Dr. Maura Massimino | Neuroscience | Best Research Article Award

Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei tumori di Milano, Italy

Dr. Maura Rita Maria Massimino is a highly respected Italian pediatric oncologist and the Director of the Pediatric Oncology Unit at Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan. With over three decades of clinical and academic excellence, she has dedicated her career to advancing the care of children with cancer, particularly central nervous system tumors. She is a registered medical professional in Milan and a prolific researcher, having authored over 350 peer-reviewed articles. In addition to clinical leadership, Dr. Massimino is a dedicated educator, teaching pediatric oncology at leading universities in Milan. She is widely recognized for her role in national and international clinical trials and guidelines. Her work extends to writing for Orphanet and consulting with “Best Doctors.” Dr. Massimino continues to shape the future of pediatric oncology through her research, teaching, and compassionate patient care.

Profile

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Scholar

🎓 Education

Dr. Maura Massimino obtained her MD degree in 1987 from the University of Milan. She further specialized in Hematology in 1991 and Pediatrics in 1995, also from the University of Milan. These strong medical foundations equipped her with deep interdisciplinary expertise vital for pediatric oncology. In addition to her formal medical training, she has pursued continued professional development, earning certifications including GCP (2024), PALS (2023), and BLSD (2024), highlighting her commitment to ongoing learning and up-to-date clinical practices. Dr. Massimino’s academic development aligns with her strong engagement in both research and patient-centered pediatric care, especially in complex oncological conditions. She also contributes extensively to medical education, serving as a contract professor at various universities such as the University of Milan-Bicocca and the University of Milan since 2010. Her educational journey reflects a life-long commitment to excellence in clinical, academic, and research domains of pediatric oncology.

💼 Experience

Dr. Massimino began her career in 1987 as a research fellow at Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori. By 1989, she joined the pediatric oncology staff full-time and, in 2010, rose to become Director of the Pediatric Oncology Unit. She has since led clinical care and research focused on pediatric brain tumors, lymphomas, and thyroid cancers. Her administrative contributions include overseeing hospitalization alignment (DRG) and holding senior leadership in pediatric neuro-oncology since 2006. As a professor, she teaches oncology in multiple Milanese institutions and master’s programs, including psycho-oncology and palliative care. Dr. Massimino also serves as a clinical trial principal investigator in numerous international and phase I–III studies, ensuring access to cutting-edge treatments. Her consultative and organizational expertise extends to national health policy and academic curricula development. Her impact spans healthcare delivery, research leadership, and academic mentorship in pediatric cancer care.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Dr. Massimino has earned widespread recognition in pediatric oncology for her clinical and academic contributions. While specific awards are not listed in the CV, her achievements include leading international clinical trials, publishing over 350 peer-reviewed articles, contributing to more than 400 conference presentations, and authoring major textbook chapters in both Italian and English. She is a featured contributor to Orphanet, a globally respected database for rare diseases and orphan drugs. Since 2000, she has held functional leadership roles and has been recognized with high-ranking administrative titles. Dr. Massimino serves as a trusted expert for “Best Doctors,” a global medical network affiliated with Harvard Medical School, signifying her international standing. Her ongoing teaching appointments at prestigious Milan universities and involvement in national and European research networks underscore her dedication to pediatric oncology and her stature as one of the most respected experts in the field.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Massimino’s research focuses on pediatric brain tumors, particularly gliomas, medulloblastomas, and ependymomas, as well as lymphomas and thyroid malignancies in children. She is the principal investigator in numerous phase I/II/III international trials exploring novel therapies, including nimotuzumab, vinorelbine, dabrafenib, trametinib, pomalidomide, and ponatinib. Her work prioritizes translational approaches combining targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and precision medicine. She also investigates long-term survivorship outcomes, addressing late effects in pediatric cancer survivors. Her sub-investigator roles include studies on rituximab, afatinib, durvalumab, tazemetostat, and DAY101. As a researcher, she aims to improve diagnosis, safety, and efficacy in pediatric oncology while integrating pharmacogenomics and neuro-oncological insights. Additionally, Dr. Massimino is actively involved in the European Reference Network on Pediatric Cancer. Her research efforts align closely with clinical innovations, ensuring that scientific discoveries lead to meaningful improvements in patient care and survival in pediatric oncology.

✅ Conclusion

Dr. Maura Rita Maria Massimino stands as a leading figure in pediatric oncology with a remarkable portfolio of clinical research, leadership, and academic mentorship. Her contributions have tangibly shaped treatment protocols for pediatric brain tumors and her work continues to benefit patients globally. Given the quality, originality, and clinical significance of her research output, she is an exceptionally strong candidate for the Best Research Article Award. Her continued engagement in high-impact studies and educational endeavors reinforces her role as a transformative figure in pediatric cancer research.