Huiling Chen | Oncology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Huiling Chen | Oncology | Best Researcher Award 

Physician | Lanzhou University | China

Dr. Huiling Chen is a distinguished physician and researcher at The Second Hospital and Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, recognized for her significant contributions to the field of hematologic malignancies, particularly acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Her research primarily focuses on advancing evidence-based therapeutic strategies through systematic reviews and meta-analyses that inform clinical decision-making and improve patient outcomes. As the lead investigator and corresponding author of a comprehensive meta-analysis published in the Annals of Hematology, Dr. Chen evaluated the efficacy and safety of venetoclax plus azacitidine regimens in relapsed or refractory AML, providing vital insights into their clinical utility and identifying combination chemotherapy as a promising approach for improving remission outcomes. Her expertise lies in clinical epidemiology, biostatistics, and the design and interpretation of complex data in oncology research. Through collaborations with multidisciplinary teams across national and international institutions, she has contributed to multicenter studies that bridge gaps between clinical research and real-world applications. Her scholarly work exemplifies a commitment to scientific rigor, innovation, and translational relevance, with her findings influencing the direction of future clinical trials and treatment paradigms for high-risk AML populations. Dr. Chen’s research efforts aim to optimize therapeutic interventions, enhance personalized treatment planning, and advance precision medicine in hematology. Beyond her academic accomplishments, she upholds a strong dedication to mentoring and fostering collaborative research environments that encourage cross-institutional partnerships and scientific dialogue. Her contributions embody the integration of analytical excellence, clinical insight, and humanitarian vision, underscoring her role as a leader shaping the future of hematologic cancer research and its impact on global health.

Profile: ORCID 

Publications

1. Chen, H., Li, X., Gao, L., Zhang, D., & Han, T. (2022, August). Construction and identification of an immortalized rat intestinal smooth muscle cell line. Neurogastroenterology & Motility.

2. Chen, H., Ren, X., Xu, S., Zhang, D., & Han, T. (2022, July). Optimization of lipid nanoformulations for effective mRNA delivery. International Journal of Nanomedicine.

3. Chen, H., Han, T., Gao, L., & Zhang, D. (2022, January). The involvement of glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor in inflammatory bowel disease. Journal of Interferon & Cytokine Research.

4. Chen, H., Zeng, P., & Zhang, D. (2020, February). Haemophagocytic syndrome triggered by acute lymphoblastic leukaemia with t(9;22)(p24; q11.2). Journal of International Medical Research.

Virginie Guastella | Oncology | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Virginie Guastella | Oncology | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor | University Hospital Clermont-ferrand | France

Dr. Virginie Guastella is a distinguished physician and researcher specializing in palliative care and pain management. She holds a Doctorate in Medicine and an Habilitation à Diriger des Recherches (HDR) focused on opioid analgesics and cancer pain. She currently serves as Head of the Palliative Care Unit at CHU Clermont-Ferrand and as Associate Professor in Palliative Medicine at the University Clermont Auvergne, leading the UIC “Douleur, qualité de vie et maladie grave” within the GRUIC “Douleurs chroniques et thérapeutiques.” Her clinical work emphasizes optimizing pain management, end-of-life care, and therapeutic support for patients with advanced illness, while her research explores critical areas including opioid misuse, the integration of virtual reality and music care in palliative settings, and early detection of chemotherapy-induced neuropathies. She has supervised over 24 medical theses and numerous master-level projects, contributing significantly to clinical education, and is a prolific author with 20 international peer-reviewed publications, multiple national articles, and several book chapters addressing topics from opioid prescribing practices to patient and caregiver experiences in palliative care. Beyond research and clinical responsibilities, she actively participates in national and regional committees, contributes to guideline development, and advocates for palliative medicine education and ethics. Through her combined contributions in research, education, and clinical practice, she has played a pivotal role in advancing patient-centered care, promoting evidence-based practices, and improving the quality of life for patients facing serious illness, establishing herself as a leading figure in palliative care and pain management. She has 485 citations from 41 documents with an h-index of 9.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID

Publications

1. Lawton, G., Calvel, L., Perceau-Chambard, E., Guastella, V., Economos, G., & Evin, A. (2025). Career trajectories after palliative care training: A national e-survey of medical interns in France.

