Javier Baena Espinar | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Research Article Award

Dr. Javier Baena Espinar | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Research Article Award 

Medical Oncologist at Hospital 12 de Octubre | Spain

Dr. Javier Baena Espinar is a prominent medical oncology researcher whose work has significantly shaped contemporary understanding of thoracic malignancies, precision oncology, and real-world clinical outcomes. His academic background is grounded in advanced training in health sciences, biomedicine, molecular oncology, immuno-oncology, and cancer biology, supported by multiple postgraduate degrees and specialized certifications that have strengthened his expertise in lung cancer research and evidence-based clinical practice. His professional experience spans leading Spanish healthcare and research institutions, where he has contributed to multidisciplinary oncology teams, national research initiatives, and international collaborative networks focused on improving diagnostic accuracy, treatment personalization, and therapeutic decision-making. His research interests center on non-small cell lung cancer, small cell lung cancer, immune checkpoint inhibitors, next-generation sequencing, biomarker discovery, outcomes research, and the intersection between cancer care and infectious disease vulnerabilities. He has been instrumental in studies evaluating immunotherapy effectiveness, prognostic determinants, molecular profiling, and global registry data, producing findings that support the optimization of treatment strategies and guide clinical standards. With 27 published documents, 884 citations from 800 referencing articles, and an h-index of 11, his scholarly contributions reflect sustained impact and influence across oncology and translational research communities. His work appears in high-impact journals and encompasses both clinical and translational dimensions, bridging innovative scientific methodologies with real-world applicability. Through continuous involvement in international collaborations, multicenter studies, and academic dissemination, he has advanced the understanding of patient outcomes, therapeutic safety, and emerging frontiers in cancer treatment. His research trajectory demonstrates a strong commitment to expanding precision medicine, fostering collaborative research excellence, and improving the clinical management of thoracic cancers. Dr. Javier Baena Espinar’s ongoing contributions highlight his dedication to advancing scientific knowledge, strengthening global oncology evidence, and supporting the evolution of patient-centered cancer care.

Profile: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications:

  • Baena Espinar, J. (2025). Determinants of 5-year survival in patients with advanced NSCLC with PD-L1 ≥50% treated with first-line pembrolizumab outside clinical trials: Pembro-real 5Y registry results. Journal for Immunotherapy of Cancer.

  • Baena Espinar, J., et al. (2025). Clinical utility of combined tissue and plasma next-generation sequencing in treatment-naïve advanced NSCLC. JTO Clinical and Research Reports.

  • Baena Espinar, J., et al. (2025). Efficacy and safety of lorlatinib in ALK- and ROS1-rearranged metastatic NSCLC within the compassionate use program in Spain.

  • Baena Espinar, J., et al. (2025). Observational study on the safety and effectiveness of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in lung cancer patients.

  • Baena Espinar, J., et al. (2025). Safety and efficacy of immune checkpoint therapy in patients with cardiac metastasis: A multicenter international retrospective analysis.

  • Baena Espinar, J., et al. (2025). Unmet needs in maintenance therapy for extensive-stage small cell lung cancer.

  • Baena Espinar, J. (2024). Consolidation osimertinib vs durvalumab vs observation after chemoradiation in unresectable EGFR-mutant NSCLC. Journal of Thoracic Oncology.

  • Baena Espinar, J.(2024). Facts and hopes on cancer immunotherapy for small cell lung cancer. Clinical Cancer Research.

  • Baena Espinar, J.(2024). Real-world data of first-line cemiplimab monotherapy for PD-L1 high NSCLC. Journal of Thoracic Oncology.

  • Baena Espinar, J.(2024). Multi-region transcriptomic subtyping and biomarkers of chemoimmunotherapy outcome in extensive-stage SCLC. Clinical Cancer Research.

  • Baena Espinar, J.(2024). Targeting KRAS G12C in NSCLC: Current standards and developments. Drugs.

  • Baena Espinar, J.(2023). Future perspectives in second-line therapy for non-oncogene–addicted NSCLC. Cancers.

  • Baena Espinar, J. (2023). Safety and activity of immune checkpoint inhibitors in people living with HIV and cancer. Journal of Clinical Oncology.

