STAFF

1. Mission

Developing more precise diagnostic approaches to predict cancer progression and prognosis is central to precision medicine. The mission of the Translational Oncology Research Unit focuses on identifying specific genomic and epigenetic alterations in both solid and hematopoietic malignancies that can serve as novel biomarkers or actionable targets. This goal is pursued through genome-wide approaches applied to cell systems, animal models, patient-derived tissues, biological fluids (including ctDNA), non-coding RNAs, and patient-derived organoids, which provide advanced preclinical models to bridge molecular discoveries with therapeutic strategies.

2. Clinical activities

The Translational Oncology Research Unit plays an active role in supporting the clinical research activities of the Regina Elena National Cancer Institute. A central effort is dedicated to building comprehensive, molecularly and clinically annotated databases of specific tumor types, supported by the systematic collection and storage of DNA, RNA, and proteins from both patient tissues and biological fluids. In parallel, the Unit generates large-scale datasets from genome-wide analyses, including coding and non-coding RNA profiles, RNA sequencing, and DNA mutational studies of matched tumor lesions, thereby providing valuable resources for biomarker discovery and therapeutic stratification.

A distinctive aspect of the Unit’s activity is the establishment of early-passage cultures and patient-derived organoids from a wide range of tumors. These advanced preclinical models offer a powerfultool to explore cancer biology, perform functional studies, and test therapeutic strategies in real time, ultimately fostering the development of more precise and personalized treatment approaches.

3. Research activities

The research objectives of the Translational Oncology Research Unit are pursued through the integrated experimental work of the following groups: