Research Division of Tumor Growth Biology

The Division pursues research into various facets of tumor growth and factors influencing acceleration and deceleration of the growth of malignant neoplasms as well as their metastatic spreading.

The Division includes:

• Laboratory of Molecular Oncology
• Laboratory of Subcellular Technologies with Endocrine Oncology Unit
• Laboratory of Tumor Morphology

The Division is headed by Professor Evgeniy N. Imyanitov, D.M.Sc., corresponding member of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

In 1989 Professor Imyanitov graduated from the Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University.

From 1989 through 1992 he completed his residency at the Center. After he successfully defended his PhD in 1992, Professor Imyanitov went on to receive further professional training in the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry in Munich.

In 2001 he obtained his D.M.Sc.

In 2004 he became Professor.

In 2016 Professor Imyanitov was elected a corresponding member of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

In 2005 he was appointed Head of the Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and in 2007 Head of the Research Division of Tumor Growth Biology. In addition to his role as Head of the Research Division of Tumor Growth Biology, Professor Imyanitov serves as Chair of the Medical Genetics Department of the Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University and Professor at the Oncology Department of the I.I. Mechnikov North-Western State Medical University.

Professor Imyanitov’s main research achievements lie in the field of implementing molecular diagnostics of cancer into every day practice in Russian oncology. In particular, he supervised the research into the characteristics of hereditary cancers in Russia and the implementation of available methods for detection of such cancer cases.

In 2012 the team of professionals led by Professor Imyanitov analyzed the BLM gene associated with hereditary breast cancer.

His other areas of focus include the development of molecular techniques to increase the clinical and economic efficacy of anti-cancer drugs. For example, he helped to develop and implement into clinical practice molecular tests that allow to predict the tolerance of malignant neoplasms to expensive medications (anti EGF receptors, fluoropyrimidines, platinum-based drugs, taxanes, etc.)

In addition to translational and clinical research, Professor Imyanitov pursues some basic aspects of oncology, such as molecular pathogenesis of breast, lung, testicular and stomach cancer.

The results of Professor Imyanitov’s research were summed up in more than 120 articles published in leading international journals.