Prof. Antonio Ruggiero | Brain Tumors | Best Academic Researcher Award
Director of Pediatric Oncology at Gemelli Foundation IRCCS – Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Italy
Prof. Antonio Ruggiero is an accomplished Italian pediatric oncologist and academic, currently serving as Associate Professor at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Rome and Head of the Pediatric Oncology Unit at Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS. After obtaining his medical degree cum laude in 1992, he specialized in Pediatrics and later Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, both with highest honors. His clinical work focuses on pediatric oncology, where he integrates patient care, research, and teaching. Prof. Ruggiero’s contributions extend internationally through collaborations in numerous clinical trials and European research projects. Passionate about improving pediatric cancer treatments, his research interests encompass antineoplastic drug pharmacology, pain therapy, and clinical trial design. He also actively participates in various expert panels, including the Italian Ministry of Health and the European Reference Network for pediatric oncology. As an author, he has contributed to over 100 peer-reviewed publications on pediatric cancers, drug development, and supportive care strategies. His leadership and commitment to advancing pediatric oncology make him a respected figure among clinicians and researchers worldwide.
Profile
Education
Prof. Ruggiero earned his Medical Degree from Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Rome in 1992, graduating with top marks (110/110 cum laude). Demonstrating a strong commitment to specialization, he completed his Board of Pediatrics at the same university in 1996, achieving a perfect score and honors (50/50 cum laude). Continuing his academic advancement, he obtained a further specialization in Pediatric Hematology and Oncology in 1998, again with top honors. His educational journey did not stop at formal degrees; he has since become deeply involved in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching across various campuses, including Rome, Brescia, and Milan. His teaching areas range from general pediatrics to pediatric neuro-rehabilitation and sports medicine. Since 1997, he has consistently supervised medical students, conducted lessons and seminars, and guided numerous research projects. His educational philosophy emphasizes the integration of cutting-edge research into clinical practice, preparing future physicians to deliver evidence-based, compassionate care. Through his extensive teaching and mentorship activities, Prof. Ruggiero has shaped the professional paths of many young doctors and researchers in Italy and beyond.
Professional Experience
Prof. Ruggiero’s professional journey spans over three decades, characterized by progressive leadership roles in pediatric oncology. From 1992 to 1996, he completed his residency in General Pediatrics at the Catholic University of Rome, followed by a specialized residency in Pediatric Oncology until 1998. He then served as a consultant in the Pediatric Oncology Division until 2017, building a solid clinical foundation. In 2004–2005, he expanded his expertise internationally as a Locum Consultant Pediatric Oncologist at Royal Liverpool Children’s NHS Trust in the UK. Returning to Rome, he became Head of the Pediatric Hematology and Experimental Therapies Unit and later Head of the Pediatric Oncology Unit at Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS. Since 2020, he also serves as Medical Director of the pediatric bone marrow transplantation clinical unit program. Additionally, he is an Associate Professor at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, reflecting his dedication to both clinical practice and academia. His dual focus ensures the integration of the latest research into patient care, fostering continuous improvements in pediatric oncology services and training the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Research Interest
Prof. Ruggiero’s research interests center on advancing therapeutic strategies and supportive care for pediatric oncology patients. A significant focus lies in the clinical pharmacology of antineoplastic agents, aiming to optimize drug efficacy and minimize toxicity in children. He actively explores novel pain management approaches, including opioid and non-opioid therapies, to improve quality of life during cancer treatment. His involvement in pediatric clinical trials, particularly phase I-II studies, underscores his dedication to translating innovative therapies from bench to bedside. Prof. Ruggiero has contributed to numerous national and European projects, such as the development of new drug delivery systems for pediatric gliomas and investigations into neuroprotective agents for optic pathway gliomas. His commitment to collaborative research is evident through his membership in international networks like ENCCA and ITCC. Through his work, he aims to identify biomarkers, enhance personalized medicine approaches, and develop strategies for reducing long-term treatment-related morbidities. By integrating clinical practice with research, he aspires to achieve safer and more effective treatment modalities, ultimately improving survival and well-being in children with cancer.
Research Skills
Prof. Ruggiero possesses a comprehensive skill set that spans clinical, research, and educational domains. He has expertise in designing and conducting phase I-II clinical trials, focusing on innovative therapies for pediatric oncology. His skills include clinical pharmacology assessment, pain management protocols, and developing new antineoplastic drug regimens. He is adept at coordinating multidisciplinary research teams and integrating laboratory findings into clinical practice. As a mentor and supervisor, he guides postgraduate students in advanced research methodologies and experimental designs, ensuring rigorous scientific standards. Prof. Ruggiero is also experienced in regulatory processes, serving on expert boards for Italian and European scientific evaluation and drug approval agencies. He has participated in developing evidence-based guidelines and assessing health policy impacts on pediatric cancer care. His proficiency in manuscript writing and peer review is demonstrated by his extensive publication record and his role on several editorial boards. These diverse skills support his holistic approach to improving pediatric oncology outcomes through research-driven innovations and translational medicine.
Awards and Honors
Throughout his career, Prof. Ruggiero has received recognition for his outstanding contributions to pediatric oncology and academic medicine. His awards and honors reflect his dedication to patient care, research excellence, and medical education. His appointment as Associate Professor and leadership positions at prestigious institutions signify high professional esteem. His selection to serve on national and international expert boards, such as the Italian Ministry of University and Research and the European Reference Network for pediatric oncology, further highlights his influence and reputation. His inclusion as an expert peer reviewer for multiple international funding agencies and scientific bodies showcases his standing in the research community. Additionally, he has been trusted with roles assessing drug safety and efficacy for pediatric use at the national agency level. These cumulative honors underscore his commitment to advancing pediatric oncology both in Italy and globally and affirm his role as a leading figure in his field.
Publications
Prof. Ruggiero has an extensive publication record, with over 100 peer-reviewed articles from 2015 to 2025 alone. His works span diverse topics, including antineoplastic drug development, pain management, neuro-oncology, nutritional status in pediatric patients, and long-term effects of cancer treatments. Notable publications include studies on the pharmacological mechanisms of platinum-induced ototoxicity, strategies for managing malnutrition and sarcopenia, and the clinical impact of innovative therapies like transdermal opioid delivery systems. He has also contributed to large international collaborations, addressing challenges in pediatric oncology clinical trials during the COVID-19 pandemic and advancing biomarker research for treatment monitoring. His editorial roles and invited reviews further demonstrate his expertise in synthesizing complex clinical and research data for broader dissemination. Prof. Ruggiero’s publications not only inform clinical practice but also guide future research directions, offering critical insights into optimizing therapeutic outcomes and supportive care strategies in children with cancer. His prolific authorship cements his status as a key thought leader in pediatric oncology research.
Conclusion
Prof. Antonio Ruggiero’s career is a testament to his unwavering commitment to pediatric oncology through patient care, research innovation, and academic leadership. His journey from medical student to department head and associate professor underscores a lifelong dedication to improving the lives of children with cancer. By integrating clinical practice with cutting-edge research, he has significantly contributed to advancements in pediatric cancer treatments and supportive care. His educational initiatives have shaped new generations of clinicians and researchers, extending his impact well beyond his immediate patients. Prof. Ruggiero’s extensive publication record and active participation in international research collaborations further highlight his role as a global leader in his field. Through ongoing work in clinical trials, drug development, and pain management, he continues to strive for better outcomes and quality of life for pediatric patients. His multifaceted contributions reflect a holistic approach to medicine that prioritizes both scientific rigor and compassionate care, leaving a lasting legacy in pediatric oncology.