Dr. Zhen Ma is a skilled surgical oncologist specializing in gastrointestinal malignancies with advanced training in minimally invasive and robotic surgical procedures. His professional practice centers at The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, a Grade A tertiary institution in China, where he leads surgical interventions in gastric, hepatic, and colorectal cancers. In addition to his clinical responsibilities, Dr. Ma is a dedicated researcher whose work explores resistance mechanisms in gastrointestinal tumors and innovations in surgical technology. He has authored over seven first-author publications in reputable peer-reviewed journals, contributing to the growing body of knowledge in oncology and surgical techniques. Furthermore, Dr. Ma has played key roles in more than 16 phase I–III clinical trials related to advanced solid tumors, demonstrating his expertise in clinical trial management and cancer therapeutics. His ability to integrate clinical expertise with research insights positions him as an emerging leader in surgical oncology. He is fluent in medical English, possesses extensive training in research methodologies, and actively contributes to the evolution of cancer care in China. With ongoing involvement in national research projects, clinical innovations, and the development of surgical devices, Dr. Ma exemplifies the qualities of a modern clinician-scientist committed to translational medicine and precision oncology.

Professional Profile

• Scopus Profile

Education

Dr. Zhen Ma has pursued a rigorous academic pathway that reflects his dedication to excellence in medicine and oncology. He earned his Bachelor of Medicine (B.M.) in Clinical Medicine from Wuhan University (2006–2011), one of China’s top medical institutions. Following this, he completed a Master of Medicine (M.M.) in Surgery at the prestigious Zhejiang University from 2012 to 2015, where he deepened his surgical skills and began his early clinical work. His academic journey culminated with a Ph.D. in Oncology, with a focus on digestive tract tumors, from Lanzhou University (2019–2024), an institution known for its cancer research in northwest China. His doctoral research has concentrated on chemoresistance mechanisms and autophagy-related genes in gastric cancer. Each academic phase has equipped Dr. Ma with a solid foundation in clinical medicine, advanced surgical practice, and scientific research. His education reflects a balance between practical surgical expertise and a sophisticated understanding of molecular oncology. By pursuing advanced degrees from diverse top-tier universities, Dr. Ma has gained a multidisciplinary academic background that enhances his ability to approach oncological challenges from both a clinical and research perspective.

Professional Experience

Dr. Zhen Ma has cultivated a comprehensive professional background as a practicing surgical oncologist and academic researcher. He began his medical career as a surgeon at The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University in 2015, where he initially focused on thyroid oncology using minimally invasive approaches. In 2018, he advanced to the position of attending surgeon in the Department of Surgical Oncology, specializing in the surgical management of gastric, colorectal, hepatic, and biliary tract cancers. He is proficient in Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols, which have significantly improved patient outcomes, reducing complications by 30%. He also pioneered the clinical use of indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence navigation for bilioenteric anastomosis, lowering leakage rates to below 2%. In addition to his surgical work, Dr. Ma has inserted and maintained over 100 venous infusion ports to facilitate chemotherapy for cancer patients. His professional practice is marked by a blend of innovative surgical intervention, commitment to patient safety, and continuous adoption of cutting-edge techniques. He has also served as the lead surgeon in device innovation trials and co-investigator on national-level oncology research projects, illustrating his seamless integration of clinical excellence with medical innovation and translational research.

Research Interests

Dr. Zhen Ma’s research interests are rooted in gastrointestinal oncology, with a specific focus on molecular mechanisms of chemoresistance, autophagy-related gene signatures, and minimally invasive surgical innovations. His doctoral work investigates how autophagy influences prognosis and treatment outcomes in gastric and hepatocellular carcinomas. Dr. Ma is deeply engaged in translational research that bridges molecular biology with clinical application, exemplified by his participation in studies exploring gene markers for drug resistance and survival prediction. Additionally, he has developed an interest in robotic and laparoscopic techniques as part of enhancing surgical precision and patient recovery. His participation in numerous clinical trials, including phase III studies on SOX-based chemotherapy regimens and targeted immunotherapy agents such as camrelizumab, reflects his dedication to integrating novel systemic therapies into surgical oncology. Another critical area of his research includes medical device innovation, where he led clinical trials on laparoscopic endoscopic systems for splenectomy and thyroid surgery. Overall, Dr. Ma’s research demonstrates a comprehensive approach to cancer care that includes genetics, clinical treatment optimization, and real-time surgical navigation—all aimed at improving survival rates and quality of life for gastrointestinal cancer patients.

