biochimica Polonica
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 70
    • Pages: 56
    • Summary: This study explores another uracil analog’s potential to reverse resistance to Taxol in MCF-7 cancer cells, indicating a promising avenue for further research.

 

  • Title: The Influence of Long Carbon Chains on the Antioxidant and Anticancer Properties of N-Substituted Benzisoselenazolones and Corresponding Diselenides
    • Authors: Pacuła-Miszewska, A.J., Obieziurska-Fabisiak, M., Jastrzębska, A., et al.
    • Journal: Pharmaceuticals
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 16
    • Pages: 1–11
    • Summary: This research investigates the impact of long carbon chains on the antioxidant and anticancer properties of N-substituted benzisoselenazolones and corresponding diselenides, providing valuable insights into structure-activity relationships.

 

  • Title: Attachment of Chiral Functional Groups to Modify the Activity of New GPx Mimetics
    • Authors: Laskowska, A., Pacuła-Miszewska, A., Długosz-Pokorska, A., et al.
    • Journal: Materials
    • Year: 2022
    • Volume: 16
    • Pages: 1–14
    • Summary: This study explores the modification of GPx mimetics’ activity through the attachment of chiral functional groups, offering potential strategies for enhancing therapeutic effects.