Scientific director at exolabitalia, Italy
Dr. Stefano Fais is a distinguished scientist with over 260 publications and extensive contributions to immunology, virology, oncology, and extracellular vesicle research. His pioneering work on tumor microenvironment acidification, proton pump inhibitors in cancer therapy, and tumor cannibalism has advanced cancer treatment strategies. As Director of the Anti-Tumor Drugs Department at the Istituto Superiore di Sanità and National Delegate to the IARC, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership. He founded the International Society for Proton Dynamics in Cancer and served as President of the Italian Association of Functional Medicine. His global impact is evident through collaborations, including a Visiting Professorship in Japan. Currently, as Scientific Director of ExoLabItalia, he continues to drive research innovation. While additional emphasis on recent groundbreaking work and mentorship could strengthen his profile, his interdisciplinary contributions, leadership, and commitment to scientific progress make him highly suitable for the Outstanding Scientist Award.
Professional Profile
Education🎓
Dr. Stefano Fais holds a strong academic background in medicine and research. He graduated in Medicine and Surgery in 1981, followed by a specialization in Gastroenterology and General Pathology. Further advancing his expertise, he earned a Ph.D. in Gastroenterological Sciences, focusing on the intricate mechanisms of gastrointestinal diseases. To expand his scientific scope, he pursued a Post-Doctorate in Virology, enabling him to explore virus-host interactions and immune responses. His education laid the foundation for his diverse research career spanning immunology, oncology, virology, and extracellular vesicles. In addition to his medical and research qualifications, he has also been involved in academic teaching, serving as a professor at the University of Catanzaro, Italy. His multidisciplinary education has played a crucial role in shaping his innovative approaches to cancer therapy, immune regulation, and disease mechanisms, making him a prominent figure in biomedical research and translational medicine.
Professional Experience📝
Dr. Stefano Fais has had a distinguished career in medical research, academia, and leadership. He initially balanced medical practice with research, focusing on immunology, virology, and gastroenterology, before dedicating himself entirely to scientific research in 1994. He has served as Director of the Anti-Tumor Drugs Department at the Istituto Superiore di Sanità, leading groundbreaking studies on tumor microenvironment acidification, proton pump inhibitors in cancer therapy, and extracellular vesicles. As National Delegate to the IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer), he contributed to global cancer research policies. He founded and presided over the International Society for Proton Dynamics in Cancer and led multiple national and international research projects. Additionally, he was a Visiting Professor at Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Japan. Currently, he continues his research as Scientific Director of ExoLabItalia, demonstrating sustained leadership and innovation in biomedical science.
Research Interest🔎
Dr. Stefano Fais’s research interests span oncology, immunology, virology, and extracellular vesicles, with a strong focus on understanding disease mechanisms and therapeutic interventions. His pioneering work in tumor microenvironment acidification explores how cancer cells manipulate their surroundings, leading to innovative approaches using proton pump inhibitors for cancer therapy. He has extensively studied tumor cannibalism, a phenomenon linked to cancer progression and survival strategies. His research also delves into immune responses in chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, the role of interferons in intestinal diseases, and HIV-1 virus-host interactions. Additionally, he investigates the biological functions of extracellular vesicles, both in human physiology and plant systems, to understand their potential in cell communication and therapy. Through his interdisciplinary approach, Dr. Fais has significantly contributed to advancing cancer treatment, virology, and immunology, shaping new perspectives in translational medicine and biomedical sciences.
Award and Honor🏆
Dr. Stefano Fais has received numerous awards and honors in recognition of his groundbreaking contributions to oncology, immunology, and biomedical research. As a testament to his scientific leadership, he was appointed National Delegate to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in 2009 and 2010, influencing global cancer research policies. He founded and served as President of the International Society for Proton Dynamics in Cancer (2010-2014), pioneering research on tumor microenvironment acidification. His contributions to cancer therapy and immunology earned him prestigious national and international research grants. He has also been a Visiting Professor at Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Japan, furthering international collaborations in cancer research. Additionally, he served as President of the Italian Association of Functional Medicine (2017-2021), highlighting his influence in medical advancements. His extensive leadership, scientific impact, and continuous innovation have solidified his reputation as a renowned biomedical scientist.
