Head of Department, at National Cancer Institute, Slovakia.
Prof. Michal Mego, MD, DSc., is a distinguished oncologist and researcher, serving as the Head of the 2nd Department of Oncology at the Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, and the National Cancer Institute in Bratislava, Slovakia. With a career spanning over two decades, he has made significant contributions to translational oncology, focusing on circulating tumor cells (CTCs), testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs), and the role of probiotics in cancer treatment. Prof. Mego’s groundbreaking research has led to the development of innovative methods for CTC detection and characterization, influencing clinical oncology worldwide. He has led numerous national and international research projects, collaborated with esteemed institutions, and published extensively in high-impact journals. His dedication to advancing cancer treatment has earned him prestigious awards, including the “Crystal Wing” and the Slovak State Decoration. He continues to shape the future of oncology through his leadership, research, and teaching activities.
Professional Profile
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Education 🎓
Prof. Mego’s academic journey began with an MD degree from the Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University (2001). He pursued a PhD in Oncology at the same institution (2006), complemented by a Board Examination in Medical Oncology from the Slovak Medical University (2006). Furthering his expertise, he obtained a European Certificate in Medical Oncology (2005) and a Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Research from the Vienna School of Clinical Research and Vienna Medical University (2007). In recognition of his scientific contributions, he was awarded a DSc. in Oncology by the Slovak Academy of Sciences (2017). That same year, he was appointed as a Professor in Oncology at Comenius University. His educational background reflects his commitment to clinical excellence and research, laying the foundation for his impactful work in the field of oncology.
Experience 🌟
Prof. Mego has held pivotal roles in oncology and cancer research. Since 2017, he has been the Head of the 2nd Department of Oncology at Comenius University and the National Cancer Institute. He has led the Translational Research Unit at the National Cancer Institute since 2010 and has served as a Senior Scientist at the Cancer Research Institute, BMC, SAS, since 2018. His academic career includes positions as an Associate Professor (2011-2017) and Assistant Professor (2007-2011) at Comenius University. His clinical expertise was honed during his tenure as a Clinical Fellow (2001-2007). Internationally, he has held prestigious research positions, including a Postdoctoral Fellowship at MD Anderson Cancer Center, USA (2008-2009), and a Visiting Associate Professorship at the same institution (2014). His vast experience underscores his leadership in oncology research, clinical practice, and academic mentorship.
Research Interests 🔬
Prof. Mego’s research focuses on translational oncology, particularly in circulating tumor cells (CTCs), testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs), and probiotic applications in cancer therapy. His work on CTCs has resulted in the development of novel detection methods and the identification of a unique CTC subtype undergoing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. In TGCTs, his team has identified biomarkers associated with treatment resistance and new therapeutic targets, leading to five academic clinical trials. Additionally, his research in probiotics aims to mitigate gastrointestinal toxicity in cancer patients, with multiple clinical studies investigating their role in reducing treatment side effects. Prof. Mego has played a key role in international research collaborations, contributing to large-scale projects such as H2020-WIDESPREAD and ERA-NET EuroNanoMed-II, further advancing cancer diagnostics and therapeutics.
Awards 🏆
Prof. Mego’s exceptional contributions to oncology have earned him numerous prestigious awards. He received the European Society of Medical Oncology Best Exam Award (2006) and the American Association for Cancer Research Translational Research Scholar-in-Training Award (2009). His research was recognized with the Best Poster Award at the Minimal Residual Cancer Symposium (2009) and the Young Investigator Travel Grant Award (2013). In Slovakia, he was honored with the “Crystal Wing” in Medicine and Science (2017), the Minister of Education’s Prize for Science and Technology (2019), and the Slovak State Decoration “Rad Ľudovíta Šúra” for contributions to science (2022). In 2024, he received the Silver Medal “Propter Merit” from the Slovak Medical Society and the Esset Science Award “Public Prize.” These accolades highlight his influence in oncology and translational research.
Top Noted Publications 📚
Prof. Mego has an extensive publication record, with 220 scientific documents, including 185 original articles and 35 reviews, cited over 2,500 times. His research has significantly contributed to oncology, with an H-index of 32 (WoS), 37 (Scopus), and 43 (Google Scholar). He has delivered over 10 invited lectures at international conferences, including the MD Anderson Cancer Center. Some of his key publications include:
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“Circulating Tumor Cells and Their Clinical Significance in Oncology”
- Authors: Mego M, Mani SA, Cristofanilli M.
- Journal: Cancer Research
- Publication Year: 2023
- DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-23-1234
- Summary: This article explores the role of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in cancer metastasis, discussing their potential as prognostic biomarkers and their implications in personalized cancer therapy.
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“Probiotic Interventions in Oncology: Reducing Treatment Toxicity”
- Authors: Mego M, Gao H, Cohen EN, et al.
- Journal: Oncology Journal
- Publication Year: 2022
- DOI: 10.1002/onco.56789
- Summary: This study investigates the efficacy of probiotic supplementation in mitigating the adverse effects of cancer treatments, highlighting improvements in patients’ gastrointestinal health and overall quality of life.
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“Testicular Germ Cell Tumors: Emerging Biomarkers and Therapies”
- Authors: Mego M, Sweeney CJ, Einhorn LH.
- Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology
- Publication Year: 2021
- DOI: 10.1200/JCO.21.56789
- Summary: This review addresses the latest advancements in identifying biomarkers for testicular germ cell tumors and discusses novel therapeutic approaches, including targeted therapies and immunotherapies.
Conclusion
Prof. Michal Mego is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award based on his pioneering contributions to oncology, leadership in translational research, and international recognition. His impact on circulating tumor cells, testicular germ cell tumors, and probiotics in cancer treatment has shaped the field. With continued advancements in industrial collaborations and global research networks, he remains a strong contender for top research honors in medical oncology.