Mohammad reza Atashzar | Cancer stem cell | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Dr. Mohammad reza Atashzar | Cancer stem cell | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Mohammad reza Atashzar, Dep of immunology, Fasa university of medical sciences ( FUMS ), Iran

Dr. Mohammad Reza Atashzar is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Immunology at Fasa University of Medical Sciences (FUMS), Iran. With an enduring passion for tumor immunology, stem cells, vaccine design, and immunotherapy, he has made significant contributions through both basic and translational research. Dr. Atashzar earned his PhD in Immunology from Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences and has since engaged in teaching, mentoring, and publishing extensively in high-impact journals such as The Lancet Oncology, Frontiers in Immunology, and Current Molecular Medicine. His innovative research spans exosome-based therapy, cancer biomarkers, cytokine profiling, and radiogenomics. Dr. Atashzar has also contributed to international collaborations across Germany, Finland, and the UK, showcasing a global outlook in biomedical science. An awardee of the KAI 2022 International Travel Grant and recognized as the Top Researcher at FUMS in 2021, he remains deeply committed to advancing immunological sciences for clinical and therapeutic benefit.

Publication Profile: 

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✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Extensive Research Contributions
    Dr. Atashzar has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications in reputable journals including The Lancet Oncology, Frontiers in Immunology, Current Molecular Medicine, and Computers in Biology and Medicine. His work spans critical fields like cancer immunology, exosome therapy, stem cell immunomodulation, and vaccine research.

  2. High-Impact Publications
    Several of his papers have significant citation counts—556 for Frontiers in Immunology, 284 for Journal of Cellular Physiology, and 207 for The Lancet Oncology, reflecting strong influence and relevance in the scientific community.

  3. International Recognition and Collaborations
    He has participated in international conferences (UK, China, Korea, Denmark, Spain, Italy) and collaborated with global institutions such as the University of Helsinki, University of Kiel, and GBD Collaborators, demonstrating a global research footprint.

  4. Innovation and Patents
    He has contributed to translational science through a published book on immunopharmacology and a pending patent for a microbiology loop sterilizer device, showing practical application of his research.

  5. Awards and Editorial Involvement
    Recognized with the International Travel Award (KAI 2022) and Top Researcher of FUMS (2021), and serving on editorial boards of scientific journals—further affirming his active role in academic development and peer review.

  6. Interdisciplinary Research Scope
    His research merges clinical immunology, oncology, AI-based prognostic tools, and cellular therapy, making his work not only innovative but also future-oriented.

⚠️ Areas for Improvement:

  1. Increase in First or Senior Author Publications
    While his contributions are numerous, strengthening his authorship role in key studies would amplify his recognition as a principal investigator.

  2. Patent Commercialization & Technology Transfer
    Moving from patent design to real-world implementation or licensing could significantly raise the translational value of his research.

  3. Higher Grant Involvement
    More participation in national/international grant-funded programs or consortiums would enhance the scale and visibility of his research.

  4. Focused Research Niche
    Narrowing focus slightly (e.g., prioritizing tumor immunology or exosome-based therapies) could help build a globally recognized brand in a specialized field.

🎓 Education:

Dr. Atashzar completed his undergraduate and master’s studies in Immunology at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (SUMS), Shiraz, Iran. Building on his foundational expertise, he pursued his PhD in Immunology at Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran. His doctoral thesis—“Investigation of the Effects of B16F10 Derived Exosomes Enriched with miRNA-211 in Induction of Antitumor Response in the Mouse Model of Melanoma”—reflected his early interest in cancer immunotherapy and translational research. Throughout his academic journey, Dr. Atashzar displayed a strong inclination toward exploring novel immune pathways and cell-based therapies. His formal education has laid a robust foundation for his ongoing work in immunological sciences, particularly in relation to tumor microenvironment, cytokine profiling, exosomes, and vaccine innovation. He has also undertaken continuous learning through collaborations and international scientific conferences, allowing him to integrate cutting-edge methodologies into his research and teaching repertoire.

🧪 Professional Experience:

Dr. Mohammad Reza Atashzar currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Immunology at Fasa University of Medical Sciences, with additional teaching responsibilities at Larestan University of Medical Sciences. He has accumulated over a decade of experience in academic instruction and biomedical research. His research portfolio includes multiple funded projects, notably in cancer immunology, cytokine regulation, diabetes-related immune responses, and exosome-based therapeutics. Dr. Atashzar has worked closely with international teams in Germany, Finland, and the UK, facilitating interdisciplinary approaches and innovations in clinical immunology. He is an editorial board member for reputed journals such as The International Journal of Neuroscience and Journal of International Medical Research. In parallel, he actively contributes to conference presentations worldwide, covering topics from cancer stem cells to immune biomarkers. His hands-on laboratory experience, combined with a global research network, enables him to lead and mentor in advanced areas like CAR-T cell therapy and personalized immunotherapy.