2. Klaeyle, D., Calvel, L., Perceau-Chambard, E., Guastella, V., Economos, G., & Evin, A. (2025). Teaching palliative medicine in the medical school clerkship in France: A national e-survey.

3. Guastella, V., Lambert, C., Lafforgue, A., Metretin, P., Verstreate, A., Watelet, S., Perceau-Chambard, É., & Lautrette, A. (2024). Withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatments in the COVID-19 pandemic.

4. Guastella, V., Delorme, J., Chenaf, C., & Authier, N. (2022). The prevalence of off-label prescribing of transmucosal immediate-release fentanyl in France. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management.

5. Preux, C., Bertin, M., Tarot, A., Authier, N., Pinol, N., Brugnon, D., Pereira, B., & Guastella, V. (2022). Prevalence of opioid use disorder among patients with cancer-related pain: A systematic review.

Francis Worden | Oncology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Francis Worden | Oncology | Best Researcher Award

Clinical Professor at University of Michigan, United States

Francis Worden is a highly respected clinical professor of internal medicine with a specialization in hematology and oncology at the University of Michigan. His career reflects a steady progression through academic and leadership roles, demonstrating both dedication to patient care and commitment to advancing cancer research. He has focused his research on organ preservation strategies in head and neck cancers, as well as developing medical treatment approaches for advanced thyroid and adrenal cancers. His extensive publication record in peer-reviewed journals highlights his contributions to improving outcomes in oncology, and his collaborative work with multidisciplinary teams has advanced both clinical practice and scientific understanding. In addition to research, he has played an important role in medical education and mentorship, particularly through directing fellowship programs and guiding future oncologists. With a balance of clinical excellence, research productivity, and educational leadership, he is recognized as an influential figure in academic oncology.

Professional Profile

 Scopus Profile | ORCID Profile 

Education

Francis Worden’s educational background reflects a strong and diverse foundation in both the pharmaceutical sciences and medicine. He first completed a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy at Purdue University, which provided him with a deep understanding of pharmacology and drug therapy principles. Building on this knowledge, he pursued a medical degree at Indiana University School of Medicine, where he was part of the Pediatric Honors Program, demonstrating early distinction in his training. Following medical school, he undertook an internship and residency in internal medicine and pediatrics at Detroit Medical Center-Wayne State University, which gave him dual expertise and broadened his clinical skills. He then completed a fellowship in hematology and medical oncology at the University of Michigan Health System, which set the stage for his lifelong career in oncology. This educational journey, spanning pharmacy, medicine, and advanced subspecialty training, has shaped his ability to integrate research, clinical care, and education in cancer medicine.

Experience

Francis Worden has built an extensive professional career that integrates clinical practice, academic leadership, and research in oncology. He began his work as a pharmacist before fully transitioning into medicine, where he gained experience as a physician in urgent care, emergency settings, and hospice care, reflecting a broad understanding of patient needs across different stages of illness. At the University of Michigan, he advanced through multiple academic roles, ultimately becoming a clinical professor in hematology and oncology. His leadership positions have included serving as a medical oncology clinic team leader, medical director for hospice programs, and director of the hematology/oncology fellowship program, where he played a pivotal role in mentoring and training future oncologists. Alongside his clinical responsibilities, he has maintained an active research portfolio, contributing to advancements in head and neck cancer management, thyroid and adrenal cancers, and strategies for organ preservation. His career embodies dedication to patient care, education, and impactful research.

Research Interest

Francis Worden’s research interests are centered on advancing treatment strategies for complex cancers with a strong emphasis on improving patient outcomes and quality of life. A major focus of his work has been organ preservation in head and neck oncology, where he has contributed to developing approaches that aim to maintain function without compromising survival. He is deeply involved in exploring systemic therapies for advanced and metastatic head and neck cancers, seeking to refine chemoradiation protocols and identify biomarkers that predict response to therapy. His research also extends to the management of rare but challenging malignancies such as adrenal and metastatic thyroid cancers, where he has investigated therapeutic options that may improve survival in patients with limited treatment choices. Additionally, he maintains an interest in medical education research, particularly in shaping oncology training programs. His efforts reflect a balance of translational and clinical research that bridges innovation with patient-centered care.

