Patricia LoRusso

Patricia LoRusso, DO is the Amy and Joseph Perella Professor of Medicine in the Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology at Yale School of Medicine. She serves as Chief of Experimental Therapeutics and Associate Cancer Center Director of Experimental Therapeutics at Yale Cancer Center, where she leads the Phase I clinical trials infusion center at Smilow Cancer Hospital. With over 25 years of expertise in medical oncology and drug development, Dr. LoRusso has established herself as a leading figure in early phase clinical trials for novel cancer therapeutics.

Dr. LoRusso's research focuses on developing innovative treatments for advanced cancers, with particular emphasis on molecularly targeted therapies and immunotherapies. Her work spans multiple cancer types, with significant contributions to the development of therapies targeting KRAS mutations, TP53 variants, and other molecular drivers of cancer. She has authored more than 200 peer-reviewed articles on cancer research and served as editor of Investigational New Drugs, while currently sitting on the editorial board for Clinical Cancer Research.

Analysis of her recent publications (2024-2025) reveals a strong focus on first-in-class therapeutics, including protein degraders targeting KRAS mutations, novel immune checkpoint inhibitors, and precision approaches for tumors with specific molecular alterations. Her work demonstrates a consistent pattern of advancing experimental agents from early phase trials through clinical development, with an impressive track record of 14 FDA-approved cancer drugs emerging from trials she has led.

• 1999 Heroes of Breast Cancer Award
• 2004 Bennett J. Cohen Educational Leadership Award for Medical Research
• 2008 NCI Michaele C. Christian Oncology Development Lectureship and Award
• 2014 Targeted Anticancer Therapies (TAT) Honorary Award
• 2014 Michigan State University Distinguished Alumni Award
• 2014 Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center's One Hundred recognition
• 2022 Joseph H. Burchenal Award for Outstanding Achievement in Clinical Cancer Research
• 2022 Fellow, American Society of Clinical Oncology

Dr. LoRusso currently leads multiple active clinical trials as Principal Investigator, including studies of novel agents targeting TP53 Y220C mutations, KRAS G12D mutations, and other molecular targets. Her leadership extends to national committees, where she has helped shape cancer research priorities through her service on NCI committees and professional organizations. At Yale, she plays a key role in the Developmental Therapeutics Program and contributes to the SPORE in Lung Cancer initiative, demonstrating her commitment to advancing cancer research through collaborative efforts.

As leader of the Phase I clinical trials program, Dr. LoRusso has created a patient-centered environment focused on bringing research breakthroughs to patients with advanced cancers. Her work exemplifies the translation of laboratory discoveries into clinical applications, with the ultimate goal of improving outcomes for cancer patients both in Connecticut and worldwide.