Biografia

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I am a cancer biochemist with 17 years of experience in the field of human pathophysiology, particularly in translational oncology. I employed my expertise of biological chemistry to investigate the biochemical processes underlying the onset of several diseases of both inflammatory and neoplastic nature with the aim to develop preventive and/or therapeutic strategies in cell lines and animal models. In particular, on the metabolic reprogramming of cancer and how this can be exploited for new combined therapeutic strategies in solid tumors. I used approaches based on the use of targeted small molecules, siRNA, shRNA. Recently, I approached to exploit alternative drugs in combined therapies with tyrosine kinase inhibitors, used in clinical practice for treatment of lung cancer. In parallel with the development of my research projects, I contributed to other studies concerning the onset of resistance mechanisms, the role of NETs in cancer cell adhesion processes and the identification of exosome as biomarkers of resistance.

Interessi di ricerca

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The translational scientific approach to studying human pathophysiology is one of the most promising todays. It bridges detailed mechanistic investigations in a single cellular model, extends and generalizes findings to other models, validates them in 3D cell models, organoid and/or animal studies, and ultimately translates them into clinical practice. For this reason, my research in translational oncology will increasingly focus on understanding the mechanisms that distinguish not only the tumor but also its microenvironment from healthy tissue. The goal is to identify new biomarkers as potential therapeutic targets that can complement first-line treatments in clinical practice.
Specifically, I addressed several key tumor features:
1. The Warburg effect is one of the most intriguing hallmarks of cancer. It is not only a widespread metabolic trait of tumors but also a potential key to new cancer therapies. Since this metabolic alteration occurs in most cancer cells, deeply investigating its mechanisms and understanding its origins and evolution is of global scientific importance, it represents the Achilles’ heel of cancer cells.
2. Therapy resistance is another critical issue in cancer pathophysiology. It is increasingly clear that under drug pressure, a subpopulation of tumor cells can activate alternative phenotypes that allow them to escape treatment-induced cell death and promote metastasis.
3. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) emerge as powerful, non-invasive biomarkers in cancer, reflecting the molecular signature of their cell of origin. By carrying tumor-specific proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, EVs provide dynamic insights into disease progression, therapeutic response, and resistance mechanisms. Their stability in body fluids and accessibility through liquid biopsy make EVs a transformative tool for early detection and precision oncology, paving the way for personalized treatment strategies and improved patient outcomes.
4. The strength of my research lines in exploring innovative combination therapies to meet the clinical need for effective treatments after first-generation targeted inhibitors or chemotherapy fail due to resistance, which often leads to new lesions.

Pubblicazioni scelte

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The complete list of publication is available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=de%20rosa%20viviana&sort=date