Marcello Deraco

Prof. Marcello Deraco is a surgical oncologist at Maria Cecilia Hospital. He has treated over 1,200 patients with peritoneal cancer. This includes patients with advanced stages of the disease who require specialized techniques. He currently directs the Peritoneal Surface Malignancies Unit in Italy.

Specialization in Peritoneal Surface Malignancies

Dr. Deraco treats abdominal cancers, including stomach, bladder, uterine, and gallbladder cancer. He also treats esophageal and small intestine malignancies. The specialist uses Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS) to remove visible tumors from the abdomen. This surgical technique aims to eliminate all detectable cancerous tissue within the abdominal cavity.

The doctor combines surgery with heated chemotherapy delivered directly to the abdominal cavity. This method, known as HIPEC, helps eliminate remaining microscopic cancer cells. He also performs PIPAC — a procedure that delivers chemotherapy into the abdomen as a pressurized aerosol. This technique helps patients with advanced peritoneal surface malignancies that cannot be removed by surgery alone.

Professional Experience

• 2017–present — Director, Peritoneal Surface Malignancies Unit, Maria Cecilia Hospital
• Lead Physician, Peritoneal Surface Malignancies Program, National Cancer Institute in Milan
• Surgical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS, National Cancer Institute in Milan
• 1989 — Surgery and Experimental Oncology Departments, Fondazione IRCCS, National Cancer Institute in Milan
• Professor of Surgery, Milan University

Education and International Training

• 1987 — University of Messina — Medical Degree with top honors
• 1992 — Specialized in General Surgery, Italy
• Paris Dauphine University — Oncology Specialization, France
• Gustave Roussy Institute — Surgical Oncology Fellowship, France
• Royal Marsden Hospital — Clinical Fellowship, United Kingdom
• Washington Cancer Institute — Surgical Fellowship, USA

Research and Academic Contributions

Prof. Deraco has published over 250 scientific articles in international medical journals. He also authored 25 book chapters on surgical oncology and peritoneal treatments. Additionally, the doctor has mentored more than 30 postdoctoral fellows from international medical institutions.

Professional Memberships

• Peritoneal Surface Oncology International Group (PSOGI) Board Member
• Italian Society for Loco-Regional Cancer Therapy (SITILO) Board Member