🧬 Research Focus:

Dr. Atashzar’s research is centered on tumor immunology, exosome-based therapies, cancer stem cells, CAR-T cell technology, cytokine profiling, and immunopharmacology. He has a keen interest in how immune cells—particularly T cells, NK cells, and regulatory B cells—can be harnessed for cancer therapy. His notable projects have explored the immunomodulatory effects of miRNA-enriched exosomes, the role of TLR4 polymorphisms in diabetes, and cytokine alterations in addiction and radiation-exposed individuals. He is also pioneering in translational research areas such as vaccine design, radiogenomics, and bio-immune device development. Dr. Atashzar integrates bioinformatics and machine learning for predictive modeling, evident in his contributions to COVID-19 prognostic modeling using CT radiomics. His work is driven by the goal of personalized immunotherapy and the identification of novel biomarkers for cancer progression and immune regulation. Through interdisciplinary collaborations, he aims to bridge the gap between immunological research and clinical application.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  1. 🧬 Cancer stem cells: A review from origin to therapeutic implications – Journal of Cellular Physiology

  2. 🧪 Tumor‐Derived Exosomes Enriched by miRNA‐211a Promote Antitumor Immune Response in B16F10 Tumor‐Bearing Mice – APMIS

  3. 🔬 The effects of tumor-derived exosomes enriched with miRNA-211a on B16F10 cells – Contemporary Oncology

  4. 💉 The effects of type 2 diabetes mellitus on organ metabolism and the immune system – Frontiers in Immunology

  5. 🧠 Pyrin and hematopoietic interferon-inducible nuclear protein domain proteins: innate immune sensors for cytosolic and nuclear DNA – Critical Reviews in Immunology

  6. 🧪 Reduced levels of T-helper 17-associated cytokines in serum of breast cancer patients – Central European Journal of Immunology

  7. 🧫 The Role of IL‐6, IL‐10 and CRP in Gastrointestinal Cancers – Cell Biology International

  8. 🌍 The global burden of adolescent and young adult cancer in 2019 – The Lancet Oncology

  9. 🖥️ COVID-19 prognostic modeling using CT radiomic features and ML algorithms – Computers in Biology and Medicine

  10. 🌡️ Mesenchymal stromal cells in bone marrow niche of multiple myeloma – Cancer Cell International

📌 Conclusion:

Dr. Mohammad Reza Atashzar is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award. His body of work reflects a deep commitment to scientific advancement in cancer immunology, immunotherapy, and bio-innovation. He combines strong academic output with international engagement, cross-disciplinary impact, and teaching contributions. With growing influence in both research and translational domains, Dr. Atashzar is poised to further elevate biomedical research in Iran and globally.

Renate Pichler | Cancer Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr.Renate Pichler | Cancer Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Renate Pichler , Medizinische Universität Innsbruck , Austria

Assoc. Prof. Renate Pichler, MD, PhD, FEBU, is a prominent urologist with a specialization in urological oncology at the Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria. She is the head of the uro-oncological research group, the uro-oncological tumor board, and the special uro-oncological outpatient clinic at the institution. A native of Bolzano, South Tyrol, Pichler holds Italian nationality and has made substantial contributions to cancer research, particularly in the areas of testicular and bladder cancer. She is fluent in German, English, and Italian. With over 170 publications, her research has gained significant attention, earning her an H-index of 32 and over 3,000 citations. She is actively involved in clinical practices, including complex surgeries for penile cancer and bladder cancer management. Pichler’s expertise and leadership make her a respected figure in uro-oncological care and research.

Publication Profile:

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Strengths for the Award:

Assoc. Prof. Renate Pichler’s exceptional qualifications and impressive career trajectory position her as an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award. As a senior physician specializing in urological oncology at the Medical University of Innsbruck, she demonstrates profound expertise in critical areas such as penile and testicular cancer surgery, uro-oncological endourology, and minimal-invasive surgery. Her leadership roles in multiple uro-oncological research groups and tumor boards further highlight her capacity for both clinical practice and advancing the scientific field. With 172 publications, an H-index of 32, and notable citation impact, she has contributed significantly to urological oncology research. Her ongoing involvement in groundbreaking projects like the “LifeBoost” Cancer Mission lab and liquid biopsy in bladder cancer illustrates her drive for pioneering work.

Areas for Improvement:

Although Prof. Pichler has shown excellence in clinical research, expanding her work in cross-disciplinary collaborations, particularly with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence in cancer diagnostics, could lead to even more transformative impacts in the field. This would expand her already impressive body of work and provide a broader technological foundation for uro-oncology.

