Researcher Spotlight: Alberto Carturan, MD

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

Jaime Peykoff Follicular Lymphoma Fellow

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies represent a groundbreaking advancement in the treatment of lymphoma. While CAR T-cell therapies have produced remarkable results for many patients, these agents also carry a risk for potentially severe treatment complications, some of which may be life-threatening. Through his research, Dr. Carturan hopes to develop a novel CAR T-cell therapy that disrupts or prevents the signaling cascade that triggers these complications, with the goal of improving outcomes with this line of therapy.

Dr. Carturan completed his medical training at the University of Ferrara in Italy. After completing a clinical fellowship in hematology at the Marche Polytechnic University (Italy), he is now serving as a postdoctoral researcher in the Division of Hematology and Oncology and Center for Cellular Immunotherapies at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Carturan hopes to build upon his experiences as a research fellow to establish himself as a physician-scientist working toward improving the lymphoma treatment landscape. “I aspire to bridge the gap between bedside care and cutting-edge research, contributing to advancements that directly benefit patients with lymphoma,” he says.

Dr. Carturan’s dedication to lymphoma research is driven by the patients he has met throughout his medical career. “Witnessing their struggles and personal hardships has been a powerful motivator for me,” he says. “I’ve seen firsthand the impact that lymphoma has on individuals and their families, and it fuels my determination to continually enhance lymphoma therapies.” Through his work, he aspires to develop treatments that not only target the disease more precisely but also minimize adverse effects, ensuring a better overall experience for patients. “My commitment is rooted in the belief that every step forward in scientific understanding and medical innovation brings us closer to providing more-effective and compassionate care to those affected by lymphoma,” he explains.