The OECI Network

Presentation of the Centre

CRO - Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Health Care (IRCCS) opened in 1984 and accredited by the Italian Ministry of Health in 1990 - is a public, no-profit institute that operates under the authority of the Italian Ministry of Health for the clinical & experimental research functions and under the governance of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region for patients’ care.

Main research activity

The current research activity at CRO is based on five lines which are consistent with the Institute’s objectives, i.e. translational research in oncology and precision medicine, mainly preclinical. The lines are:

• Tumor genetics and biology
• Tumor epidemiology, prevention and health big data
• Lympho-hematologic neoplasias
• Solid tumors

Core Facilities

• Pharmacogenomics
• Proteomics
• Flow cytometry
• Biobanking
• Centralized clinical trials office
• Genomics
• Animal Facility
• In vitro and in vivo imaging

Education

Collaborations with the Universities of Trieste, Udine and others allow the presence at CRO of residents in medical oncology and other relevant disciplines and PhD students. Students can find hospitality in the nearby Campus that also hosts educational facilities.

The Director’s Preface

The IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute (IRE) is the largest Comprehensive Cancer Centre in central Italy, and is renowned for its excellence in the study and treatment of various cancers. IRE's main research objective is the translational management of cancer, which ensures patient-centered care

Description of the Centre and its History

IRE was established in 1933 and was nominated an IRCCS (Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico - Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization, and Healthcare) for the first time in 1938 and was very recently reconfirmed the title of IRCCS in June 2024. IRE performs around 10.000 surgeries annually, including 1.300 robotic surgeries. It has more than 1.500 staff members, comprising of researchers, physicians, nurses and administration personnel. It is composed of two departments: the Department of Clinical and Oncological Research and the Department of Research and Advanced Technologies.

Main Research Activities

Every year IRE publishes more than 400 scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals, with approximately 10% of them in journals with an IF > 10 in the last few years. IRE is also greatly involved in clinical trials. In 2023, there were a total of 412 open clinical trials, of which 170 were interventional and 242 observational. In 2020, IRE established seven Translational Research Interest Groups (TRIGs) with the aim to enhance the collaboration between clinical and laboratory investigators on specific research themes. In 2018, the institute also established an Institutional Molecular Tumor Board, the first one in Italy. IRE collaborates with several universities and research centers in Rome as well as on a national and international level. Its research is supported mainly by funds granted from the Italian Ministry of Health, the Italian Ministry of University and Research, AIRC, Lazio Region and EC.

Core Facilities

IRE's Personalized Medicine includes Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) diagnostics and advanced facilities for performing accurate analyses. The Bioinformatics Group interprets data from various sequencing and epigenomic studies, utilizing High-Performance Computing environments. The Biobank collects, stores, and distributes human biological materials for research. Quite recently, a central facility for Tumor Organoid generation, molecular characterization and drug testing has been established.

Education

Recognized by AGENAS, IRE provides Continuing Medical Education (CME) through residential, field training, and distant learning methodologies.

Presentation of the Centre

The Veneto Institute of Oncology (IOV) is a highly specialized research and care provider in Oncology. It specializes in the diagnosis and both standard and experimental treatment of all types of oncologic diseases, including rare and hematologic diseases. Patients with primary, recurrent, and metastatic conditions are managed according to national and international guidelines using the most advanced diagnostic and therapeutic tools. Specific attention is dedicated to end-of-life treatment and patient-centered care, following a multidisciplinary approach. In addition, IOV is an active research player at the international level. Its clinicians/researchers collaborate with the most important European and international cancer organizations and pharmaceutical companies. It is an accredited member of the European Rare Adult Solid Cancers Network (EURACAN). IOV is the clinical hub of the Veneto Regional Oncology Network.

Core Facilities

Inpatient facilities that comprise oncology wards including end-of-life dedicated unit Advanced radiological diagnostics facility High-tech and robotic surgical facilities High-tech Radiation therapy. Molecular Oncology laboratories evaluating circulating tumor cells and somatic genomic testing for both diagnostic and research purposes. Animal facility.

Main research activities

Fundamental and translational research; Tumor immunology; Clinical and translational research and innovative therapies; New logistic care models: Diagnostic, monitoring, and therapeutic pathways with related performance indicators.

Education

The Institute is an official training provider recognized by the Veneto Region. It offers regular training opportunities to the clinical staff and researchers. In collaboration with the Padova University regularly hosts clinicians engaged in residency programs in oncology and PhD students graduating from PhD programs in the Oncology area.

Presentation of the Centre

The Institute of Candiolo is a specialized center for cancer treatment and research, recognized as a scientific research hospital by the Italian Ministry of Health since 2013. The Institute’s mission is to make a significant contribution in cure and research in cancer care, through a multidisciplinary approach, teams of specialists with consolidated experience and expertise and close links between research and clinical units, facilitating rapid transfer of research results into clinical practice.

