In the realm of global cancer research, Professor Antonio Giordano stands as a formidable bridge between Italian scientific tradition and American innovation. As founder and director of the Sbarro Health Research Organization (SHRO), professor at both Temple University in Philadelphia and the UniversitĂ di Siena , and co-founder of the Scuola Superiore Meridionaleâa public institution of higher education in Naples, Italy, established in 2019 focusing on providing advanced education and research opportunitiesâhis journey from the historic streets of Naples to pioneering laboratories in the United States embodies the transformative impact of cross-cultural scientific exchange.
“I grew up surrounded by science,” reflects Antonio, whose scientific trajectory was profoundly shaped by his father, Giovan Giacomo Giordano, a renowned pathologist and pioneer in medical oncology and environmental carcinogenesis. “From a very young age, he instilled in me a profound respect for research, ethics, and the social impact of medicine.”
This foundation would prove instrumental when Antonio seized the extraordinary opportunity to join Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, directed by Nobel Laureate James D. Watson. That pivotal experience crystallised his passion for translational oncology and set him on a path toward establishing a research organisation that would span continents.
With over 750 published papers, 20 patents, and groundbreaking discoveries in gene therapy, the cell cycle, cancer genetics, and epidemiology, Antonio’s scientific contributions have fundamentally altered our understanding of cancer biology. A significant milestone in his early career occurred in 1989, when research demonstrated the importance of cell cycle proteins in the functioning of DNA tumour virusesâthe first demonstration of a physical link between cell cycle and cancer.
“The discovery of the tumour suppressor gene RBL2/p130 in the 1990s was another pivotal moment,” he notes, a finding that contributed substantially to understanding cell cycle regulation and established new directions for gene therapy, particularly in lung, breast, and brain cancers.
More recently, his laboratory has pioneered AI-powered platforms for kinase inhibitor screening and explored combinations of oleanolic acid and camptothecin to induce synthetic lethality in tumour cells, offering new strategies to overcome chemoresistance. “My goal is to translate molecular insights directly into the clinic,” Antonio explains, “by identifying essential cancer dependencies and exploiting them for targeted therapies. We aim to transform cancer from a terminal disease into a chronic, manageable condition.”
Yet perhaps his most personally meaningful work addresses environmental cancer risks in his native Italy. “Our research on the ‘Terra dei Fuochi‘ remains one of the most significant projects of my career,” he shares. This innovative study used bioindicators, specifically moss, to detect heavy metals and toxic pollutants in areas affected by illegal waste dumping, revealing contamination across wider zones than previously mapped.
“It reinforced my belief that science must go beyond the laboratory: it must protect and empower people, especially the most vulnerable,” he emphasises, demonstrating how his Italian heritage shapes his scientific mission.
Indeed, this cultural influence permeates his research approach. “Being Italian has profoundly shaped how I approach science,” Antonio reflects. “In Italy, we are taught to view knowledge not merely as technical mastery but as part of a broader humanistic and cultural journey. Thus, for me, science is never detached from ethics, beauty, or social responsibility.”
This integration of scientific rigour with humanistic values defines SHRO’s philosophy. The organisation maintains vibrant connections with Italian institutions through SHRO Italia, based in Candiolo near Turin, collaborating with universities in Naples, Siena, and Caserta. These partnerships support research in cancer genomics and regenerative medicine, while running joint Phd programs and facilitating mobility exchanges that have involved over 300 early-career scientists.
Antonio, who describes himself as “visionary, resilient, and empathetic,” divides his time between Philadelphia, Candiolo, Siena and Naplesâa living embodiment of the scientific bridge he has constructed between Italy and the United States. When asked what Italy could learn from his adopted country, he suggests “reducing administrative burdens and fostering innovation through competitive funding schemes,” while America could benefit from Italy’s “deep-rooted sense of scientific heritage and the ability to integrate research with human values.”
For young Italians considering international careers, Antonio offers practical wisdom: “Embrace discomfort as part of the learning process. Learn to write grants, publish with purpose, and think globally. Invest in computational literacy and data ethicsâthey will be as crucial as laboratory techniques.”
Looking toward emerging trends, he sees great promise in molecular convergence, with technologies like single-cell multi-omics, spatial profiling, and AI-guided drug design revolutionising diagnostics and therapy. “SHRO is at the forefront,” he notes, “integrating machine learning into the identification of non-oncogene addiction targets.”
Despite his global scientific impact, Antonio remains deeply connected to his Italian roots. “I keep alive the ritual of coffee,” he shares. “Every morning, I prepare an espresso with a moka pot, just as generations have done in Italy. Throughout the day, coffee serves as a social connector, a moment to exchange ideas or slow downâreminding me that both science and life require warmth, reflection, and community.”
When asked to describe his work as an Italian dish, his answer reveals both whimsy and profound insight: “Lasagna. Each layer represents a tier of research, ranging from fundamental biology to clinical application, and from genomics to AI integration. It requires patience, synthesis, and structure, but when done right, it offers nourishment, strength, and meaning.”
From the discovery of critical tumour suppressor genes to the development of cutting-edge AI platforms for cancer drug discovery, Antonio Giordano’s scientific journey exemplifies how Italian creativity and holistic thinking can flourish on the international stage, particularly when combined with the resources and pragmatism of American scientific infrastructure. His ongoing work at SHRO continues to demonstrate that the most powerful scientific advances emerge not just from technical mastery, but from a deeply human commitment to improving lives across borders.
(Article by AIRE SOS, a non-profit association that provides support to Italians living abroad, offering a wide range of services).