Dr. Paola Zagami , IEO european institute of oncology University of Milan , Italy
Dr. Paola Zagami is an accomplished Italian physician and medical oncologist currently working at the European Institute of Oncology (IEO) in Milan. She specializes in clinical and research oncology, focusing on breast cancer. With a strong academic background and passion for advancing cancer treatment, Dr. Zagami has contributed to numerous studies on innovative therapies, particularly immunotherapy and endocrine treatments in breast cancer. She is recognized for her expertise in cancer genomics and the impact of immune checkpoint inhibitors in cancer treatment. Dr. Zagami’s work reflects a blend of clinical practice and research, as she actively collaborates with experts in the oncology field to improve patient outcomes.
Publication Profile:
Scopus
Strengths for the Award:
Dr. Paola Zagami is an exceptional candidate for the Research for Young Scientist Award due to her profound contributions to oncology research, particularly in breast cancer treatment and clinical trials. Her work on immune checkpoint inhibitors, endocrine therapies, and the genomics of breast cancer demonstrates her expertise in precision oncology. Dr. Zagami has been involved in high-impact publications and collaborative international studies, such as her work on metastatic triple-negative breast cancer and the development of novel cancer therapies. Her clinical and research skills, combined with her ability to contribute to the scientific community through publications and awards, make her a highly qualified and promising young scientist. Furthermore, her commitment to gender equity in pharmacological research and clinical trials aligns with the future direction of oncology research, making her a strong contender for the award.
Areas for Improvement:
While Dr. Zagami has made significant strides in breast cancer research, there are opportunities to broaden her research focus to include other cancer types, enabling her to contribute to a wider array of oncological studies. Additionally, further involvement in leading large-scale clinical trials could enhance her leadership in the field. Expanding her research network internationally could facilitate more diverse collaborations and broader research impact.
Education:
Dr. Zagami earned her medical degree (MD) and has since pursued extensive education in the field of oncology. In 2021, she received a scholarship from the IEO-Monzino Foundation, focusing on clinical research in oncology. She further honed her expertise by earning the AMMI award in 2023 for her work on gender equity in pharmacological research. This education in clinical research positions Dr. Zagami as a thought leader in her field, with a commitment to investigating new treatments and approaches in cancer care.
Experience:
Dr. Zagami’s professional career began as an oncological clinical researcher, where she focused on the development of targeted therapies and the clinical impact of cancer treatments. Since 2024, she has been serving as a medical oncologist at the European Institute of Oncology (IEO) in Milan, contributing to both clinical and research activities. Throughout her career, Dr. Zagami has gained experience in advanced oncology treatments, particularly in immunotherapy and endocrine therapies for breast cancer. She works closely with interdisciplinary teams to design and conduct clinical trials, improving personalized cancer care. Dr. Zagami’s research collaborations have resulted in several publications in prestigious journals, reflecting her expertise and commitment to enhancing cancer treatment strategies.
Experience:
Dr. Zagami’s professional career began as an oncological clinical researcher, where she focused on the development of targeted therapies and the clinical impact of cancer treatments. Since 2024, she has been serving as a medical oncologist at the European Institute of Oncology (IEO) in Milan, contributing to both clinical and research activities. Throughout her career, Dr. Zagami has gained experience in advanced oncology treatments, particularly in immunotherapy and endocrine therapies for breast cancer. She works closely with interdisciplinary teams to design and conduct clinical trials, improving personalized cancer care. Dr. Zagami’s research collaborations have resulted in several publications in prestigious journals, reflecting her expertise and commitment to enhancing cancer treatment strategies.
Research Focus:
Dr. Zagami’s research focus is primarily centered around the treatment of breast cancer, particularly in the areas of immunotherapy, endocrine therapy, and personalized medicine. She has been involved in research on immune checkpoint inhibitors for metastatic triple-negative breast cancer and the clinical implications of genomic alterations in breast cancer. Dr. Zagami is also dedicated to investigating the safety and efficacy of novel cancer therapies, particularly in early-phase clinical trials. Her research interests also include the study of gender equity in pharmacological research and the integration of molecular diagnostics in clinical trials for metastatic breast cancer. She is committed to advancing precision oncology by studying the genetic and clinical landscape of breast cancer to enhance patient outcomes and treatment strategies.
Publications Top Notes:
- Immunotherapy in the treatment landscape of hormone receptor-positive (HR+) early breast cancer: is new data clinical practice changing?
- Triple negative breast cancer: pitfalls and progress.
- Association of PIK3CA Mutation With Pathologic Complete Response and Outcome by Hormone Receptor Status and Intrinsic Subtype in Early-Stage ERBB2/HER2-Positive Breast Cancer.
- Endocrine therapy for early breast cancer in the era of oral selective estrogen receptor degraders: challenges and future perspectives.
- Effect of age on safety and efficacy of novel cancer drugs investigated in early-phase clinical trials.
- Immunotherapy for patients with metastatic triple-negative inflammatory breast cancer (INCORPORATE): An international cohort study.
Conclusion:
Dr. Paola Zagami is undoubtedly a rising star in the field of oncology. Her combination of clinical experience, research accomplishments, and passion for improving cancer treatments positions her as a highly deserving candidate for the Research for Young Scientist Award. As she continues to advance her work in oncology, her future contributions have the potential to significantly impact cancer care and research globally. With some further expansion in her research focus and leadership roles, Dr. Zagami is poised to be an influential figure in oncology for years to come.