Using Functional Precision Medicine to Guide Individualized Treatments for Relapsed and Refractory Cancers

Host

Rita Fior, PhD, Cancer development and innate immune evasion Lab

Venue

Seminar Room

Abstract

This talk will highlight how Functional Precision Medicine (FPM) uses live tumor testing to identify the most effective therapies for patients with relapsed and refractory cancers. By integrating ex vivo drug sensitivity testing with molecular profiling and AI-driven analysis, we can move beyond one-size-fits-all treatment and make data-driven, individualized decisions. I will share clinical evidence demonstrating how this approach improves treatment selection and outcomes in heavily pretreated patients.

Bio

Dr. Diana Azzam is a translational cancer researcher and Associate Professor in the Department of Environmental Health Sciences at Florida International University, where she also serves as Scientific Director of the Center for Advancing Personalized Cancer Treatments (CAPCT). Her work focuses on functional precision medicine (FPM) as a clinical decision-support platform by integrating ex vivo drug sensitivity testing with multi-omics and AI-driven translational modeling. Dr. Azzam leads multiple active clinical studies applying FPM for patients with advanced, relapsed, or treatment-resistant cancers in close collaboration with major hospital systems. Her research interests include therapy resistance, cancer stem cells, environmental carcinogenesis, and the repurposing of existing and nature-derived compounds to improve patient outcomes.

Register here.

About CR Colloquia Series

Champalimaud Research (CR) Colloquia Series is a seminar programme organised by the Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown to promote the discussion about the most interesting and significant questions in neuroscience and physiology & cancer with appointed speakers by the CR Community.