Dr. Rasa Bernotienė

Dr. Rasa Bernotienė is a medical oncologist at the National Cancer Institute Lithuania (NCI) in Vilnius, Lithuania's dedicated cancer research and treatment center and the country's primary oncology referral institution. With 16 years of clinical experience, she has developed expertise in breast and colorectal oncology and immunotherapy.

She completed an advanced oncology fellowship at the Netherlands Cancer Institute (NKI) in Amsterdam — one of Europe's foremost dedicated cancer centers. Her Dutch training gave her deep expertise in molecular oncology, HER2-targeted therapy, and the clinical trial environment at a world-class cancer institution.

Returning to Vilnius, Dr. Bernotienė became a key figure in the NCI's clinical trial program, enrolling Lithuanian patients in international oncology studies and providing access to investigational therapies. She is an ESMO member and participates in Baltic and European oncology research networks.

She is known for her evidence-based approach, her integration of molecular profiling into treatment planning, and her clear communication with patients about the rationale behind complex oncology treatment decisions.

Dr. Bernotienė received her MD from Vilnius University Faculty of Medicine in 2005. She completed her oncology residency at the National Cancer Institute Lithuania and undertook an advanced oncology fellowship at the Netherlands Cancer Institute (NKI), Amsterdam, Netherlands (2010–2012). Her PhD from Vilnius University in 2014 focused on molecular predictors of response to chemotherapy in breast cancer. She is an ESMO member and is certified by the Lithuanian Medical Association in clinical oncology.

Dr. Bernotienė's primary clinical focus is breast and colorectal oncology. She designs and administers chemotherapy, HER2-targeted therapy, CDK4/6 inhibitors, VEGF inhibitors for colorectal cancer, and immune checkpoint inhibitors for eligible patients. She integrates NGS molecular profiling and MSI/PD-L1 testing into treatment decisions. She participates in multidisciplinary tumor board reviews and manages clinical trial patients. She also treats lung cancer, ovarian cancer, and lymphoma within the NCI multidisciplinary framework.

Dr. Bernotienė has published over 18 peer-reviewed articles in journals including the European Journal of Cancer and Breast Cancer Research. Her research focuses on breast cancer molecular subtypes in Lithuania, colorectal cancer immunotherapy outcomes, and clinical trial participation rates in Baltic populations. She collaborates with oncologists in the Netherlands and participates in Baltic and European oncology research consortia.

Dr. Bernotienė speaks Lithuanian, Russian, and English and is experienced in providing oncology second opinions and treatment to international patients. The National Cancer Institute Lithuania provides English and Russian-language consultation reports. Video consultations are available for second opinions. Lithuania's EU membership ensures access to all EMA-approved cancer therapies at Baltic pricing levels.

Dr. Bernotienė received the Lithuanian Society of Oncology Young Investigator Award in 2015. She was recognized by the NCI for her leadership in building the clinical trial program. She has received ESMO recognition for her engagement in Baltic oncology education and clinical trial development.