Assoc. Prof. Dr. Umberto Malapelle | Molecular Pathology | Excellence in Research Award
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Umberto Malapelle | University of Naples Federico II | Italy
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Umberto Malapelle is an accomplished researcher and academic specializing in molecular pathology, oncology, and precision medicine. He earned his Laurea Magistrale in Medical Biotechnology summa cum laude and later a Ph.D. in Anatomical Pathology from the University of Naples “Federico II,” where he now serves as Chief Supervisor of the Predictive Molecular Pathology Laboratory. His professional journey includes international research collaborations in Spain and Germany, extensive teaching roles in pathology, and leadership positions such as Chair of Young Investigators and Secretary of the International Society of Liquid Biopsy. He has contributed to national and international research projects, authored innovative diagnostic tools like the SiRe® NGS panel, and co-founded the university spin-off Genedin. As Editor-in-Chief of The Journal of Liquid Biopsy and Associate Editor for leading oncology journals, he significantly shapes scientific discourse. His research focuses on liquid biopsy, immunotherapy, and translational oncology, influencing clinical practice and guidelines worldwide.
Publication Profile
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Education
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Umberto Malapelle earned his Laurea Magistrale in Medical Biotechnology summa cum laude from the University of Naples “Federico II,” where he developed a passion for molecular oncology and precision medicine. He pursued a Ph.D. in Anatomical Pathology at the same university, focusing on predictive biomarkers for EGFR mutations and their analytical and clinical validation in cancer treatment. During his formative years, he expanded his expertise through international collaborations and training programs. He completed research training at the Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas in Madrid, Spain, where he worked on molecular pathology projects with renowned experts, and participated in advanced training in microdissection and sequencing technologies in Germany. These experiences shaped his skills in translational oncology, molecular diagnostics, and innovative methodologies for cancer biomarker discovery. His educational path reflects a strong balance of academic excellence, global research exposure, and commitment to advancing pathology for clinical benefit.
Experience
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Umberto Malapelle professional career demonstrates a blend of academic teaching, clinical research, and international collaboration. He began as a research partner in Spain at CNIO, gaining hands-on expertise in molecular pathology, and later continued collaborations with leading institutions in Barcelona and Germany. At the University of Naples “Federico II,” he has served as lecturer in pathology across medical, technical, and specialized courses, training future doctors, researchers, and healthcare professionals. Beyond academia, he plays key roles in research projects funded by regional and international grants, particularly focusing on liquid biopsy and predictive biomarkers in oncology. He has held leadership roles in scientific societies, including Chair of Young Investigators and Secretary of the International Society of Liquid Biopsy, and is an active member of European oncology networks. His editorial contributions and committee memberships further highlight his influence in shaping research, education, and clinical innovation in cancer diagnostics.
Research Focus
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Umberto Malapelle’s research focus lies at the intersection of molecular oncology, liquid biopsy, and precision medicine. His work emphasizes the development and validation of advanced diagnostic platforms, including next-generation sequencing and circulating tumor DNA analysis, to detect clinically relevant mutations in solid tumors such as non-small cell lung cancer, colorectal cancer, melanoma, and breast cancer. He has significantly contributed to international consensus guidelines and biomarker-driven strategies, shaping the evolving landscape of personalized treatment. His studies explore resistance mechanisms to targeted therapies, tumor mutational burden, immunotherapy responses, and novel molecular pathways that impact clinical decision-making in oncology. Beyond biomarker testing, his research extends to translational medicine, integrating laboratory discoveries into real-world clinical practice to improve patient outcomes. As a global leader in liquid biopsy, he collaborates widely with international organizations and societies, advancing innovation in predictive pathology, therapeutic monitoring, and personalized cancer care.
Publication Top Notes
Liquid biopsy for advanced NSCLC: a consensus statement from the international association for the study of lung cancer
Year: 2021 | Citations: 565
The evolving landscape of biomarker testing for non-small cell lung cancer in Europe
Year: 2021 | Citations: 212
Profile of the Roche cobas® EGFR mutation test v2 for non-small cell lung cancer
Year: 2017 | Citations: 198
EGFR and HER2 exon 20 insertions in solid tumours: from biology to treatment
Year: 2022 | Citations: 181
CBX7 is a tumor suppressor in mice and humans
Year: 2012 | Citations: 172
PTEN Alterations and Their Role in Cancer Management: Are We Making Headway on Precision Medicine?
Year: 2020 | Citations: 160
Conclusion
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Umberto Malapelle is a highly suitable candidate for the Research for Excellence in Research Award. His pioneering work in liquid biopsy, molecular diagnostics, and translational oncology, combined with leadership in academia and international committees, showcases his alignment with the award’s criteria. With broader interdisciplinary engagement and expanded mentorship visibility, his candidacy would stand out even further.