Dr. Kimihide Kusafuka | Neck Cancer | Editorial Board Member

Clinical Physician | Shizuoka General Hospital | Japan

Dr. Kimihide Kusafuka is a distinguished pathologist at Shizuoka General Hospital, Japan, internationally recognized for his expertise in head and neck pathology, salivary gland tumors, and molecular oncopathology. His research has been instrumental in redefining diagnostic criteria, histopathological classifications, and gene alteration profiles across a spectrum of rare and aggressive neoplasms. Dr. Kusafuka has contributed significantly to the understanding of salivary duct carcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma, mucoepidermoid carcinoma, and solitary fibrous tumors through large-cohort analyses, multi-institutional collaborations, and advanced molecular techniques, including MYB/MYBL1 rearrangement characterization, CRTC1/3-MAML2 fusion analysis, and the identification of novel tumor variants. His scholarly output comprises 100 peer-reviewed documents, reflecting a sustained commitment to translational pathology and precision diagnostics. With more than 380 collaborators worldwide, his work has shaped global guidelines, influenced tumor classification systems, and improved prognostic assessment models for clinicians and researchers in the field. Dr. Kusafuka’s studies spanning molecular pathology, surgical pathology, and carcinoma outcome prediction—continue to strengthen diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic decision-making, ultimately improving patient outcomes and contributing to the advancement of cancer pathology. His rigorous methodologies, cross-disciplinary partnerships, and leadership in multi-center Japanese cohorts highlight his role as a leading figure in contemporary oncologic pathology. Dr. Kusafuka’s academic influence and research productivity are reflected in his metrics: 1,768 citations, 100 documents, and an h-index of 25.

Profiles: Scopus| ORCID | ResearchGate

Featured Publications

Kusafuka, K., et al. (2022). A symptomatic intercalated duct lesion of the parotid gland: A case report with immunohistochemical and genetic analyses. Medical Molecular Morphology. Citations: 2

Kusafuka, K., et al. (2022). Salivary gland polymorphous adenocarcinoma: Clinicopathological features and gene alterations in 36 Japanese patients. Journal of Oral Pathology and Medicine.Citations: 6

Kusafuka, K., et al. (2022). Intraoral basal cell carcinoma of the soft palate: A diagnostic pitfall. Citations: 2

Kusafuka, K., et al. (2022). The implicated clinical factors for outcomes in 304 patients with salivary duct carcinoma: Multi-institutional retrospective analysis in Japan. Head & Neck. Citations: 12

Kusafuka, K., et al. (2022). Salivary mucoepidermoid carcinoma: Histological variants, grading systems, CRTC1/3-MAML2 fusions, and clinicopathological features. Histopathology. Citations: 28

Hongyu li | Breast Cancer | Best Researcher Award

Xinjiang medical university | China

AUTHOR PROFILE

SCOPUS

🎓EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hongyu Li embarked on her academic journey at Xinjiang Medical University, where she earned her Doctor of Medicine degree and subsequently completed a Ph.D. in 2021. Her formative years were marked by rigorous academic training and an early interest in the oncology of breast diseases, which laid the foundation for her future specialization in breast cancer metastasis research.

👩‍🏢PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Currently serving as an Associate Professor, Associate Chief Physician, and Doctor of Medicine at the Department of Breast Internal Medicine, Xinjiang Medical University Affiliated Tumor Hospital, Dr. Li brings over a decade of clinical expertise to the field. Her clinical focus is on the early detection, diagnosis, and management of breast cancer. She has been honored with prestigious awards including the “Tianchi Talent” Youth Doctor Award (2022), the Outstanding Postdoctoral Special Funding (2023), and was selected for the “789 Talent” Training Program (2024), cementing her reputation as a High-Level Talent and Outstanding Young Physician.

🔬CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS ON BREAST CANCER

Dr. Li’s scientific inquiry is anchored in understanding the molecular mechanisms of breast cancer metastasis, with a specific focus on breast cancer brain metastasis (BCBM)—a critical and poorly understood manifestation associated with poor prognosis. Her translational research bridges clinical challenges and bench-side investigations, aiming to identify novel biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for BCBM.

She adopts an integrative approach that translates clinical observations into mechanistic questions, enhancing the effectiveness of future treatments and diagnostic strategies for late-stage breast cancer.

📚IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Dr. Li’s work is contributing to shaping the clinical paradigms in breast cancer care within the Xinjiang region and beyond. Her research is improving understanding of metastatic processes, especially in underrepresented ethnic populations. She is also involved in institutional collaborations and has served in editorial capacities, reinforcing her influence in both academic and clinical oncology spheres.

💪LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

Looking forward, Dr. Li aims to establish a dedicated translational research unit focused on metastatic breast cancer, particularly BCBM. She is committed to mentoring young researchers and expanding interdisciplinary collaborations that bridge molecular oncology with precision medicine. Her ultimate goal is to redefine treatment algorithms and enhance survival outcomes for patients with advanced-stage breast cancer.

🌍CONCLUSION

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hongyu Li stands as a beacon of translational oncology, seamlessly integrating clinical care with cutting-edge research. Her relentless pursuit of knowledge, commitment to public health, and strategic focus on a critically unmet need in oncology make her a deserving nominee for the Best Researcher Award.