La RedazioneSilvia Marsoni, a scientist at IFOM, is taking an innovative approach to cancer research. Her role as a clinical trial designer involves designing and coordinating clinical studies, with a focus on colorectal and breast cancer. She aims to identify new experimental methods, such as precision medicine, and foster collaboration between clinicians and researchers. These studies have received significant funding from organizations like Airc and the European Community.
Marsoni explains that she chose to study breast and colorectal cancer because they have a high incidence rate. Cancer exploits the biology of cells, finding alternative survival pathways when one is blocked by medication. To effectively combat cancer, Marsoni believes it is crucial for the scientific community to be made up of both basic researchers and clinicians. Clinicians play a vital role in identifying areas where there is a lack of understanding or effective treatments. The goal is to prevent the formation of metastases or treat them when prevention is not possible, as metastases are what ultimately cause death.
Marsoni’s career has taken her from Italy to the United States and back again. She returned to Italy in 1985 after working at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, where she became responsible for developing new drugs at a young age. In Italy, she became the scientific director of Sendo, a foundation that focused on independent pharmaceutical research. Now, as a senior figure in her field, Marsoni dedicates much of her time to mentoring young researchers.
For many years, Marsoni has championed a holistic approach to cancer research, even when it was associated with esoteric practices. She believes this approach is essential for understanding and defeating cancer. She wishes she were younger so she could apply everything she has learned more effectively.
Marsoni’s latest project is Saggitarius, an international precision medicine clinical trial. In collaboration with the Airc Foundation, Bocconi University, Niguarda Hospital, and six other international partners, Saggitarius has received €6 million in funding. The trial will involve at least 700 patients across 25 hospitals in Italy, Spain, and Germany.
Saggitarius utilizes liquid biopsies to treat operable colorectal cancer patients. This new approach aims to avoid chemotherapy in 70% of cases, replacing it with active surveillance through monthly blood tests. For the remaining 30% of cases, it aims to replace chemotherapy with biological therapies, such as immunotherapy or targeted molecular drugs, tailored to each patient’s profile.
Marsoni’s ultimate goal is to use artificial intelligence to create a digital twin of each patient, containing information about the tumor, microenvironment, immune system, and microbiome. This would enable doctors to make the right decisions in treating the disease, as tumors are interconnected with the surrounding healthy tissue and the patient as a whole. Marsoni sees this as a long-term challenge for herself and her team.
In conclusion, Silvia Marsoni’s holistic approach to cancer research and her dedication to collaboration and innovation have earned her recognition and funding for her studies. Her latest project, Saggitarius, aims to revolutionize the treatment of colorectal cancer through precision medicine. Marsoni’s ultimate goal is to use artificial intelligence to create a digital twin of each patient, enabling personalized and effective treatment strategies.
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