Our research focuses on the broadly understood molecular pathogenesis of cancer in order to elucidate the mechanisms of drug resistance and progression and potential translation into targeted therapy. These include studies on the mechanisms of molecular pathogenesis in myeloproliferative neoplasms, and especially in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), responsible for resistance to targeted therapy and disease progression. We also attempt to broadly investigate the genetic basis of hematopoietic neoplasms, which may allow us to find new targets for therapy and which may help, among others in the eradication of a leukemia clone and overcoming drug resistance. Recently, thanks to the implementation of of modern genetic technologies (next-generation sequencing), including, above all, the development by our team of custom-designed gene panels for targeted gene enrichment and next-generation sequencing, and thanks to the development of cooperation with the team of prof. Rafał Płoski from the Medical Genetics Department of the Medical University of Warsaw, we participate in research on the genetic basis of many cancerous and non-cancerous diseases. In our research, we cooperate with hematology and clinical oncology centers in Poland and abroad.
Currently implemented scientific and educational projects:
1. EU grant in the EU4Health Programme: CAN HEAL 2022 - 2024:
https://www.wum.edu.pl/node/17526
2. Educational activities aimed at disseminating modern genetic diagnostics in chronic lymphocytic leukemia, in particular regarding the two most important molecular prognostic and predictive factors: TP53 gene status and immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region (IgHV) mutation status" - educational and research grant from by Janssen-Cilag for the Medical University of Warsaw (2021-2022)
3. ‘Characterization of aberrant mechanisms of telomere maintenance in chronic myeloid leukemia - the role of POT1 and RAP1 in genomic instability in leukemic stem cells’
OPUS research project financed by the National Science Center (NCN); implementation years 2016-2021 (ends in June 2021);
4. ‘Identification of new, clinically relevant genetic and epigenetic aberrations by next-generation sequencing in chronic myeloid leukemia patients with poor disease outcome’
HARMONIA research project financed by the National Science Center (NCN); 2015-2020 (ended in November 2020)
5. Research-Clinical Project: “Prospective Randomized Study Assessing the Impact of ctDNA Testing in Patients After Liver Resection or Transplantation for Colorectal Cancer Metastases or Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) on Treatment Strategies and Long-Term Survival”
Conducted in collaboration with the Department of General, Transplant, and Liver Surgery at the Medical University of Warsaw.
Funded by the Medical Research Agency (ABM) – total amount: PLN 4,384,963.82. (2024–2028)
Project lead: Dr. hab. Oskar Kornasiewicz, MD, PhD;
Principal investigator: Mgr Izabela Górzyńska
The aim of the project is the clinical validation of the “liquid biopsy” technique based on ctDNA (circulating tumor DNA) analysis as a method for monitoring cancer progression. The goal is to evaluate its usefulness in detecting recurrences, predicting treatment outcomes, and guiding therapy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and colorectal cancer liver metastases. This prospective study involves genetic analysis of ctDNA from blood and tumor tissues collected from 300 patients. Results will be compared with clinical and imaging data to assess the effectiveness of ctDNA as a tool to support therapeutic decision-making.
The study was and registered on Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT07001085)