Episode 4 with Angelo Pirozzi – Cancer Through My Eyes

In this fourth installment of Cancer Through My Eyes, we continue our journey into the lives of those shaping the future of oncology – not only through clinical skill, but through vision, resilience, and personal purpose.

Behind each clinical advancement are stories of resilience, dedication, and a deep commitment to making a difference. This series uncovers those stories, bringing you closer to the people transforming oncology from the inside out.

Today, we feature Dr. Angelo Pirozzi, a Medical Oncology Fellow at Humanitas University and Research Fellow at Mayo Clinic Arizona. Dr. Pirozzi exemplifies the fusion of clinical excellence and scientific inquiry.

Fluent in both European and North American research environments, Dr. Pirozzi brings a global lens to oncology care, enriched by rigorous clinical training and a passion for mentorship and academic medicine.

Dr. Pirozzi’s Story

Dr. Angelo Pirozzi earned his Doctor of Medicine from the Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II in 2019. He then began a five-year residency in Oncology and Cancer Biology at Humanitas University in January 2021, where he continues to train and grow as a clinician.

His academic path led him to Mayo Clinic Arizona, where he now serves as a Research Fellow specializing in hepatobiliary and pancreatic cancers. Dr. Pirozzi’s work blends patient care with translational research, always guided by a strong sense of purpose and global collaboration.

Q&A with Dr. Pirozzi:

1) You’ve gained firsthand insight into different healthcare cultures at Humanitas University and Mayo Clinic. Which aspect of this international exposure has most influenced your approach to patient care and research? 

The key realization has been that clinical oncology is a team effort – this is a shared principle in both Europe and the U.S. Collaboration among multiple institutions and experts is absolutely crucial for building solid scientific evidence and delivering the best possible care to our patients.

2) Can you recall a specific patient encounter or moment that reaffirmed your commitment to both clinical care and cutting-edge research in oncology?

Of course. I was still a medical student when I cared for a patient with a severe form of acute myeloid leukemia. He was one of the first cancer patients I ever managed. On the last day of my rotation, he was in severe pain, yet he almost smiled as he told me to work hard and pursue a career in oncology so I could “put this bad guy that bothers me into retirement.” I still remember his smile and the powerful impact those words had on my motivation.

3) For younger doctors who aspire to balance research innovation with empathetic, patient-centered care, how do you stay connected to the human side of cancer while pushing scientific boundaries in oncology?

I always remember the words of my biostatistics professor: “Behind numbers, there are people, guys.” I think this is the perfect statement to pass on to young doctors. Whenever we collect, analyze, and interpret data, we must always remind ourselves that our work directly impacts people’s lives.

Honestly – both in presenting research results and in delivering news to our patients – is the most important value to bring with us throughout our careers.

4) You juggle the demands of a rigorous clinical fellowship and ongoing research. Outside of your professional commitments, what helps you stay balanced and energized, ensuring you bring your best to patients each day?

In a demanding and overwhelming field like oncology, balancing work and personal life is increasingly challenging. For me, strength training and following a healthy Mediterranean diet come naturally, given my roots in a small town in southern Italy.

This helps me maintain stamina and focus throughout the day. However, preserving mental health is just as important. Talking with my family at least weekly is essential. It is crucial to stay connected with the people who love you in order to maintain a positive attitude every day.

5) What is the most difficult conversation you’ve had with a patient, and how did you navigate it?

As an oncology fellow, I am trained to deliver difficult news, whether at the end of life or when a patient is no longer a candidate for life-prolonging therapies. However, it is often the most challenging part to help patients understand that, at a certain point, our focus should shift to quality of life and symptom relief.

Every patient reacts differently, but what I always remind myself-and my colleagues- is to approach these conversations with sensitivity and empathy. We must not forget that we, too, are human, and we should not be afraid to show compassion. The Hippocratic Oath, recited by medical doctors in Italy during our graduation day, states: “Cure sometimes, treat often, comfort always.” This is a message we should never forget, especially in oncology.

6) If you had unlimited resources, what is the first major change you would implement in Italy’s cancer care system?

I would build a centralized IT platform to share clinical data across all healthcare institutions. This would make it easier to coordinate patient care, particularly for those receiving treatment at multiple centers. Additionally, it would significantly enhance cancer research – especially if paired with tools capable of automatically extracting relevant data.

Currently, data collection in many centers is done manually, which takes time away from patient care and reduces the overall quality of data available for research.

7) You’re immersed in two renowned institutions known for medical excellence. How does this exposure shape your aspirations for long-term research goals and clinical impact in oncology?

For me, the most valuable aspect of my experience isn’t just that these institutions are “renowned,” but that they treat a large and diverse patient population. Humanitas Cancer Center is a hub hospital in Italy for most oncologic diseases, including rare ones like biliary tract cancer and gliomas. Similarly, Mayo Clinic Arizona plays the same role in the U.S., attracting patients from across the country.

Exposure to a high volume and variety of patients is essential for a doctor in training – it builds confidence and prepares us for different clinical scenarios. At the same time, the large number of patients treated provides a robust pool of data for developing research hypotheses and projects.

8) You’ve devoted significant energy to your fellowship training. Looking back, what’s one piece of advice you would give your younger self before embarking on this challenging but rewarding career path?

To pursue his dreams and interests-regardless of what others think.

9) When you envision ‘cancer through your eyes,’ what core values or motivations consistently drive you to excel in both your fellowship training and your ongoing research endeavors?

The ability to help people who are suffering live better lives. One of my professors in Naples once told me, “The best part of our job is when a patient says, ‘Thank you Doctor’ – even when we cannot cure them… because behind that thank you lies the essence of our work.” I continue to dedicate myself every day for that “thank you”.

10.⁠ ⁠Spotlight Question, submitted by reader Madeline Nazari: “How do cultural differences influence the way cancer care and support are provided?”

Watch Dr. Angelo Pirozzi share his insights in this brief video response exclusively on OncoDaily TV. His answer is also provided below in full:

“Cultural differences play a significant role in the delivery of oncology care. For instance, when it comes to communication, some patients struggle to express their feelings and symptoms – sometimes due to limited education, or because they don’t speak the same language as the physician providing care at that moment.

In those situations, interpreters can help bridge the gap. At the same time, cultural background heavily influences decision-making. Some patients prefer involving family and close friends in their care, while others value autonomy and privacy above all.

Overall, I believe it’s our responsibility to balance scientific evidence with each patient’s individual expectations, while preserving the integrity of the physician-patient relationship.”

Dr. Angelo Pirozzi represents a new generation of oncologists. Globally minded, research-driven, and grounded in humanism. His journey across continents, clinics, and laboratories reminds us that the future of cancer care lies not just in technology, but in collaboration, compassion, and the courage to keep asking better questions.

Have a question or perspective you want to share?

We’re always listening. Drop us a comment or reach out directly. Your voice could spark the next conversation.

Cancer Through My Eyes will return soon with more powerful stories, fresh insights, and real voices redefining how we care, connect, and carry forward in oncology.

By Semiramida Nina Markosyan, HBSc.

Read and watch more dialogues and series by OncoDaily.

Episode 1 with Dr. Hadeel Hassan – Cancer Through My Eyes

Episode 2 with Ziad Abuhelwa – Cancer Through My Eyes 

Episode 3 with Jasmin Hundal – Cancer Through My Eyes