Description of Research Expertise

Dr. Andrea Facciabene is at the forefront of cancer immunotherapy research, leading a dynamic laboratory that seamlessly integrates basic scientific exploration with clinical investigation. His research is dedicated to unraveling the intricate network of immune responses in the context of cancer, with a dual mission: to advance our comprehension of tumor immunology and to translate these groundbreaking insights into highly effective therapeutic strategies.

The Facciabene laboratory has made significant strides in the development of innovative approaches for cancer therapy. These include cutting-edge investigations studying the vital role played by the gut microbiota in regulating anticancer immune responses. This groundbreaking work seeks to illuminate the intricate interplay between the gut microbiome and cancer radiation and immune therapy, offering new avenues for therapeutic intervention.

Our research team has been developing two innovative vaccination strategies in the field of cancer immunotherapy. The first strategy involves harnessing the potential of mitochondrial DNA mutations, known as TAMAs, by using mitochondria isolated from tumor cells. The second approach focuses on emerging tumor vasculature antigens. These pioneering vaccination methods have the potential to revolutionize cancer treatment by mobilizing the body's immune system to target and combat malignancies effectivel


Complementing the laboratory's basic research, clinical investigations are dedicated to the development of preclinical immunotherapies. These translational efforts bridge the gap between scientific discovery and real-world patient care, with the ultimate goal of bringing innovative and effective immunotherapies to the forefront of cancer treatment.