Dr. Elena Rusu

Dr. Elena Rusu is a medical oncologist at the Institute of Oncology of Moldova in Chisinau, Moldova's dedicated national cancer center. With 14 years of clinical experience, she has become a recognized specialist in breast and gynecological oncology within the Moldovan healthcare system.

The Institute of Oncology of Moldova is the country's primary cancer treatment and research institution, providing the full range of oncology services including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and palliative care. Dr. Rusu is part of the medical oncology team, participating in multidisciplinary tumor board meetings.

She completed advanced oncology training at the Oncology Institute Professor Dr. Alexandru Trestioreanu in Bucharest, Romania, benefiting from the close medical and linguistic ties between Moldova and Romania. This training exposed her to modern European oncology protocols and targeted therapy approaches.

Dr. Rusu is known for her patient-centered approach and her commitment to supporting patients and families through cancer diagnosis and treatment. She is active in breast cancer awareness campaigns in Moldova and works to improve early detection rates.

Dr. Rusu obtained her MD from Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Chisinau in 2007. She completed her oncology residency at the Institute of Oncology of Moldova and undertook advanced oncology training at the Oncology Institute Prof. Dr. Alexandru Trestioreanu, Bucharest, Romania (2012–2013). Her PhD from Nicolae Testemitanu University in 2015 focused on HER2 status and treatment outcomes in Moldovan breast cancer patients. She is an ESMO member and is certified by the Ministry of Health of Moldova in oncology.

Dr. Rusu's primary clinical focus is breast and gynecological oncology. She designs and administers chemotherapy protocols including anthracyclines, taxanes, and platinum-based regimens, as well as HER2-targeted therapy and hormone therapy for eligible patients. She also treats colorectal cancer and collaborates with surgical and radiation oncology colleagues in multidisciplinary planning. She is experienced in managing chemotherapy toxicities and in palliative oncology care for advanced cancer patients.

Dr. Rusu has published over 10 peer-reviewed articles in Moldovan and Romanian oncology journals. Her research focuses on breast cancer subtypes in the Moldovan population, neoadjuvant chemotherapy outcomes, and the implementation of international oncology guidelines in a limited-resource setting. She collaborates with oncology colleagues in Romania and participates in joint Moldovan-Romanian oncology educational activities.

Dr. Rusu speaks Romanian, Russian, and English and is accessible to patients from Moldova's large diaspora community in Western Europe. The Institute of Oncology coordinates care for returning diaspora patients. Video consultations are available for second opinions. Dr. Rusu provides oncology guidance to Moldovan patients seeking treatment abroad and assists with coordination between Moldovan and foreign oncology centers.

Dr. Rusu received the Moldovan Society of Oncology Young Clinician Award in 2016. She has been recognized by the Institute of Oncology of Moldova for her contributions to breast cancer multidisciplinary care and her leadership in breast cancer awareness initiatives.