Assistant Professor at Maria Skłodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Gliwice Branch, Poland
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Joanna Jazowiecka-Rakus is an Assistant Professor with a strong focus on advancing cancer research through innovative oncolytic therapies. Her work at the Maria Skłodowska Memorial National Institute of Oncology in Gliwice, Poland, positions her as a leading expert in experimental cancer treatments. Dr. Jazowiecka-Rakus’s pioneering research in oncolytic virotherapy and nanocarrier drug delivery aims to address complex cancers like pancreatic adenocarcinoma, glioma, and melanoma. With a reputation for pushing boundaries in cancer treatment, she continues to make strides in developing therapies that offer new hope for patients with challenging diagnoses.
Professional Profile
🎓 Education
Dr. Jazowiecka-Rakus holds a Master of Science in Biology from the Faculty of Biology, University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland (2001), followed by a Ph.D. in Medical Biology from the National Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland (2007). In recognition of her exceptional contributions to cancer research, she earned a D.Sc. (habilitation) in Medical Sciences from the same institution. Her academic path reflects her dedication to enhancing cancer treatment through rigorous scientific training and specialization.
🏢 Work Experience
Throughout her career, Dr. Jazowiecka-Rakus has held esteemed research positions, including her current role as an Assistant Professor at the National Institute of Oncology. Her work has been instrumental in projects funded by prestigious institutions like the International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology and the National Science Center of Poland. Notably, her research covers a wide spectrum of experimental cancer therapies, including the use of myxoma viruses and mesenchymal stem cells to treat melanoma, ovarian cancer, and glioma. She has also forged valuable collaborations with global institutions, such as the Biodesign Institute at the University of Arizona, Tempe, USA.
🧬 Skills
Dr. Jazowiecka-Rakus brings a wealth of expertise in cancer treatment, highlighted by her skills in oncolytic virotherapy, cancer immunotherapy, and advanced drug delivery systems. Her work with oncolytic virotherapy focuses on developing viral therapies that specifically target and destroy cancer cells, offering a promising alternative to traditional cancer treatments. In cancer immunotherapy, she integrates immune-enhancing agents to create therapies for advanced cancers. Her pioneering methods for stem cell-based drug delivery use mesenchymal stem cells as carriers for oncolytic viruses, targeting tumor cells more effectively. Additionally, she has developed nanocarrier drug formulations that improve the delivery and efficacy of drugs in cancer treatment.
Awards and Honors 🏆
Dr. Jazowiecka-Rakus’s dedication to cancer research has earned her numerous accolades. Between 2017 and 2020, she was awarded a research grant by the International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology to study oncolytic melanoma therapy, underlining her impact in this vital area. Her scholarly contributions include 18 articles published in high-impact journals indexed in Web of Science and Scopus, reflecting her influence and recognition within the cancer research community. Her works have accumulated a citation index of over 431, showcasing the significant reach and impact of her research.
🌐 Memberships
Active in professional societies, Dr. Jazowiecka-Rakus is an auditor for the Association for the Support of Cancer Research in Gliwice, Poland, where she contributes to promoting research integrity and supporting advancements in cancer studies. She is also a member of the Polish Radiation Research Society based in Warsaw, where she engages with other professionals dedicated to improving cancer treatment and sharing knowledge within the field.
📚 Teaching Experience
As an Assistant Professor, Dr. Jazowiecka-Rakus is committed to educating and mentoring the next generation of cancer researchers at the National Institute of Oncology. Her teaching covers essential aspects of oncology and medical biology, with a particular focus on innovative treatment strategies in cancer research. Through her courses and mentoring, she guides students in understanding the complexities of cancer treatment, encouraging them to pursue research that makes a real-world impact.
🔬 Research Focus
📚 Publilcation
- Adipose-Derived Stem Cells as Carrier of Pro-Apoptotic Oncolytic Myxoma Virus: To Cross the Blood–Brain Barrier and Treat Murine Glioma
- Combination of LIGHT (TNFSF14)-Armed Myxoma Virus Pre-Loaded into ADSCs and Gemcitabine in the Treatment of Experimental Orthotopic Murine Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
- Myxoma Virus Expressing LIGHT (TNFSF14) Pre-Loaded into Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Is Effective Treatment for Murine Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
- Removal of Heavy Metal Ions from Wastewaters: An Application of Sodium Trithiocarbonate and Wastewater Toxicity Assessment
- COVID-19 Autopsies: A Case Series from Poland
- Myxoma Virus-Loaded Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Experimental Oncolytic Therapy of Murine Pulmonary Melanoma
- Mesenchymal stem cells as carriers for systemic delivery of oncolytic viruses