Christian Diego Rolfo, MD, MBA

Biography

Christian Rolfo, MD, PhD, MBA, Dr.hc., is Professor of Medicine and the Diane Nye and Michael Rayden Chair in Innovative Cancer Research at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. He serves as Division Director of Medical Oncology and Associate Director for Early Phase Clinical Trials at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute in Columbus, Ohio. Dr. Rolfo is an internationally recognized leader in thoracic oncology, early drug development, and liquid biopsy, with a strong “bench-to-bedside” approach translating molecular discoveries into precision cancer therapies . His research focuses on biomarker development, mechanisms of resistance, and innovative diagnostic strategies, particularly through circulating tumor DNA and extracellular vesicles. A pioneer in the field, Dr. Rolfo’s work on exosomes has advanced their role as critical mediators of intercellular communication and as diagnostic and predictive biomarkers. His seminal contributions include demonstrating that exosomal microRNAs and proteins can identify drug resistance and guide treatment decisions, as well as showing that extracellular vesicle PD-L1 dynamics can predict durable response to immunotherapy. He has also identified exosomal biomarkers associated with resistance to chemoradiotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer. Notably, his group was the first to identify ALK translocations in exosomes, providing a novel, minimally invasive strategy for patient selection in targeted therapies . Beyond biomarker development, Dr. Rolfo has made significant contributions to early-phase clinical trials and drug development, supporting the clinical advancement of multiple targeted therapies and immuno-oncology agents, including erlotinib, olaparib, entrectinib, and selpercatinib. He has also led international efforts to standardize the use of liquid biopsy in clinical practice, including co-leading global consensus guidelines. Prior to joining Ohio State, Dr. Rolfo held leadership positions at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, where he served as Professor and Associate Director for Clinical Research in the Center for Thoracic Oncology, and at the University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, where he was Director of Thoracic Medical Oncology and Director of Early Clinical Trials. He has also held academic appointments in Europe and Latin America, including at the University of Antwerp, visiting professor at University of Palermo, University of Córdoba and Cairo University. Dr. Rolfo earned his MD from the University of Córdoba, Argentina; his PhD and Doctor Europaeus in Clinical and Experimental Oncology from the University of Palermo, Italy; and an MBA in Health Services Management from the Polytechnic University of Valencia, Spain. He completed his medical oncology training at the National Cancer Institute of Milan (University of Milan). He currently serves as Chief of Scientific Officer and recent President of the International Society of Liquid Biopsy (ISLB) and holds leadership roles within the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer, including Chair of Education Committee, director of Lung Cancer Academy, where he has contributed to education and global guideline development. Dr. Rolfo has authored more than 400 peer-reviewed publications, including in leading journals such as New England Journal of Medicine, Lancet Oncology, Cancer Discovery, and Journal of Thoracic Oncology. He is also Editor-in-Chief of Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology. Through his scientific, clinical, and leadership contributions, Dr. Rolfo continues to shape the field of precision oncology, advancing the integration of liquid biopsy technologies and targeted therapies into routine cancer care.