Dr. Hassane M. Zarour

Dr. Hassane M. Zarour, MD, is a leading physician-scientist and international expert in cancer immunology, specializing in melanoma immunotherapy and tumor immune evasion mechanisms. He serves as Co-Leader of the Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Professor of Medicine, Immunology, and Dermatology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and Director of the Cutaneous Oncology and Cancer Immunotherapy Program. Dr. Zarour earned his medical degree from the University of Algiers Faculty of Medicine and completed his residency and fellowship training in Hematology, Oncology, and Immunology in France, followed by postdoctoral research at the University of Pittsburgh. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology.

A pioneer in T-cell-based immunotherapy, Dr. Zarour’s research has elucidated key mechanisms of T-cell exhaustion and immune resistance in melanoma and solid tumors. His laboratory focuses on restoring anti-tumor immunity through novel immune checkpoint inhibitors, epigenetic modulators, and adoptive T-cell therapies. Dr. Zarour has authored over 150 peer-reviewed publications and has led innovative clinical trials that integrate mechanistic insights from his laboratory into therapeutic interventions for advanced melanoma.

Beyond his scientific achievements, Dr. Zarour is a committed mentor and thought leader in cancer immunotherapy. He has trained numerous physician-scientists who are advancing immunotherapy programs globally. His work bridges fundamental immunology with translational applications, influencing the development of next-generation immune-based strategies for melanoma and other hard-to-treat malignancies. Dr. Zarour continues to be at the forefront of immuno-oncology, driving forward approaches to enhance the durability and breadth of immunotherapy responses.