Dr. Maša Ždralević from the University of Montenegro: Researching cancer through the lens of hope and new discoveries
As part of the interview series "Hope through Cancer Research," sponsored by the Ulysseus European University Alliance, of which the University of Montenegro is a member, Dr. Maša Ždralević from the University of Montenegro shared her experiences and inspiration for research in the lead-up to the European Researchers Night.
Dr. Maša Ždralević, a researcher at the Institute for Advanced Studies at the University of Montenegro and head of the Molecular Medicine Laboratory at the UCG Faculty of Medicine, discussed her motivation, current research, and the significance of advancements in early cancer diagnosis.
"What inspired me to pursue cancer research is the fascinating complexity of cancer cell biology and their remarkable ability to develop resistance to a wide range of therapeutic modalities. During my doctoral studies, we discovered that a simple change in the source of carbon atoms in the cell culture medium had a tremendous impact on how cells respond to certain stressors. This led me to explore the extraordinary field of cancer metabolic reprogramming and its role in both carcinogenesis and the response to existing therapies across different cancer types."
Dr. Ždralević emphasized the importance of her current research, which focuses on identifying new, reliable biomarkers for the early detection of colorectal cancer.
"My research is now centered on microRNA molecules, small non-coding RNAs that play a crucial role in gene expression regulation. MicroRNAs are involved in numerous biological processes relevant to cancer development, acting either as pro- or anti-oncogenic agents, and their expression is often deregulated in cancer. Circulating microRNAs are part of the so-called liquid biopsies, one of the most exciting recent breakthroughs in cancer research. Not only do these biopsies allow for the detection of cancer in its very early stages, before clinical symptoms appear, but they also provide a tool for non-invasive monitoring of disease progression and therapeutic response in real-time."
She also highlighted the broader significance of biomarker research in oncology, pointing out how their availability could contribute to earlier detection and better patient outcomes.
"The availability of these non-invasive, circulating biomarkers represents a revolutionary advancement in oncology. Combining new biomarkers with existing screening methods aims to enhance diagnostic efficiency and detect cancer at earlier stages when more treatment options are available. This approach is geared toward improving quality of life and survival rates, reducing complications, and, in some cases, increasing the chances of a cure."
Dr. Ždralević concluded her message with encouragement for patients and their families, stressing the importance of hope and continued research in cancer biology.
"My message to cancer patients and their families is not to be discouraged and to fight back. Believe in the progress being made in cancer research every day. Numerous outstanding research teams worldwide are working tirelessly to better understand this group of diseases in order to combat them more effectively. Advances in early cancer detection are particularly significant because that is when the chances for successful treatment are the highest."
The interview with Dr. Maša Ždralević is part of the "Hope through Cancer Research" series, providing insights into pioneering cancer research and innovative treatment methods across Europe. These interviews are available on social media and the official Ulysseus website.