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Department
LocationCancer and Hematology Center
Bone Tumor Program
Ewing Sarcoma Center
Soft Tissue Sarcoma Program
Texas Medical Center
Specialty
Cancer and Hematology
Phone: 832-822-4242
Fax: 832-825-1453
Email
ncrainuss@texaschildrens.org
Address
6701 Fannin St., Ste. 1510.15
Houston, TX 77030
Research Area
Nino C. Rainusso, MD
Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology-Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine
Education
| School | Education | Degree | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baylor College of Medicine | Fellowship | Pediatric Sarcoma/Solid Tumors | 2010 |
| Baylor College of Medicine | Fellowship | Pediatric Hematology/Oncology | 2009 |
| University of Illinois at Chicago | Residency | Pediatrics | 2006 |
| Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia | Medical School | Doctor of Medicine | 2000 |
About
Dr. Nino Rainusso, is an assistant professor of pediatrics – hematology/oncology at Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center. He is a board-certified pediatric hematologist-oncologist specializing in the care of children with sarcomas.
Dr. Rainusso obtained his M.D. degree from Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia (Lima, Peru) in 2000. He completed his residency in pediatrics at University of Illinois at Chicago and a fellowship in pediatric hematology-oncology as part of the combined Baylor College of Medicine/Texas Children’s Hospital program. In addition, of the three years of pediatric hematology/oncology fellowship, he completed one year specialized fellowship focusing on pediatric sarcomas.
Dr. Nino Rainusso is a member of the Bone Tumor Program and the Musculoskeletal Tumor Clinic Team at Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center. His clinical interests include: osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma
Board Certifications
American Board of Pediatrics
American Board of Pediatrics – Hematology/Oncology
Organizations
| Organization Name | Role |
|---|---|
| American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) | Member |
| American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) | Member |
| American Society of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology (ASPHO) | Member |
| Sarcoma Foundation of America (SFA) | Member |
Research Statement
His research focuses in the role of cancer stem cells in the development and progression of pediatric sarcomas. Dr. Rainusso has been awarded numerous honors for his research, including the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Young Investigator Award (2009). He is a St. Baldrick’s Scholar and has received funding from the Snowdrop Foundation, the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the Children’s Cancer Research Fund to support his work.
Dr. Nino Rainusso is conducting research under the mentorship of Dr. Jeffrey Rosen in close collaboration with Dr. Jason Yustein. The goal of his translational research is to isolate, molecularly characterize and target cancer stem cells in pediatric sarcomas. Cancer stem cells are characterized by their self-renewal, quiescence and increased migratory capacities, which are key inherent features for tumor initiation and metastatic progression. Moreover, cancer stem cells are particularly resistant to the effects of some anticancer drugs and radiation therapy. Therefore, the combination of conventional treatments with the development of novel cancer stem cell-specific therapies would significantly impact patient treatment outcomes.
Dr. Rainusso is using novel genetically engineered mouse models of osteosarcoma and rhabdomyosarcoma, the two most common sarcomas in children, to isolate cancer stem cells. Additionally, he plans to utilize a patient-derived tumor xenograft transplantation (PDTX) model to study cancer stem biology in sarcomas and to evaluate tumor response using different anti-cancer drugs.
His research interests include: Identification and complete genomic characterization of cancer stem cells in pediatric sarcomas.
Selected Publications
Awards & Honors
2022 Star Faculty Award for Excellence in Clinical Care, Baylor College of Medicine
2019 Norton Rose Fulbright Faculty Excellence Award for Development of Enduring Materials, Baylor College of Medicine
Language
English, Spanish
* Texas Children's Hospital physicians' licenses and credentials are reviewed prior to practicing at any of our facilities. Sections titled From the Doctor, Professional Organizations and Publications were provided by the physician's office and were not verified by Texas Children's Hospital.