Ms. Xin Yi Foong | Breast Cancer | Best Researcher Award

Core Surgical Trainee | Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust | United Kingdom

Dr Xin Yi Foong is a clinical researcher in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery whose academic work is centred on improving the safety, accuracy, and reliability of autologous breast reconstruction through quantitative imaging and evidence-based microsurgical innovation. Her research explores the use of indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging to guide intraoperative evaluation of mastectomy flap perfusion, with particular emphasis on establishing objective perfusion scoring methods that support consistent, data-guided surgical decisions. Her published study in the Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery introduced a structured quantitative perfusion algorithm that demonstrated strong discriminatory capability in identifying poorly perfused tissue and informing reconstructive planning, offering evidence that aligns with national quality frameworks and enhances postoperative outcomes. Alongside this work, she is investigating postoperative monitoring strategies in DIEP flap reconstruction, assessing early-phase observation models that preserve patient safety while promoting efficient and clinically coherent perioperative pathways. Her wider academic activity includes outcome audits, service-improvement initiatives, and reconstructive pathway analyses, all aimed at refining surgical workflows through quantitative measures, imaging-based assessment, and rigorous postoperative metrics. Conducted within multidisciplinary teams of plastic surgeons, anaesthetists, and breast specialists, her research supports the translation of imaging-derived insights into routine clinical practice. Through a growing publication profile, an active ORCID research identity, and sustained commitment to scientifically grounded surgical advancement, Dr Foong contributes to the development of reproducible, clinically meaningful, and patient-centred innovations that strengthen microsurgical dependability and elevate the overall quality of care within reconstructive breast surgery.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Foong, X. Y., Williamson, A., Lymperopoulos, N., & Holmes, W. J. M. (2025). Does indocyanine green imaging perfusion scoring reduce mastectomy flap necrosis in immediate autologous breast reconstruction? A single-centre cohort study. Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery, 111, 198–206.

2. Foong, X. Y., Williamson, A., Lymperopoulos, N., & Holmes, W. J. M. (2025). Does intraoperative indocyanine green (ICG) reduce the outcome of mastectomy skin flap necrosis in patients undergoing immediate breast reconstruction? European Journal of Surgical Oncology. Advance online publication.

Dr. Aminah Alotaibi | Breast Cancer | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Research Professor | King Abdulaziz city for science and technology | Saudi Arabia

Dr. Aminah Ghazi Alotaibi is a distinguished researcher affiliated with the King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. With a Scopus h-index of 3, 4 indexed publications, and 58 citations, she has demonstrated consistent scholarly impact in the fields of hematology, stem cell biology, and molecular diagnostics. Her research primarily focuses on elucidating the phenotypic and molecular diversity of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) derived from cord blood and bone marrow, advancing the understanding of their biological significance and translational potential in clinical applications. Notably, her recent open-access article titled “Distinct Phenotypic and Molecular Characteristics of CD34− and CD34+ Hematopoietic Stem/Progenitor Cell Subsets in Cord Blood and Bone Marrow Samples: Implications for Clinical Applications” (2025, Diagnostics) highlights her expertise in cellular characterization and regenerative medicine, offering valuable insights for stem cell-based therapies and transplantation science. Dr. Alotaibi’s collaborative network spans 23 co-authors, reflecting her active engagement in multidisciplinary and international scientific research. Her work integrates clinical hematology, genomics, and translational biomedical research, bridging the gap between laboratory discoveries and patient-centered innovations. Through her contributions, she aims to enhance diagnostic precision, therapeutic efficacy, and personalized medical approaches in hematologic and immune-related disorders. Dr. Alotaibi’s scholarly endeavors not only strengthen Saudi Arabia’s presence in global biomedical research but also contribute to the broader scientific community’s understanding of stem cell biology and its clinical potential.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID | LinkedIn

Featured Publications

1. Alotaibi, A. G., Li, J. V., & Gooderham, N. J. (2021). Tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) enhances dietary carcinogen-induced DNA damage in colorectal cancer epithelial cells through activation of JNK signaling pathway. Toxicology, 457, 152806. Cited by: 36

2. Al-Saleh, I., Elkhatib, R., Al-Rajoudi, T., Al-Qudaihi, G., Manogarannogaran, P., Alotaibi, A. G., & others. (2020). Cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of e-liquids and their potential associations with nicotine, menthol and phthalate esters. Chemosphere, 249, 126153. Cited by: 22

3. Alotaibi, A. G., Li, J. V., & Gooderham, N. J. (2023). Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)-induced metastatic phenotype in colorectal cancer epithelial cells: Mechanistic support for the role of microRNA-21. Cancers, 15(3), 627. Cited by: 21

4. Gaafar, A., Hamza, F. N., Yousif, R., Shinwari, Z., Alotaibi, A. G., Iqniebi, A., & others. (2025). Distinct phenotypic and molecular characteristics of CD34− and CD34+ hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell subsets in cord blood and bone marrow samples: Implications for clinical applications. Diagnostics, 15(4), 447. Cited by: 1

5. Alotaibi, A. G. (2023). Effect of the inflammatory mediator TNF-α on colorectal cancer epithelial cells development and metastasis, role of dietary carcinogens and miRNA [Doctoral dissertation, Imperial College London]. Imperial College Repository.

Dr. Aminah Ghazi Alotaibi’s research advances global understanding of inflammation-driven carcinogenesis and stem cell biology, bridging molecular insights with clinical translation. Her work contributes to precision oncology, regenerative medicine, and the development of safer therapeutic strategies, fostering innovation that benefits both scientific progress and human health worldwide.