Chiara Nicolazzo

Department of Life Science, Health and Health Professions, Link Campus University, Rome, Italy Cancer Liquid Biopsy Unit, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy

Chiara Nicolazzo is an Associate Professor at the Department of Life Science, Health and Health Professions at Link Campus University of Rome, Italy. She received her Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technologies, a PhD in Molecular Medicine, and a specialization in Clinical Pathology and Clinical Biochemistry from Sapienza University.Since 2008, her research has focused on cancer biology, particularly on the study of tumor-derived biomarkers circulating in the bloodstream and other body fluids. Her scientific activity involves the isolation and molecular characterization of circulating tumor cells (CTC) and the analysis of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), with a particular emphasis on colorectal cancer. She is strongly committed to overcoming technical challenges in the field of liquid biopsy and to the development and optimization ofintegrated methods for CTC and ctDNA analysis from a single blood sample. She is actively engaged in promoting translational research in oncology and the development of non-invasive diagnostic strategies.

Paola Gazzaniga

Cancer Liquid Biopsy Unit, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy

Paola Gazzaniga is Full Professor of Precision Oncology and Head of the Liquid Biopsy Unit at the Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome. She began her research career studying HPV and cancer at the Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum under Prof. Harald zur Hausen. Back in Italy, she focused on cancer biomarkers in blood and was among the first to propose EGFR mutation testing in peripheral blood.A pioneer in liquid biopsy, Prof. Gazzaniga established a dedicated laboratory equipped for the enrichment and molecular characterization of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and ctDNA. Her group is strongly committed to translating liquid biopsy innovations into clinical tools for patient management.Her research focuses on using liquid biopsies to study clonal evolution in solid tumors, with specific aims including: (1) identifying predictive biomarkers for targeted and immune therapies, (2) early detection of drug resistance, and (3) discovering novel therapeutic targets.