Dr, PhD De Cecco Loris

Degree in Biological Sciences, PhD in Life Sciences. 

My research path focuses on the multi‑omics analysis of rare tumors, with the aim of deepening our understanding of their biology, improving prognosis, and identifying new therapeutic strategies. Using second‑ and third‑generation NGS technologies, I perform whole‑exome sequencing analyses (mutations, CNVs), RNA‑seq, small‑RNA‑seq and methylation profiling on both tissue samples and liquid biopsies. My experience spans the management and processing of bulk, single‑cell and spatial “omic” resolved transcriptomics, employing systems‑biology approaches to address complex clinical questions. 

At the same time, I devote attention to the development of computational‑biology and artificial‑intelligence methodologies, which are particularly relevant in rare tumors, where sample sizes are often limited. 

As PI or co‑PI of funded projects, I work in two main areas: head‑and‑neck cancers and pediatric central‑nervous‑system neoplasms. In the first area, I study upper aerodigestive‑tract malignancies, including oral cavity, oropharynx, pharynx, larynx, hypopharynx, nasopharynx, nasal sinuses and salivary glands. In the second, I focus on pediatric central‑nervous‑system tumors such as high‑grade gliomas. The goal is to identify biomarkers and monitor disease progression through noninvasive approaches, thereby enabling personalized management. 

Finally, I investigate the impact of resident/systemic microbiota and of HPV and EBV viruses on head‑and‑neck diseases, as well as the brain–gut–microbiota axis in central‑nervous‑system tumors, assessing their implications for clinical outcome.