Giovanna Tosato, M.D.

A main focus of current research is the study of endothelial cells and the vasculature in physiology and disease states, particularly in cancer development and progression. Endothelial cells form a monolayer that lines the inner wall of blood and lymphatic vessels in all tissues. Blood vessels are conduits of cells, oxygen and nutrients to all tissues, including the tumor tissue. Endothelial cells are also components vascular niches, structural and functional units composed of other cell types and extracellular matrices that mediate specialized networks for cell-to-cell communication in various tissues. Research is focused on the role of vessels and endothelial cells in the tumor microenvironment and in the hematopoietic system. All projects have a translational approach, with a particular emphasis in developing new treatments for solid and hematological malignancies. Our program integrates different cell types, biospecimens analyses and mechanistic studies in culture and preclinical mouse models to identify and overcome obstacles to effective anti-tumor treatment. Our group has developed new experimental strategies and treatments for effective control of resistant cancer, with the goal of advancing promising experimental approaches into clinical testing.

Dr. Tosato attended the La Sapienza Medical School in Rome, Italy, where she received her M.D. in 1973 and completed her residency in medicine at the Catholic University in Rome. In 1976, she came to the NCI where she became a Clinical Associate in the Pediatric and Medicine Branches and subsequently a visiting fellow in the Metabolism Branch. In 1983, Dr. Tosato began working at the Food and Drug Administration. From 1992-99 she served as Director, Division of Hematologic Products, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, FDA. In 1999 Dr. Tosato returned to the NCI as a senior investigator.