Olga Oikonomidou

Dr. Olga Oikonomidou is a Senior Clinical Lecturer in Breast Cancer Medicine and Consultant Medical Oncologist at the Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, leading translational research in breast cancer. She bridges clinical practice at the Edinburgh Cancer Centre with research on biomarkers and personalized medicine.

• Education: BSc in Human Genetics, MSc in Oncology, MRes in Immunology, MD, and PhD in Translational Medicine.

Research Focus

Her work centers on non-invasive breast cancer analysis using circulating tumor DNA (cfDNA) and liquid biopsies, with emphasis on:

• Predicting treatment response through genomics and transcriptomics
• Monitoring DNA methylation and clonal dynamics in triple-negative and HER2+ breast cancers
• Developing MicroSNARE and EP4EVs technologies for cfDNA enrichment and extracellular vesicle profiling
• Cardio-Oncology: Preventing anthracycline cardiotoxicity via troponin-guided interventions

Article Trends

Her publications span 2014–2025, with recent work on real-world evidence in CDK4/6 inhibitors, epigenetic early detection, and cardio-oncology strategies. Earlier studies focused on neoadjuvant chemotherapy biomarkers and lobular breast cancer subtypes.

Grants & Collaborations

Major funded projects include:

• UKRI EPSRC MicroSNARE (£790,000) for cfDNA automation
• Cancer Research UK Early Detection Initiative (£475,000) for methylation analysis
• NIHR Cardiac CARE Trial (£781,000) on beta-blocker cardioprotection

Collaborations with Karolinska Institutet, Heriot-Watt University, and Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre are central to her work.