Research Skill🔬
Dr. Stefano Fais possesses exceptional research skills spanning oncology, immunology, virology, and gastroenterology, with a strong emphasis on translational medicine. He is adept at designing and executing complex experimental studies, particularly in understanding tumor microenvironment acidification, proton pump inhibitors in cancer therapy, and immune responses in chronic diseases. His expertise includes cellular and molecular biology techniques, in vivo and in vitro models, and mechanistic studies on tumor progression and extracellular vesicles. Additionally, he has significant experience in virus-host interactions, particularly in HIV-1 research, contributing to advancements in virology. His leadership in international research projects demonstrates his ability to develop innovative hypotheses, secure research funding, and collaborate across disciplines. As a former Director of the Anti-Tumor Drugs Department, he also has strong skills in drug development and therapeutic strategies. His analytical mindset, interdisciplinary approach, and problem-solving abilities have made significant contributions to biomedical science and cancer research.
Conclusion💡
Dr. Stefano Fais is highly suitable for the Outstanding Scientist Award due to his extensive contributions to cancer research, immunology, and virology, as well as his leadership in international scientific organizations. His work has had substantial impact on tumor biology and novel therapeutic strategies, aligning with the award’s focus on exceptional scientific achievements and contributions to society.
Publications Top Noted✍️
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Title: Biological properties of extracellular vesicles and their physiological functions
Authors: M Yáñez-Mó, PRM Siljander, Z Andreu, A Bedina Zavec, FE Borràs, …
Year: 2015
Citations: 5746
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Title: Microenvironmental pH is a key factor for exosome traffic in tumor cells
Authors: I Parolini, C Federici, C Raggi, L Lugini, S Palleschi, A De Milito, C Coscia, …
Year: 2009
Citations: 1761
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Title: Applying extracellular vesicles based therapeutics in clinical trials–an ISEV position paper
Authors: T Lener, M Gimona, L Aigner, V Börger, E Buzas, G Camussi, N Chaput, …
Year: 2015
Citations: 1325
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Title: High levels of exosomes expressing CD63 and caveolin-1 in plasma of melanoma patients
Authors: M Logozzi, A De Milito, L Lugini, M Borghi, L Calabro, M Spada, …
Year: 2009
Citations: 1113
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Title: Induction of lymphocyte apoptosis by tumor cell secretion of FasL-bearing microvesicles
Authors: G Andreola, L Rivoltini, C Castelli, V Huber, P Perego, P Deho, …
Year: 2002
Citations: 980
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Title: Modulation of microenvironment acidity reverses anergy in human and murine tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes
Authors: A Calcinotto, P Filipazzi, M Grioni, M Iero, A De Milito, A Ricupito, A Cova, …
Year: 2012
Citations: 664
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Title: Human tumor-released microvesicles promote the differentiation of myeloid cells with transforming growth factor-β–mediated suppressive activity on T lymphocytes
Authors: R Valenti, V Huber, P Filipazzi, L Pilla, G Sovena, A Villa, A Corbelli, …
Year: 2006
Citations: 659
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Title: Human colorectal cancer cells induce T-cell death through release of proapoptotic microvesicles: role in immune escape
Authors: V Huber, S Fais, M Iero, L Lugini, P Canese, P Squarcina, A Zaccheddu, …
Year: 2005
Citations: 639
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Title: Tumour-released exosomes and their implications in cancer immunity
Authors: M Iero, R Valenti, V Huber, P Filipazzi, G Parmiani, S Fais, L Rivoltini
Year: 2008
Citations: 615
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Title: Effect of proton pump inhibitor pretreatment on resistance of solid tumors to cytotoxic drugs
Authors: F Luciani, M Spada, A De Milito, A Molinari, L Rivoltini, A Montinaro, …
Year: 2004
Citations: 547
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Title: Evidence-based clinical use of nanoscale extracellular vesicles in nanomedicine
Authors: S Fais, L O’Driscoll, FE Borras, E Buzas, G Camussi, F Cappello, …
Year: 2016
Citations: 492
