Judith G. Villablanca

Judith G. Villablanca, MD, is a Clinical Professor (Part-Time) in the Department of Pediatrics at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. She is affiliated with The Saban Research Institute and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA). Her research focuses on pediatric oncology, particularly neuroblastoma, with an emphasis on clinical trials, therapeutic strategies, and biomarker discovery. Dr. Villablanca has contributed to phase I/II studies evaluating novel agents like lorlatinib, vorinostat, and targeted radiotherapies. Her work addresses therapeutic efficacy, drug safety, and prognostic markers for high-risk neuroblastoma. She is actively involved in the New Approaches to Neuroblastoma Therapy (NANT) consortium and the Children’s Oncology Group (COG), leading efforts in optimizing treatment protocols and response criteria. Key contributions include biomarker-driven studies, safety assessments of MIBG therapy, and evaluating drug combinations such as MIBG with chemotherapy or vorinostat. Her research bridges clinical trials with molecular insights, aiming to improve outcomes for children with refractory or relapsed cancers.

Education & Affiliations: While specific educational details are not provided, her roles suggest expertise in pediatric hematology/oncology. She collaborates with leading institutions like CHLA and USC.

Research Trends: Her articles emphasize translational research in neuroblastoma, including genomic biomarkers (e.g., gene expression profiling), drug toxicity monitoring (e.g., premature growth plate arrest), and radiotherapy optimization. Recent work highlights lorlatinib’s potential in ALK-driven tumors and revised response criteria for clinical trials.

Grants & Awards: Not explicitly listed in the provided text.

Labs/Teams: Active in The Saban Research Institute and NANT/COG consortia.