  • Baena Espinar, J.(2022). Updated prognostication system for thoracic malignancies with COVID-19: TERAVOLT registry. Journal of Thoracic Oncology.

  • Baena Espinar, J. (2022). COVID-19 outcomes, vaccination status, and cancer-related delays during the Omicron wave: TERAVOLT analysis. JTO Clinical and Research Reports.

Lukas Prantl | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Lukas Prantl | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

Applied Stem Cell Research Center at Universität Regensburg | Germany

Prof. Dr. Lukas Prantl is an accomplished academic leader and internationally recognized expert in plastic, aesthetic, and reconstructive surgery, currently serving at the University of Regensburg, Germany. His career reflects a strong blend of clinical innovation, academic excellence, and translational research impact. Educated in medicine and advanced surgical sciences across prestigious European institutions, he holds dual doctoral degrees and a master’s in health business administration, which support his interdisciplinary approach to healthcare leadership. Throughout his professional journey, he has established and directed advanced centers dedicated to plastic, hand, and reconstructive surgery, as well as the Applied Stem Cell Research Center, fostering groundbreaking research in regenerative medicine. His scientific interests focus on adipose-derived stem cells, tissue regeneration, microcirculation, and innovative reconstructive techniques that integrate stem cell technology into clinical applications. Among his notable contributions is the development of the Cell Enriched Lipotransfer method, a pioneering advancement that enhances the success rate of fat grafting and tissue restoration. His prolific academic record includes 412 peer-reviewed publications, 7,550 citations from 6,310 documents, and an h-index of 40, reflecting the global impact and recognition of his research. Beyond his scientific achievements, he has held leadership positions in major national and international surgical societies, contributing to the advancement of standards, education, and ethics in surgery. As an editor and reviewer for leading medical journals and funding bodies, his expertise continues to guide the development of innovative research and surgical techniques worldwide. His commitment to academic mentorship and the integration of evidence-based medicine into practice has shaped new generations of clinicians and researchers. Through his exceptional contributions to clinical excellence, scientific discovery, and institutional leadership, Prof. Dr. Lukas Prantl stands as a driving force in shaping the future of regenerative and reconstructive medicine, continually pushing the boundaries of surgical science and patient-centered innovation.

Profile: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications:

  • Chrobot, N., Unbehaun, P., Frank, K., Hartmann, Prantl, L. (2025). Smartphone-based 3D surface imaging: A new frontier in digital breast assessment? Journal of Clinical Medicine.

  • Neuwieser, H., Jami, N. V. S., Meier, Prantl, L. (2025). Interpreting venous and arterial ulcer images through the Grad-CAM lens: Insights and implications in CNN-based wound image classification. Diagnostics.

  • Schimanski, T., Scheel-Platz, Prantl, L. (2025). CELT Fat increases the metabolic activity as well as the SVF-yield significantly when compared to CELT fat, even after cryopreservation with DMSO. Cells.

  • Loucas, R., Loucas, Prantl, L. (2025). Histology and immunohistochemistry of adipose tissue: A scoping review on staining methods and their informative value.

  • Diesch, S., Frank, K., Brebant, Prantl, L. (2025). Subject-reported satisfaction after cell-enriched lipotransfer (CELT) for lip augmentation. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

  • Biermann, N., Eibl, D., Mueller, Prantl, L. (2024). Biomarker-guided acute kidney injury risk assessment under liberal versus restrictive fluid therapy–the prospective-randomized MAYDAY-trial.

  • Zocchi, M.Prantl, L. (2024). Potential benefits of adipose-derived SVF and MSCs to regenerate damaged tissues from alloplastic synthetic materials.

  • Kuehlmann, B., Bonham, C. Gurtner,Prantl, L. (2023). MMP9 as a potential biomarker in human implant-induced fibrotic capsules: A systematic analysis and biomarker study.

  • Knoedler, L., Odenthal, J. F., Prantl, Knoedler, S. A. (2023). Artificial Intelligence-Enabled simulation of gluteal augmentation: A helpful tool in preoperative outcome simulation.

  • Diesch, S., Anders, M., Prantl, Brébant, V. (2023). Factors influencing the shape, size, symmetry and scar of the nipple-areola complex after bilateral reduction mammoplasty.