Assoc. Prof. Dr. Elvina Almuradova

My approach

Every patient's story is different, and so is the biology of every tumour. At the centre of my approach to treatment lies understanding those differences and building a treatment plan that is individual to the patient and grounded in science.

After completing my medical education at Azerbaijan Medical University, I did my internship at Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine in 2010–2011. At Ege University I completed my residency in internal medicine between 2013 and 2017, and my subspecialty training in medical oncology between 2018 and 2021. I passed the examination of the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) and was awarded the title of Associate Professor in 2023.

To broaden my international experience I spent time as an observer at the European Institute of Oncology (IEO) in Milan, in the team of Prof. Giuseppe Curigliano, working in breast cancer and early drug development. As an ambassador of the European School of Oncology (ESO) I have contributed to oncology education and to the sharing of scientific knowledge.

My work covers the systemic treatment and follow-up of breast cancer, gynecologic cancers and lung cancer above all, and also of digestive system, kidney, bladder, prostate and head and neck cancers, melanoma and other solid tumours. I plan treatment and follow-up from early through to advanced stage, according to the features of the disease and the needs of my patient.

Personalised cancer treatment is the foundation of my clinical approach. In treatment decisions I weigh the type and stage of the tumour together with its genetic and molecular features, my patient's general health, their previous treatments and their priorities in life. Where appropriate I draw on methods such as molecular testing and liquid biopsy to guide the choice of treatment.

I assess chemotherapy, hormonal treatments, immunotherapy, targeted therapies — widely known as smart drugs — and antibody-drug conjugates according to their suitability for the patient and the scientific evidence. I also follow developments in personalised cancer vaccines and new immunotherapy approaches closely, within the framework of clinical research.

I have served as a sub-investigator in international phase III clinical trials in breast, kidney, bladder, oesophageal and head and neck cancers. Through my national and international publications and congress contributions I continue to develop my clinical experience alongside research.

I treat cancer care as a whole that takes in diagnosis, treatment, supportive care and follow-up after treatment. I value multidisciplinary assessment with surgery, radiation oncology, pathology, radiology and related specialties. That my patients can understand their illness and their treatment options, ask their questions openly and take part in decisions is an indispensable part of how I practise medicine.