Education:

Assoc. Prof. Renate Pichler’s educational journey started at the Medical University of Innsbruck, where she earned her medical degree (Dr. med. univ.) from 2002 to 2008. She further advanced her expertise by becoming a resident in urology at the Medical University of Innsbruck from 2008 to 2014. During this period, she joined the Urologic Oncology Study Group and contributed to multiple research initiatives. In addition to her medical training, Pichler pursued a Master of Science in Medical Writing (MSc.) at the same institution from 2010 to 2011, enhancing her scientific communication skills. Her education laid the foundation for her career in urological oncology and her commitment to advancing cancer treatment and patient care.

Experience:

Assoc. Prof. Renate Pichler has a distinguished career in urology with a specific focus on uro-oncology. After completing her residency at the Medical University of Innsbruck, she became a senior physician in the Department of Urology, where she now serves as the head of both the uro-oncological research group and the specialized uro-oncological outpatient clinic. Pichler’s clinical expertise includes complex surgeries such as penile cancer operations, radical and modified inguinal lymphadenectomies, as well as endourology and minimal-invasive uro-oncological surgeries. Her leadership in the Comprehensive Cancer Center Innsbruck (CCCI) involves coordinating multidisciplinary tumor boards for optimal treatment plans. Pichler’s vast experience also extends to research in urological oncology, focusing on innovative treatment strategies for bladder and testicular cancer, and overseeing critical studies and clinical trials. Her contributions have firmly established her as a leader in the field.

Awards and Honors:

Assoc. Prof. Renate Pichler has earned multiple prestigious awards throughout her career. Notably, she received the Best Poster Prize at the European Association of Urology (EAU) Congress in both 2011 and 2012, held in Vienna and Paris, respectively. Her exemplary work earned her the 2nd Prize for the Bayer Young Urology Oncology Award at the Annual Conference of the Austrian Society of Urology in 2013. In recognition of her outstanding contributions to the field, Pichler’s research and clinical expertise have also been acknowledged through various grants, including the 2024 “LifeBoost” Cancer Mission Lab grant from the Ludwig Boltzmann Gesellschaft (LBG) and the 2023 Merck KGaA grant for a study on liquid biopsy in bladder cancer. These awards and honors reflect her leadership, innovation, and commitment to improving patient care and advancing uro-oncological research.

Research Focus:

Assoc. Prof. Renate Pichler’s research focuses on advancing uro-oncology, particularly in the treatment of bladder and testicular cancers. Her work explores the molecular mechanisms of cancer, including the regulation of vitamin D metabolism in testicular cancer and the impact of BCG treatment on bladder cancer recurrence. Pichler is dedicated to improving treatment outcomes by investigating biomarkers and therapeutic targets, such as CXCR3 in renal cell carcinoma. She is also deeply involved in enhancing perioperative strategies for bladder cancer surgery and understanding the variations in cancer diagnosis and treatment, including the impact of seasonal factors. As the head of a research group and a multidisciplinary tumor board, her research bridges clinical care with cutting-edge scientific inquiry. Her expertise spans liquid biopsy, photodynamic diagnosis, and targeted therapy, with a strong focus on developing more effective, personalized treatment options for uro-oncological patients.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Perioperative Outcomes and Trends in Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumors with Photodynamic Diagnosis 🌐📄
  2. Variation in Follow-Up after Radical Cystectomy for Bladder Cancer 🔬💡
  3. Treating BCG-Induced Cystitis with Combined Chondroitin and Hyaluronic Acid Instillations 💉🩺
  4. Isochromosome 12p Formation Regulates Vitamin D Metabolism in Testicular Cancer 🧬🔬
  5. Efficacy of Different Bacillus of Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Strains on Recurrence Rates among Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancers 💉📊
  6. CXCR3 Expression Is Associated with Advanced Tumor Stage and Grade Influencing Survival in Renal Cell Carcinoma 🧫📈
  7. HUS1 as a Potential Therapeutic Target in Urothelial Cancer 🔬🧪
  8. Seasonal Variations in the Diagnosis of Testicular Germ Cell Tumors 🌞💡
  9. The “COVID-19 Pandemic Gap” and Its Influence on Oncologic Outcomes of Bladder Cancer 🦠💔
  10. Expression of ADAM Proteases in Bladder Cancer Patients with BCG Failure 🔬🚨

Conclusion:

Assoc. Prof. Renate Pichler’s combination of research excellence, clinical expertise, and leadership in urological oncology makes her an ideal candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her contributions continue to shape the landscape of cancer treatment and diagnosis, ensuring better outcomes for patients worldwide. With a steady record of high-quality publications and successful grants, she exemplifies the dedication and innovation necessary to excel in the medical field.