“I draw inspiration from the resilience of our patients, whose courage in the face of adversity reminds me of the purpose behind the work we do”
Dr Jemma Arakelyan’s (The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong) journey into oncology is one marked by personal loss, professional drive and an unwavering commitment to improving patient care. A defining moment early in her career – the death of a close colleague and friend to gastric cancer – cemented her dedication to advancing the field through research and innovation. Today, she remains inspired by the resilience of her patients and the collaborative spirit of the oncology community. With a keen eye on the transformative potential of precision medicine and artificial intelligence, Dr Arakelyan is a rising voice in the next generation of oncology leaders.
Q1. Is there a particular moment or experience in your career that reinforced your passion for your specialty?
I used to work with young adults facing advanced cancers and poor prognoses, but one defining moment profoundly impacted me. My friend and colleague, a vibrant young oncology fellow, was diagnosed with advanced gastric cancer shortly after I began my journey as an independent clinician. Despite our shared passion for oncology and our hope in exploring novel treatments, she tragically passed away not long after her diagnosis. This loss deepened my commitment to enhancing patient outcomes through research, highlighting the fragility of life and the urgent need for innovative therapies.
Q2. Looking ahead, what do you anticipate will be the biggest advancements or changes in your field over the next decade?
In the next decade, I anticipate significant advancements in precision medicine and immunotherapy. As our understanding of cancer genomics deepens, treatments will become increasingly tailored to individual patients, maximizing efficacy while minimizing side effects. The integration of artificial intelligence in diagnostics and treatment planning will enhance decision-making processes, leading to earlier detection and personalized care strategies. Additionally, novel drug development targeting emerging cancer hallmarks, such as the tumour microenvironment, will revolutionize treatment paradigms. These advancements promise to transform oncology, ultimately improving patient outcomes and survival rates in ways we can only begin to imagine.
Q3. How do you stay inspired in a challenging field like oncology?
It requires a combination of personal reflection and engagement with the broader community. I draw inspiration from the resilience of our patients, whose courage in the face of adversity reminds me of the purpose behind the work we do. Additionally, attending conferences and collaborating with fellow researchers and clinicians exposes me to new ideas and breakthroughs, reigniting my passion for innovation. Staying connected with patient advocacy groups also serves as a powerful reminder of the real-world impact of our research. Together, these elements motivate me to continue striving for advancements that can change lives for the better.
About Dr Jemma Arakelyan
As a graduate medical oncologist, having studied at Yerevan State Medical University and Harvard Medical School, I have always been driven to make a significant contribution to the fight against cancer. Throughout my career, I have encountered challenges when working with young cancer patients, which has motivated me to delve into basic research and undertake more impactful endeavours. Currently based in Hong Kong, I am pursuing a PhD in the City University of Hong Kong Drug Discovery Lab, where my focus lies on developing novel anticancer treatments and unraveling the underlying mechanisms driving cancer progression. Additionally, I am proud to serve as the CEO of the Institute of Cancer and Crisis (www.cancerandcrisis.org). I am enthusiastic about fostering connections within the field and collaborating with like-minded individuals to work towards a brighter future collectively. My ultimate aspiration is to bridge the gap between research and clinical practice by translating impactful findings into clinical trials.
Disclosure: Jemma Arakelyanr is on the Advisory Board for Immune Oncology Research Institute.
Cite: Dr Jemma Arakelyan on turning personal loss into professional resilience: touchONCOLOGY Future Leader 2025. touchONCOLOGY. April 16th, 2025
SIGN UP to touchONCOLOGY!
Join our global community today for access to thousands of peer-reviewed articles, expert insights, and learn-on-the-go education across 150+ specialties, plus concise email updates and newsletters so you never miss out.
