Kimihide Kusafuka | Neck Cancer | Editorial Board Member

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.

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

Xin Yi Foong | Breast Cancer | Best Researcher Award

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. 

Mrs. Anke van Engen | Clinical Health Technology | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Anke van Engen | Clinical Health Technology | Best Researcher Award

IQVIA | Netherlands 

Author Profile

Scopus

🌍Mrs. Anke van Engen 💼

  • Managing Principal, IQVIA Payer Evidence Solutions
    Amsterdam, the Netherlands

🔬Profile:

  • Anke van Engen is a seasoned expert with over 20 years of experience in health economics, outcomes research, and market access strategy. Her work focuses on helping life sciences companies achieve greater commercial success through integrated payer evidence strategies. Anke is well-regarded for building lasting partnerships, consistently delivering results, and serving as a trusted advisor to clients. She excels at leading international teams across EMEA, using her coaching and training abilities to inspire success.

👨‍⚕️Key Specialties:

  • 📚General management
  • 🌍Strategic planning & business development
  • 🩺Health economics & outcomes research (HEOR)
  • 🏥Market access strategy (MA) & execution
  • 💉Health technology assessment (HTA)
  • 📍Client relationship management & coaching

💼Professional Experience:

  • 🌟2023 – Present: Managing Principal, IQVIA Value & Payer Evidence
    • Co-leads EMEA Real World Evidence Leadership Team
    • Oversees integrated evidence & EU HTA offerings
  • 💡2020 – 2023: Senior Principal, IQVIA Real World Solutions
    • Led the development of EMEA payer evidence solutions
    • Drove go-to-market strategy and key client partnerships
  • 🌐2017 – 2020: Senior Principal, IQVIA Consulting Services
    • Managed partnerships with large pharmaceutical clients
    • Led the HTA Accelerator solution for launch readiness
  • 🚀2014 – 2017: Principal, Quintiles Advisory Services
    • Led development of the flagship HTA Accelerator platform
    • Senior oversight on HEOR/MA strategy and projects

🎓Education:

  • 🧪MSc in Chemistry (Bio-organic Chemistry), University of Leiden, The Netherlands
  • 📊Business leadership programs at IMD, Lausanne, Switzerland

🌐Professional Affiliations:

  • 🧬Active member of ISPOR and HTAi
  • 💡IQVIA representative at GetReal Institute

🏅Awards & Honors:

  • 🌟2023: Issue panel ranked #1 at ISPOR Europe
  • 🦈2014: Won Sharktank contest for HTA Accelerator innovation
  • 🏆Multiple ISPOR awards for best podium and poster presentations

 

🔍 Conclusion
  • 💼In conclusion, Anke van Engen is a highly respected leader in the field of health economics, outcomes research, and market access strategy, with a proven track record of guiding life sciences companies toward commercial success. Her expertise in building long-term client partnerships, managing international teams, and delivering innovative payer evidence solutions has solidified her reputation as a trusted advisor. With over two decades of experience and numerous accolades, Anke continues to shape the future of healthcare consultancy by integrating strategic insights and real-world evidence. 🌍

 

📊🔬NOTABLE PUBLICATION:

 

    • The Impact of Additive PICOs in a European Union Joint Clinical Health Technology Assessment
      • Authors: van Engen A, Krüger R, Parnaby A, Rotaru M, Ryan J, Samaha D, Tzelis D
      • Journal: Value Health
      • Year: 2024

     

    • Use of External Comparators for Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Submissions Based on Single-Arm Trials
      • Authors: Patel D, Grimson F, Mihaylova E, Wagner P, Warren J, van Engen A, Kim J
      • Journal: Value Health
      • Year: 2021

     

    • Call in the PROs: Giving Credence to the Patient’s Perspective in Healthcare Decision Making
      • Authors: van Engen A, New M, Beatrice Böhler Y, Holmstrom S, Boerlum Kristensen F
      • Journal: ISPOR Value & Outcomes Spotlight
      • Year: 2020