Current Positions:
Associate Professore, Università Cattolica of Rome, Italy
Since 2017: Head, Neuro‑Oncology Unit, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Rome (Hematology, Oncology, Cell Therapy, Gene Therapies and Hematopoietic Transplantation Area).
Education and Training:
- MD in Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome.
- Specialization in Pediatrics, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome.
- PhD in Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome.
- Master’s in Pediatric Neurology, University of Tor Vergata, Rome.
- Master’s in Healthcare Management, LUM Jean Monnet.
- Honorary Medical Observer, Division of Neuro‑Oncology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis (USA).
Professional Background:
- Medical Officer, Policlinico San Matteo – University of Pavia.
- Since 2010: Medical Officer at Bambino Gesù, with extensive experience in pediatric oncology, especially CNS tumours and long‑term survivorship.
Academic Appointments:
- Adjunct Professor of Pediatrics, Unicamillus International University, Rome.
- Faculty Member, PhD Program in Network Oncology and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome.
Scientific Expertise:
- Pediatric Neuro‑Oncology – internationally recognised expertise.
- CNS Tumours in children and AYA patients.
- Cell and Gene Therapy in pediatric oncology.
- Immunotherapy and targeted therapy for pediatric brain tumours.
- Early phase (I/II) clinical trials.
- Cancer predisposition syndromes.
- NGS‑based molecular characterisation and personalised medicine.
Methodological Expertise:
- Design and conduct of early phase pediatric oncology trials.
- NGS‑based target identification and personalised treatment planning.
- Assessment of late toxicities and survivorship care.
Research Activities
Main Research Areas:
1. Innovative Therapies for Pediatric Brain Tumours
- Immunotherapy, cell and gene therapy, targeted agents and innovative combinations.
2. Early Phase Studies and Precision Medicine
- Phase I/II trials, NGS‑based characterisation, identification of actionable targets and personalised pathways.
3. Cancer Predisposition Syndromes
- Diagnosis, molecular characterisation, genetic counselling and surveillance programs.
4. Survivorship and Late Effects
- Long‑term follow‑up, QoL, neurological and cognitive rehabilitation, transition to adulthood.
5. Translational Research
- Laboratory‑clinic integration, preclinical models, biomarker validation, pharmacogenomics.
- International experience at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, USA, as Honorary Medical Observer in Neuro‑Oncology.
Patents / Clinical Trials:
- Principal Investigator in numerous phase I/II trials on immunotherapy, cell therapy and targeted therapy; participation in European multicentre trials (ITCC, SIOP).
- EU‑funded and national projects (Ministry of Health, AIRC) and strong fundraising activity.
Scientific Production:
- >260 papers, H‑index 34; multiple book chapters and extensive teaching and mentoring roles in pediatrics and oncology.