Award and Honor

Throughout his career, Francis Worden has earned recognition for his significant contributions to oncology, education, and patient care. His dedication to advancing cancer treatment through clinical research has positioned him as a respected figure in the medical community, earning honors that reflect both his scientific impact and his commitment to improving outcomes for patients with complex cancers. As a leader in head and neck oncology, he has been acknowledged for his role in pioneering organ preservation strategies and contributing to the development of evidence-based therapies. His long-standing service as a mentor and fellowship program director has also brought him distinction within academic medicine, highlighting his influence on training the next generation of oncologists. While much of his recognition is embedded in professional appointments, leadership roles, and invitations to collaborate on national clinical guidelines, these achievements collectively illustrate the esteem with which his peers and institutions regard his professional accomplishments.

Research Skill

Francis Worden possesses a wide range of research skills that have enabled him to make meaningful contributions to oncology and medical education. He demonstrates strong expertise in designing and conducting clinical trials, particularly in developing and evaluating treatment strategies for head and neck, thyroid, and adrenal cancers. His ability to integrate clinical practice with research allows him to identify relevant patient-centered questions and translate them into impactful studies. He is skilled in collaborative, multidisciplinary research, working with experts in radiation oncology, surgery, pathology, and radiology to generate comprehensive approaches to cancer management. His proficiency in analyzing clinical outcomes, interpreting imaging, and exploring biomarker-driven therapies reflects a capacity to connect clinical data with translational science. Additionally, his scholarship and publication record highlight his ability to effectively disseminate findings in peer-reviewed journals, influencing both practice and future research. These skills underscore his strength as a clinician-researcher dedicated to advancing cancer care.

Publications Top Notes

Title: Combination Targeted Therapy with Pembrolizumab and Lenvatinib in Progressive, Radioiodine-Refractory Differentiated Thyroid Cancers
Authors: Jena D. French  Bryan R. Haugen, Francis P. Worden, Daniel W. Bowles,

Title: Data from Combination Targeted Therapy with Pembrolizumab and Lenvatinib in Progressive, Radioiodine-Refractory Differentiated Thyroid Cancers
Authors: Jena D. French Bryan R. Haugen, Francis P. Worden, Daniel W. Bowles, Andrew G. Gianoukakis

Title: Data from Combination Targeted Therapy with Pembrolizumab and Lenvatinib in Progressive, Radioiodine-Refractory Differentiated Thyroid Cancers
Authors: Jena D. French  Bryan R. Haugen, Francis P. Worden, Daniel W. Bowles, Andrew G. Gianoukakis, Bhavana Konda, Ramona Dadu

Title: Supplementary Data S1 from Combination Targeted Therapy with Pembrolizumab and Lenvatinib in Progressive, Radioiodine-Refractory Differentiated Thyroid Cancers
Authors: Jena D. French  Bryan R. Haugen

Title: Supplementary Data S1 from Combination Targeted Therapy with Pembrolizumab and Lenvatinib in Progressive, Radioiodine-Refractory Differentiated Thyroid Cancers
Authors: Jena D. French Bryan R. Haugen, Francis P. Worden, Daniel W. Bowles, Andrew G. Gianoukakis, Bhavana Konda, Ramona Dadu, Eric J. Sherman, Shaylene McCue, Nathan R. Foster, et al.

Conclusion

Dr. Francis Worden is a highly accomplished academic oncologist whose career reflects deep commitment to clinical care, education, and impactful cancer research. His contributions to head and neck cancer management and organ preservation strategies are particularly noteworthy and have advanced patient care significantly. While areas such as expanding independent authorship visibility, diversifying into emerging oncology frontiers, and showcasing international leadership could further enhance his candidacy, his overall profile demonstrates excellence, longevity, and leadership in oncology research. He is a strong candidate for a Best Researcher Award, particularly in fields related to clinical oncology, translational research, and academic mentorship.