Andrius Žučenka. Photo: Andrius Žučenka's personal archive
During the solemn Vilnius University (VU) Senate meeting dedicated to the ending of 2021, the most deserving members of the VU academic community were awarded. Ten scholars received the 2021 Rector’s Science Award for outstanding scientific achievements. In addition, seven young researchers were awarded. One of them is Andrius Žučenka, junior assistant at the Faculty of Medicine.
What are the areas of interest of the young researcher? What gives him most joy at work? And, finally, how important the Rector’s Award is to him? We talked about this with the young doctor haematologist, Andrius Žučenka.
Tell us how your path to science started? Did you want to be a researcher from an early age, or chose this direction while studying?
While at school I was interest in a variety of subjects – mathematics, languages, history, and natural sciences. I tried to approach the world in a fundamental way – from galaxies to cells, molecules and atoms. So choosing what to study at the university was a great challenge, although many peers had already chosen their next step. Those who were choosing medical studies were particularly determined and motivated.
After weighing the pros and cons, I chose medical studies too. At the university I realized that I would like to combine the work of a physician with research in the future. Starting from my second year at the university, together with my peers I got involved in student research, did my first papers, and these were the first steps in science.
In subsequent years of studies, I realized that I was most interested in haematology – a complex, extremely interesting field of medicine with enormous potential in terms of therapy and research. This field combines everything that I am most interested in medicine – oncology, genetics, immunology, pharmacology, intensive therapy, and clinical trials. The path of haematology residency is certainly not easy, but during the entire residency, under the supervision of Prof. Laimonas Griškevičius, I actively participated in scientific activities, which I still continue.
What are the areas of your scientific interest? What topics do you focus on?
My main fields of interest are acute leukaemia, bone marrow transplantation, and targeted therapy. Currently, I dedicate most of the time to the research of the treatment of refractory/relapsed acute myeloid leukaemia. This is the subject of my doctoral studies.
During research, we evaluate the safety and efficacy of various targeted therapy drugs and their combinations in the treatment of acute myeloid leukaemia. At the same time, we perform cellular, drug synergy studies. In cooperation with VU Life Sciences Centre and the biotechnology company Droplet Genomics, we are also studying mechanisms of resistance to chemotherapy and targeted therapy in acute myeloid leukaemia cells.
Andrius Žučenka. Photo: Andrius Žučenka's personal archive
You work at the Clinic of Internal Diseases, Family Medicine and Oncology Clinic of the Institute of Clinical Medicine of the VU Faculty of Medicine, and the Biochemistry Institute of the Life Sciences Centre. You also continue your doctoral studies. What does your working day look like? How do you manage everything?
I must adapt my time dedicated to research to my I work as a haematologist at the Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit of the Haematology, Oncology and Transfusion Medicine Centre of VU Hospital Santaros Klinikos. The major part of the day, I do my main job as a physician in the outpatient and inpatient settings. This includes ward rounds, discussions of clinical trials, doctors’ counsels, scientific seminars, and haematology student training. Well, of course, all work is related to scientific activities and doctoral studies.
So, each day is very intense, challenging and never boring, I am frequently pushed for time. Therefore, I often postpone some work for late evenings or weekends and so, unfortunately, sacrifice some of my recreation or leisure with family and friends.
What gives you the most joy in your work? What is the driving force that motivates you to discover, strive, and improve?
Undoubtedly – saved lives of patients. In the past few years alone, many patients with oncohaematological diseases that are resistant to standard treatment received the most modern drugs or treatment at our centre thanks to clinical research or hope/early accessibility programmes. This would be impossible without the great efforts of our centre and the dedication of doctors in saving each patient, even in the most desperate situations. I am surrounded by excellent colleagues who motivate to improve both in the field of practical medicine and in science. Of course, my family and friends are also very supportive and happy at the same time.
This year you were awarded the Vilnius University Rector’s Award. What was your first reaction to the news? What does this award mean to you?
It was unexpected, but very joyful news. At the same time, it is recognition of the entire team of the Haematology, Oncology and Transfusion Medicine Centre for our high level scientific output and, undoubtedly, its application in successful treatment of patients.
I would not have received this award without the people who surround me, so I would like to thank my scientific supervisor Prof. Laimonas Griškevičius, all colleagues of the Haematology, Oncology and Transfusion Medicine Centre, the VU academic community, my family and numerous friends!
Andrius Žučenka is the first on the right. Photo: Andrius Žučenka's personal archive