Research Skills

Dr. Zhen Ma possesses a strong portfolio of technical and research skills that support his role as a clinician-scientist. Technically, he is adept at laparoscopic and robotic surgical techniques, ICG fluorescence imaging, thyroidectomy, and venous port placement, which are core to his surgical oncology practice. On the research side, Dr. Ma is proficient in clinical trial design and execution, supported by his Good Clinical Practice (GCP) certification. He is skilled in molecular biology techniques that include autophagy-related gene analysis and immunological assessments—crucial for understanding tumor behavior and therapy resistance. In data analysis, Dr. Ma uses software such as SPSS and R for biostatistical modeling, survival analysis, and interpretation of clinical data. He also has experience drafting case reports, literature reviews, and scientific papers for international journals. His language proficiency in both Mandarin and medical English allows him to collaborate across institutions and contribute to global research discourse. These skills make him well-equipped to design impactful studies, evaluate complex datasets, and implement innovative surgical and medical interventions with academic rigor and ethical integrity.

Awards and Honors

Although specific national or international awards are not listed in the available information, Dr. Zhen Ma’s career achievements reflect honors of clinical innovation and research leadership. Notably, he is the lead inventor of two patents: one for an abdominal belt to prevent drainage tube compression, and another for a nutrition tube unblocking device, both granted in 2020. These inventions show his ability to translate bedside challenges into tangible medical devices, which is a hallmark of applied medical innovation. Additionally, his successful participation as a Principal Investigator (PI) and Sub-Investigator (Sub-I) in high-level multicenter clinical trials reflects recognition from the national research community and pharmaceutical collaborators. His role in government-funded research projects, such as the National Health Commission GI Tumor Lab and the NSFC dual liver transplant immunology study, signifies peer trust and institutional acknowledgment of his research capacity. Furthermore, his appointment as an attending surgeon at a Grade A tertiary hospital at a relatively early stage in his career highlights the institutional confidence in his clinical and academic capabilities. These achievements position him as an award-worthy researcher contributing meaningfully to clinical practice and surgical science.

Conclusion

Dr. Zhen Ma is a dedicated and forward-thinking surgical oncologist who integrates clinical excellence with research-driven innovation. With an academic background from top Chinese universities and clinical experience at a leading tertiary care hospital, he has built a robust foundation in both patient care and medical science. His research in autophagy and chemoresistance contributes valuable insights to gastrointestinal cancer management, while his involvement in clinical trials bridges cutting-edge therapies with real-world application. His technical innovations, including ICG-guided surgery and patented medical devices, further demonstrate his commitment to enhancing patient outcomes through practical solutions. Dr. Ma’s work exemplifies the principles of translational medicine—moving from bench to bedside with measurable impact. Though early in his academic career, he has already achieved notable success in publications, research leadership, and surgical outcomes. With potential for expanded international collaboration and high-impact research publication, Dr. Ma is well-positioned to continue advancing the field of surgical oncology. As such, he represents an ideal candidate for the Best Researcher Award, honoring both his past accomplishments and his promising future contributions to medicine and clinical science.

Publications Top Notes

1. Comparative investigation of early-onset gastric cancer
Authors: Ma Z, Liu X, Paul ME, Chen M, Zheng P, Chen H
Year: 2021

2. Real-time indocyanine green fluorescence technique reduces anastomotic leakage in bilioenteric anastomosis: A case report and literature review
Authors: Ma Z, Deng J, Ma B, Chen H
Year: 2023

3. Identification and verification of a prognostic autophagy-related gene signature in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Ma Z, Chen M, Liu X, Cui H
Year: 2024

4. Robotic Versus Total Laparoscopic Splenectomy With Pericardial Devascularisation for Portal Hypertension: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Ma Z, Cui H, Gaoi L, Ma B, He P, Yu Y, Wang Y, Ma Y, Chen H
Year: 2025

5. Prevention of ERCP complications
Authors: Ma Z, Li X, et al.
Year: 2019

6. Liver transplantation in primary sclerosing cholangitis
Authors: Ma Z, Tao P, et al.
Year: 2018