Researcher Spotlight: Paola Ghione, MD

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Skin infections and bacterial colonization are known to play an important role in the development and severity of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCLs). Topical treatments, including bleach baths and antiseptic creams, are sometimes used in CTCL and can improve the appearance of skin lesions, but it’s not clear what effect they have on the microbiome of tumors and beyond. “In this proposal, we aim to study the effects of topical antiseptics on CTCL intratumoral and gut microbiome to understand whether these treatments are advantageous,” explains Dr. Ghione. “This study will also provide valuable information to study how CTCL develops and potentially new personalized treatments for people with CTCL.”

“My fascination with the diversity of lymphomas and their myriad biological mechanisms began as a medical student at the University of Torino in Italy, where in the last two years of medical school, I joined the molecular biology laboratory, gaining hands-on experience in some exciting genetic techniques,” Dr. Ghione explains. “The pace of the lymphoma research now makes these technologies a bit old-fashioned. When I realized, during my clinical hematology training and later on as a lymphoma advanced fellow, that the same pace of discovery applied to treatment and outcomes of the patients, I fell in love.”

Dr. Ghione is currently an assistant attending in the lymphoma service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. “My favorite thing and what brings me the highest inspiration, is to accompany my patients through challenges. I learn a lot from their experiences,” she says. “My goal is to lead an independent clinical and translational research program to expand knowledge, optimize care, and improve the quality of life in people with lymphoma.”