Aldo Ummarino, MD, PhD, Postdoctoral Fellow Boston Children's Hospital Area of Research: Pancreatic Cancer Aldo Ummarino, MD, PhD, is an emerging leader in cancer research, developing innovative immunotherapies to combat pancreatic cancer. One of the deadliest and hardest-to-treat cancers, pancreatic cancer has proven resistant to conventional immunotherapy. Dr. Ummarino’s research focuses on harnessing the power of interferons, immune molecules that can trigger the body’s natural defenses to fight tumors. His preclinical studies have shown promising results, with the potential to eliminate pancreatic tumors in mouse models—a breakthrough that could transform treatment for this aggressive cancer. Dr. Ummarino’s scientific journey began in Italy, where his early research in gastric lesions and nematode diagnostics laid the foundation for his passion for cancer research. After earning his MD cum laude at the University of Foggia, he moved to Humanitas Research Hospital, one of Italy’s top institutions, to deepen his expertise in cancer-related inflammation. During his PhD, Dr. Ummarino worked under renowned cancer researchers Profs. P. Allavena and A. Mantovani, where he explored the potential of innate immune receptors as cancer therapy targets, producing impactful publications and fostering international collaborations. His work is grounded in a desire to push scientific boundaries and bring real-world impact to patients. “We have the potential to revolutionize the treatment landscape for pancreatic cancer,” says Dr. Ummarino. “By targeting innate immune pathways, we could not only eliminate tumors but also identify new treatment targets for patients who desperately need better options.” Dr. Ummarino’s research has been supported by prestigious fellowships and collaborations, including a Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds international short-term fellowship at Harvard Medical School. As an early-career researcher, he is poised to make lasting contributions to the field of cancer immunotherapy, with a focus on expanding treatment options and improving patient outcomes worldwide. Projects and Grants A New Immunotherapy for Pancreatic Cancer Based on Interferon-Induced Immunogenic Cancer Cell Death Boston Children’s Hospital | Pancreatic Cancer | 2025 | Ivan Zanoni, PhD
