Dr. Marta Kováčová

Dr. Marta Kováčová is a medical oncologist at the National Cancer Institute Slovakia in Bratislava, the country's primary oncology referral and research center. With 16 years of clinical experience, she has developed particular expertise in thoracic oncology and the application of molecular profiling to personalize cancer treatment.

Dr. Kováčová completed an oncology fellowship at the University Hospital of the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU), Germany, where she trained in EGFR/ALK-targeted therapy for lung cancer and immune checkpoint inhibitor protocols. Returning to Bratislava, she became a key figure in establishing the National Cancer Institute's lung cancer molecular profiling program.

She is deeply committed to clinical research and has enrolled patients in numerous international oncology trials, ensuring Slovak patients have access to investigational therapies. She is an ESMO member and participates in Slovak and European lung cancer working groups.

Dr. Kováčová is appreciated by her patients for her thoroughness, her clear communication about complex molecular treatment options, and her supportive approach throughout the cancer treatment journey.

Dr. Kováčová received her MD from Comenius University Faculty of Medicine in Bratislava in 2005. She completed her internal medicine and oncology residency at the National Cancer Institute Slovakia and undertook an oncology fellowship at the University Hospital of Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, Germany (2010–2011). Her PhD from Comenius University in 2014 focused on EGFR mutation status and outcomes in Slovak non-small cell lung cancer patients. She is an ESMO member and is certified by the Slovak Medical Chamber in clinical oncology.

Dr. Kováčová's primary clinical focus is thoracic oncology, with expertise in non-small cell lung cancer, small cell lung cancer, and mesothelioma. She designs treatment regimens including chemotherapy, EGFR/ALK/ROS1/KRAS targeted therapies, and immune checkpoint inhibitor combinations. She integrates comprehensive molecular profiling (NGS, PD-L1 testing, liquid biopsy) into treatment planning. She also treats breast cancer, colorectal cancer, lymphoma, and melanoma as part of multidisciplinary teams. She coordinates clinical trial enrollment and manages patients on investigational protocols.

Dr. Kováčová has published over 18 peer-reviewed articles in journals including Lung Cancer and the European Journal of Cancer. Her research focuses on EGFR-targeted therapy outcomes, immunotherapy biomarkers in lung cancer, and molecular profiling in Slovak oncology populations. She collaborates with oncology centers in Germany and presents at ESMO and IASLC (International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer) congresses.

Dr. Kováčová speaks Slovak, Czech, and English and is experienced in treating international patients. The National Cancer Institute Slovakia has an international patient coordination service. Video consultations are available for second opinions. Bratislava's central location and direct flight connections to major European cities make it accessible for patients seeking oncology consultation in Slovakia.

Dr. Kováčová received the Slovak Society of Clinical Oncology Young Investigator Award in 2015. She was recognized by the National Cancer Institute Slovakia for her leadership in establishing the lung cancer molecular profiling program. She has received ESMO travel grants and was selected as a presenter at the ESMO Annual Congress in 2020.