Professor Paolo Ascierto has received the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC), recognizing his longstanding contributions to cancer immunotherapy, melanoma research, and the development of innovative therapeutic strategies.
Professor Ascierto shared the announcement in a statement expressing gratitude to SITC, his colleagues and collaborators, and the patients who continue to inspire his work.
“I am deeply honored to receive the 2026 SITC Lifetime Achievement Award from the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer,” Professor Ascierto stated.
He added that the recognition reflects the collective commitment of the professionals with whom he has worked throughout his career.
“This award reflects the dedication of the outstanding colleagues and collaborators I have had the privilege to work with, and above all, the patients who inspire our work every day.”
A Career Dedicated to Advancing Cancer Immunotherapy
Professor Paolo Ascierto is Full Professor of Oncology at the University of Naples Federico II and Director of the Department of Melanoma, Cancer Immunotherapy and Developmental Therapeutics at the Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione Pascale in Naples, Italy.
His principal research interests include the genetics and proteomics of melanoma, the identification of molecular markers associated with tumour progression, and the biochemical and immunological monitoring of patients.
His work has also focused extensively on cancer immunotherapy, vaccination approaches in solid tumours, and combination strategies involving immuno-oncology treatments.
Through these areas of research, Professor Ascierto has contributed to the evolving understanding of melanoma biology and the development of new therapeutic approaches for patients with cancer.
Leadership Across International Oncology Organisations
Alongside his clinical and research activities, Professor Ascierto has held numerous leadership positions within international oncology and immunotherapy organisations.
Paolo Ascierto has served as a member of the Steering Committee of the Society for Melanoma Research since 2016 and as a member of the board of the Cancer Drug Development Forum since 2017.
Professor Ascierto has also been a member of the Board of Directors of SITC since 2018.
In Italy, he has served as President of Fondazione Melanoma Onlus since 2010 and President of the Campania Society of Immunotherapy of Cancer since 2013.
These roles reflect his continued involvement in advancing collaboration, scientific exchange, and clinical research in melanoma and cancer immunotherapy.
Shaping Research Through Clinical Trials
Professor Paolo Ascierto has served as Principal Investigator in more than 80 clinical trials, supporting the evaluation of new treatments and combination strategies across cancer immunotherapy and solid tumours.
His research has explored approaches designed to strengthen antitumour immune responses, identify markers of disease progression, and improve the clinical application of immunotherapy.
He has authored more than 300 publications in peer-reviewed journals and has been invited to speak at over 400 national and international scientific meetings.
Through this extensive academic and clinical work, Professor Ascierto has contributed to the global discussion surrounding melanoma treatment, immuno-oncology, and therapeutic development.
An Influential Voice in Scientific Publishing
Professor Paolo Ascierto is actively involved in several leading scientific journals.
He serves as Associate Editor of Annals of Oncology for Onco-Immunology and Chief Section Editor for the Combination Strategies section of the Journal of Translational Medicine.
He is also an Associate Editor of the Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer and a member of the Editorial Board of EBioMedicine.
Through these editorial responsibilities, he supports the communication and evaluation of research across cancer immunology, translational medicine, and immunotherapy development.
Recognition of a Lasting Contribution
The SITC Lifetime Achievement Award acknowledges Professor Ascierto’s sustained commitment to research, clinical investigation, scientific leadership, and the advancement of cancer immunotherapy.
His career has brought together laboratory research, biomarker development, clinical trials, professional leadership, and scientific communication, with a continued focus on improving treatment options for patients with melanoma and other solid tumours.
Looking ahead, Professor Ascierto reaffirmed his commitment to the field.
“I look forward to continuing our efforts to advance cancer immunotherapy and improve patient outcomes.”
Written by Nare Hovhannisyan, MD
Explore more oncology news and features on OncoDaily