BelSU Researcher Named Russia’s Young Oncologist of the Year – Again

Alexander Netrebenko, Assistant in the Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology at the Medical Institute of Belgorod National Research University (BelSU) and a Candidate of Medical Sciences, has been named a laureate of the Academician A.I. Savitsky All-Russian Award. The ceremony took place in Moscow during the opening of the For Life 9th International Forum on Oncology and Radiotherapy.

Netrebenko received the title “Young Oncologist of the Year” for the second year in a row. His previous recognition honoured a method for repairing kidney defects during laparoscopic surgery. This year, he presented an innovative approach to correcting ischemic and reperfusion kidney injuries using a peptide that mimics the α-helix B of erythropoietin.

The 11-amino-acid peptide pHBSP protects renal tissue without triggering erythropoietin’s dangerous side effect: stimulating red blood cell production, which increases thrombosis risk in cancer patients. The selection process concluded with a nationwide open vote declaring Netrebenko the winner.

His research provides a strong foundation for further clinical study of peptide-based protection against kidney ischemia-reperfusion injury – a critical concern for patients undergoing chemotherapy. In the Belgorod Region alone, more than 7,000 new cancer cases are recorded annually, with renal parenchymal cancer ranking second among urological cancers.