On the 70th Anniversary of Elena M. Frantsiyants

Elena M. Frantsiyants, Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor, Deputy General Director for Scientific Work at the National Medical Research Center for Oncology, and Honored Healthcare Worker of the Russian Federation, celebrate her 70th birthday on September 23, 2025.

Dr. Frantsiyants is a distinguished scientist, pathophysiologist, and biochemist whose contributions to the understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of tumor development are invaluable. Born in Taganrog into a family of educators, she chose her path early, dedicating her life to science. After graduating from the Faculty of Biology and Soil Science at Rostov State University in 1978, Dr. Frantsiyants began her professional career at the Central Research Laboratory of Rostov State Medical University. In 1985, she joined the Rostov Scientific Research Oncological Institute, where she progressed from senior researcher to head of the Biochemical Laboratory (1990–2000), and later to head of the Laboratory for the Study of the Pathogenesis of Malignant Tumors (2014–2017). Since 2017, she has served as Deputy General Director for Science.

Her scientific interests center on the pathogenesis of tumors, particularly the role of antioxidant systems in carcinogenesis and tumor growth. Her pioneering research has uncovered novel aspects of metabolic restructuring that contribute to tumor initiation and progression. These findings laid the groundwork for the introduction of biochemical markers into clinical practice for predicting disease course and evaluating antitumor treatment efficacy. Moreover, she developed a set of biochemical techniques for the individualization of targeted cancer therapies. Dr. Frantsiyants has also made significant contributions to understanding hormonal imbalances and mediator dysfunctions in the development of malignancies.

Currently, she leads research at the National Medical Research Center for Oncology focusing on mitochondrial dysfunction in malignant tumor growth, and the experimental development of targeted therapies and dendritic cell vaccines.

Her extensive body of work includes over 1,000 scientific publications, 205 patents, and 8 monographs, such as Lipid Peroxidation in the Pathogenesis of Tumor Disease (1995), Complex Treatment of Primary Malignant Glial Tumors of the Cerebral Hemispheres (2014), Cytological, Morphological and Immunohistochemical Diagnostics of Central Nervous System Tumors (2015), Pathogenetic Aspects of Metastatic Liver Damage: An Experimental Study (2022), and Neuroendocrine and Metabolic Aspects of Melanoma Pathogenesis: An Experimental and Clinical Study (2023).

Over her more than 40-year tenure at the National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Dr. Frantsiyants has emerged as a leading expert in basic oncology research. She serves as a scientific consultant, supervises graduate and doctoral candidates (7 Ph.D. and 7 doctoral dissertations), and holds positions as Deputy Chair of the Academic Council and member of the Dissertation Council at the National Medical Research Center for Oncology.

Professor Frantsiyants is not only a brilliant and passionate scientist endowed with deep knowledge, intellectual rigor, and analytical prowess, but also a person of warmth, grace, and the rare ability to balance scientific achievement with a fulfilling family life.

The staff of the National Medical Research Center for Oncology and the editorial board of the South Russian Journal of Cancer extend their heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Frantsiyants on her anniversary! We wish you continued health, prosperity, new scientific accomplishments, and boundless energy in the pursuit of your goals. May your research continue to serve society and earn the recognition it so richly deserves. You have rightfully earned deep respect and admiration from your colleagues and students alike!