We are delighted to announce Dr Federico Monaca as a touchONCOLOGY Future Leader 2026, selected as a rising star poised to shape the future of lung cancer.
Dr Federico Monaca graduated in 2012 from Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Rome and completed his residency at Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli with top honours, earning full marks cum laude. He is currently a Senior Clinical Research Fellow at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, where he leads clinical and translational research focused on identifying predictive factors of response in extensive-stage small cell lung cancer. A PhD candidate, his research explores the role of cancer stem cells in the neoadjuvant setting. Dr Monaca has authored more than 30 publications and has contributed as a sub-investigator to over 40 clinical trials.
In this interview, Dr Monaca reflects on the mentors who shaped his approach to research and clinical trials, the importance of patience and patient-centred care, and the transformative potential of next-generation immunotherapies.
“Ten years ago we knew very little – now we have multiple treatment options. Seeing how scientific progress translates into real opportunities for patients is incredibly rewarding.”
Q: Can you tell us about a mentor who significantly impacted your career, and the most valuable lesson they have shared with you?
Q: What aspects of your work do you find the most fulfilling?
One of the most fulfilling aspects of my work is being able to explain to a patient with a specific mutation that, 10 years ago, we knew very little about that alteration, whereas now we have several treatment options available. Seeing how scientific progress translates into real opportunities for patients is incredibly rewarding.
Q: Is there a particular moment or experience in your career that reinforced your passion for your specialty?
Yes. I have a patient whom I see every two weeks for tarlatamab treatment. He has been on therapy for more than three years in the third-line setting. Without this innovative drug, he would likely have progressed shortly after starting third-line treatment. Cases like this reinforce my passion for the specialty, because they show how advances in research are allowing us to treat patients in completely different and more effective ways.
Q: Looking ahead, what do you anticipate will be the biggest advancements or changes in your field over the next decade?
I believe the biggest advancements will come from the new generation of immunotherapy, particularly T-cell engagers, tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and CAR-T cell therapies. These approaches have the potential to transform outcomes for many patients.
Q: What advice would you offer to those just beginning their journey in your specialty?
Find a mentor, not just a sponsor. Look for someone who will give you the freedom to express yourself, support your development, and help you grow independently. Also, do not be afraid of making mistakes – they are an essential part of learning.
Q: What role do patients play in shaping how you approach treatments and make clinical decisions?
Patients play the central role. It is essential to spend the appropriate amount of time discussing the pros and cons of each treatment with them and to make a genuine assessment of their fitness for therapy. Sometimes patients do not fully disclose how they feel at the beginning, so empathy is fundamental. Only by truly listening to patients can we make the best possible clinical decisions with them.
Disclosures: This short article was prepared by touchONCOLOGY in collaboration with Dr Federico Monaca. No fees or funding were associated with its publication.
Citation: Dr Federico Monaca on shaping a career in modern oncology: touchONCOLOGY Future Leaders 2026. touchONCOLOGY. 14th April 2026.
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