Anna Lasorella, M.D., director of the Precision Medicine Initiative at Sylvester, is advancing the future of cancer treatment through deep molecular understanding of tumors. Her research, focused on brain cancers like glioblastoma, aims to identify tumor vulnerabilities and tailor treatments based on genetic and molecular characteristics.
A native of Italy, Dr. Lasorella transitioned to scientific research more than 20 years ago after realizing the limitations of conventional treatments in pediatric neuro-oncology. She joined Sylvester in 2022, bringing expertise from Columbia University, where she worked alongside Sylvester Deputy Director Antonio Iavarone, M.D., a leader in neuro-oncology.
In her lab, Dr. Lasorella studies how brain tumors develop, become aggressive and resist treatment. Using patient-derived tumor models, her team analyzes the spatial interactions between tumor and normal cells, seeking new ways to target and treat cancers. Their current focus is on understanding tumor architecture and its impact on immunotherapy resistance.
The Precision Medicine Initiative at Sylvester aims to create personalized tumor models that incorporate a patient’s tumor genetics, RNA and methylation profiles, which will guide tailored treatment. Dr. Lasorella’s work builds on existing tumor characterization efforts, striving for a more detailed molecular analysis to refine targeted therapies.
