Biography
Dr. Assunta De Rienzo is the Co-Director of the Thoracic Surgery Translational Research Laboratory at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston. She holds a PhD in Molecular Biology and has dedicated her career to understanding the genomic foundations of mesothelioma. Dr. De Rienzo's research focuses on the BAP1 tumor suppressor gene and molecular profiling of mesothelioma subtypes, work that has been instrumental in identifying potential therapeutic targets and improving our understanding of why some patients respond differently to treatment. While she does not see patients directly, her laboratory research directly informs the clinical treatment strategies used by the surgical and medical oncology teams at Brigham and Women's.
Education & Training
- PhD — University of Naples Federico II (Molecular Biology)
- Postdoctoral Fellowship — Brigham and Women's Hospital / Harvard Medical School (Mesothelioma Genomics)
Specialties & Procedures
Clinical Specialties
- Mesothelioma Research
- Genomics
- Molecular Biology
As a medical oncologist, Dr. Assunta De Rienzo focuses on non-surgical treatment modalities including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and clinical trials.
Research Focus
Mesothelioma genomics, BAP1 tumor suppressor gene research, molecular profiling of mesothelioma subtypes, and identification of novel therapeutic targets.
Treatment Center
Dr. Assunta De Rienzo practices at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, MA.
Legal Resources for Mesothelioma Patients
Patients diagnosed with mesothelioma after asbestos exposure may be eligible for compensation through asbestos trust funds and legal claims. Over $30 billion remains available in trust funds nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dr. De Rienzo's role in mesothelioma treatment?
Dr. De Rienzo is a PhD researcher who co-directs the Thoracic Surgery Translational Research Laboratory at Brigham and Women's Hospital. While she does not treat patients directly, her research into mesothelioma genomics and the BAP1 gene directly informs treatment strategies.
What is BAP1 and why is it important in mesothelioma?
BAP1 is a tumor suppressor gene that is frequently mutated in mesothelioma. Dr. De Rienzo's research has helped characterize how BAP1 mutations influence mesothelioma development and may affect treatment response, contributing to more personalized approaches to care.