Main research activities

The Institute’s research activities cover a broad spectrum of activities focused on: (i) translational, preclinical and clinical cancer research (profit and no profit trials, phase I-IV); ii) promoting the rapid translation of research findings into clinical practice; (iii) developing and implementing the latest diagnostic and therapeutic procedures using state-of-the-art technologies; (iv) contributing to the early diagnosis and prevention of cancer by identifying underlying genetic or environmental factors.

Core Facilities

• Oncogenomics
• Single cells
• Oncology Imaging
• Flow Cytometry
• Xenopatients
• Experimental Pathology
• Cell Culture
• Gene Transfer Technology
• Clinical Research Unit

Education

The Institute has a framework agreement with the University of Torino and is host to several medical faculty professionals.

Presentation of the Centre

ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia (ASST Brescia, founded in 1427), is one of the largest hospitals in Europe with up to 7000 employees. It is a public general hospital, affiliated with the University of Brescia Medical School, and accredited by Regional Health System of Regione Lombardia. It is structured with a Main Campus, located in Brescia, two Satellite Hospitals, and Health Districts devoted to territorial medical care.

Main research activities

Translational research studies, related to both solid tumors and hematologic malignancies, are being conducted, focusing on the interaction of the tumor clone and the surrounding microenvironment, development of non-invasive techniques for early tumor detection, clonal evolution, impact of anti-neoplastic drugs on bone and body composition, pre-clinical novel drug and radiation/drug interaction validation, to cite a few. The research mentioned above is the result of ASST Brescia sponsored studies, funded by national and international/EU competitive calls. ASST Brescia has participated to a total of n. 1.971 clinical trials (2019-2023). Dedicated Phase I Units allow pediatric and adult patients to be enrolled in phase I studies. ASST Brescia has been selected as Member the European Reference Networks: EuroBloodNet, EURACAN.

Core facilities

• Medical Oncology, Pediatric Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Robotic Surgery, Surgery
• Radiology Imaging, Nuclear Medicine
• Palliative care
• Central Pharmacy
• IT Service
• Phase I Unit
• Next generation flow cytometry
• DNA sequencing
• Mass spectrometry
• Molecular pathology
• Clinical Trial Center/Grant Office
• Zebrafish and in vivo animal facility
• Confocal imaging

Education

ASST-BS is affiliated with the University of Brescia Medical School, thus hosting MD students, Residents, Master and PhD students A large portfolio of education and training programs at a post graduated level is offered to health care professionals, including biologists, lab technicians, MDs, nurses , pharmacists, radiation therapy and radiology technologists. National programs for Continuous Medical Education are constantly activated

Presentation of the Centre

The IRST Cancer Institute in Romagna, Italy, founded in 2007 by Prof. Dino Amadori, is a leading centre for cancer research and treatment. Renowned for its innovative approaches and clinical programs, IRST specializes in preclinical research and education, advancing the understanding and treatment of cancer. IRST offers a range of complex clinical services, including Radiometabolic Therapy, Radiotherapy, Advanced Medicinal Products (Somatic Cells and Gene Therapies), and Immunotherapy. Its Precision Medicine Programs tailor treatments to patients' tumors’ molecular characteristics. IRST collaborates with public Health Authorities, the University of Bologna, and the Istituto Oncologico Romagnolo (IOR), integrating into Italy’s National Health Service. It leads the Comprehensive Cancer Care Network with AUSL Romagna to enhance cancer care regionally.

Main research activities

Key research areas include:

• Advanced Biomolecular Diagnostics: Enhancing personalized treatment strategies.
• Appropriateness and Outcomes: Optimizing diagnostic-therapeutic pathways.
• Innovative Therapies: Conducting trials and developing novel therapeutic approaches.
• Precision Medicine: Studying genetic and molecular mechanisms for personalized treatment.
• Genetics and Environment: Exploring tumor progression and environmental interactions.

Research Infrastructure and Core Facilities

The institute boasts a comprehensive research infrastructure essential for promoting, conducting, and evaluating cancer care, serving also as a Contract Research Organization (CRO) for external studies. Key facilities include:

• Biosciences and Radiobiology Laboratories
• Flow Cytometry and DNA Sequencing Facilities
• Cell Factory (Somatic Cell Therapy Laboratory)
• Immuno-gene Therapy and Research Factory
• Biological Resource Center and Biobank
• Radiopharmaceutical Production and Antiblastics Laboratories
• Medical Physics Laboratory and IT Services
• Epidemiology and Cancer Registry Unit
• Outcome Research and Data Unit
• Biostatistics, and Clinical Trials Unit
• Research and Innovation Unit

Clinical and Support Services

• Radiometabolic Medicine
• Advanced Imaging 
• Integrative medicine
• Rare tumors and Osteoncology Center
• Genetic Counseling

Education

Since July 2024, a University-directed Medical Oncology Unit (University of Bologna) has been created at IRCCS IRST