John Matthew Maris

John Matthew Maris, M.D., is Professor of Pediatrics (Oncology) at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine and a leading physician-scientist at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). In addition to his faculty appointment, he serves as Co-Chair of the Genetics, Genomics and Pediatric Diseases Research Affinity Group at CHOP and holds the Giulio D’Angio Endowed Chair in Neuroblastoma Research. He is also a member of the Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Committee and the Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute.

Education:

• B.S. in Biology, Wheeling College, 1983
• M.D., University of Pennsylvania, 1989

Research Focus:
Dr. Maris is internationally recognized for his comprehensive investigations into neuroblastoma biology and precision therapy. His work integrates high-resolution cancer genomics, circulating tumor DNA analyses, epigenetic profiling, and radiopharmaceutical development to identify actionable targets and improve outcomes for children with high-risk neuroblastoma. By leveraging large clinical cohorts and pre-clinical models, his laboratory has uncovered novel molecular subtypes, prognostic biomarkers, and immune-based therapeutic strategies that are reshaping clinical trial design.

Across more than 500 peer-reviewed publications, a consistent trend emerges: the translation of genomic discoveries into first-in-human or first-in-child clinical trials. Recent articles emphasize liquid biopsy monitoring, alpha-particle radiotherapy, antibody-drug conjugates, and universal CAR-T platforms, reflecting a trajectory toward individualized, less-toxic treatments for pediatric solid tumors.

Honors & Awards:

• Giulio D’Angio Endowed Chair in Neuroblastoma Research, CHOP

Training & Mentoring:
As a member of the Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Committee, Dr. Maris contributes to the education and mentorship of clinical fellows and graduate students across the Genomics and Computational Biology, Pharmacology, and Cell and Molecular Biology graduate groups. His lab website and AFCRI profile serve as hubs for collaborative, multi-disciplinary training in translational pediatric oncology.

Laboratory & Team:
The Maris Laboratory operates within the Colket Translational Research Building at CHOP and is affiliated with the Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute. The team encompasses bioinformaticians, wet-lab scientists, clinical research coordinators, and physician-scientists working synergistically to accelerate cures for neuroblastoma and other high-risk childhood cancers.