Alessandro Ottaiano, MD

Research Interests: cancer biomarkers and genetics of sarcoma, melanoma and colorectal cancer in order to develop new predictive and prognostic factors and new therapeutic approaches; immunologic and genetic mechanisms underlying colorectal cancer progression

Dr. Alessandro Ottaiano achieved his M.D. degree in 1999 and his Specialization in Oncology in 2003 at the “Federico II” University of Naples. He conducted four years internship (1996-1999) at the Laboratory of Immunology of the Department of Biology and Cellular Pathology, “Medicine and Surgery” Faculty, “Federico II” University of Naples, under the supervision of the late Professors Serafino Zappacosta and Ennio Carbone. His research focused on the role of MHC class I molecules (on both normal and cancer cells) in modulating NK cells functions. After completing this training in cancer immunology, he pursued a clinical fellowship (1999-2003) in Medical Oncology at the Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli, IRCCS “G. Pascale”. He dedicated his research efforts on cancer biomarkers and genetics of sarcoma, melanoma and colorectal cancer in order to develop new predictive and prognostic factors and new therapeutic approaches. Among the most recent and important findings of Dr. Ottaiano are the descriptions of “regressive” genetic trajectories in oligo-metastatic colorectal cancer and the identification of immune mechanisms of cetuximab-related anti-tumor effect in metastatic colorectal cancer. Dr. Ottaiano is continuing to cure oncological patients and to design and conduct innovative translational research studies now focusing on the immunologic and genetic mechanisms underlying colorectal cancer progression (oligo- versus poly-metastatic disease) and response to specific treatments (“abscopal effect” of radiotherapy, anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies, KRAS inhibitors). From 2004, Dr. Ottaiano is Assistant Professor at the Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli, IRCCS “G. Pascale”, SSD-Innovative Therapies for Abdominal Metastases, Department of Abdominal Oncology, Naples, Italy.

Editorial Board Member of PCM
Term of Appointment: May 2021 - Apr 2023

Updated on April 28, 2021