Rowan-Virtua SOM student contributes to published precision oncology research

Second-year Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine student Wynn Bastianelli recently contributed to a peer-reviewed research paper published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology: Precision Oncology, highlighting her early involvement in academic research and her interest in pediatric oncology. 

The publication stems from Bastianelli’s work at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, where she previously served as a research assistant with the Center for Precision Medicine for High-Risk Pediatric Cancer. Although her employment term with CHOP ended, she remained connected with the research team and continued collaborating on the project. 

The paper originated as an unfinished case report that had been started by an oncology/hematology fellow who later graduated. Bastianelli and a colleague took on the responsibility of advancing the manuscript, working under the mentorship of Theodore Laetsch, MD, and Marilyn Li, MD, MS. 

Bastianelli helped draft and refine the clinical narrative, reviewed similar cases in the literature and coordinated efforts across multiple specialties involved in the study. As the project progressed, additional contributors expanded the molecular and genetic analysis, while Bastianelli managed key organizational tasks, including gathering conflict-of-interest statements, organizing references and submitting the manuscript for publication. 

“The environment at CHOP was very collaborative, especially when it came to treating oncology patients,” Bastianelli said. “That collaboration really came through in this paper, with specialists from different departments contributing their expertise.” 

Published by the American Society of Clinical Oncology, JCO Precision Oncology focuses on research that advances precision medicine approaches in cancer care. While the scientific content of the paper is highly specialized, Bastianelli said the experience reinforced her desire to work at the intersection of research and clinical practice. 

Bastianelli hopes to pursue a career as a pediatric surgeon with a focus on oncology and said contributing to the publication aligns closely with her long-term goals in medicine. 

“In a tangible way, this paper shows the breadth of my interest and dedication as a medical student,” she said. “It reflects how I want to practice medicine — understanding disease from the macro to the micro level and working as part of a team to provide the best care for patients.” 

For Bastianelli, the publication represents both a significant academic milestone and an early step toward a career grounded in collaborative, research-informed pediatric care.