Rome, May 26 (beraking latest news Salute) – The pandemic does not stop cancer research. For 2021, the Airc Foundation has made available over 125 million euros, a substantial commitment that is also the result of the ‘5 per thousand’ signatures, which contributed almost 90 million euros. About 70 million have been allocated to 500 research projects and 20 million to 9 special programs for the study of metastatic disease, the cause of death in about 90% of cancer deaths.
“The awareness that only scientific research can open doors that seem barred or of which we do not even imagine the existence is the basis of the commitment signed by Airc with patients – says Federico Caligaris Cappio, scientific director of the Airc Foundation – The priorities remain the same. study of metastases, the great enemy of patients; molecular knowledge of each type of tumor; innovative diagnostics, for example using the so-called liquid biopsy; and combined therapies, i.e. in particular the therapeutic combination of molecularly targeted drugs and immunotherapy “.
One of the key criteria of the ‘5 per thousand’ programs supported by Airc is translationality, that is, the ability to quickly translate basic research findings into useful tools for the clinic and patients.
“The aim is to increase the knowledge available to identify ever more targeted treatments for all types of cancer and move towards a precision medicine, guided by scientific research, which is able to offer the best possible to every patient. The Covid pandemic -19 – explains Caligaris Cappio – has put research to the test, but the obstinacy of the researchers and the trust of the donors have given Airc even greater awareness, not only of the fundamental role of research, but also of the importance of supporting it with continuity. It is essential to assure researchers the possibility of medium-long term planning that will allow them to obtain the results we all want “.
Faces of the Airc ‘5 per mille’ campaign are Mario Palmisano and Marco Penna. Mario, a rowing champion and great sportsman, in 2011 received a diagnosis of osteosarcoma, a cancer that affects the bones. “At the beginning the world fell on me. After the first moment of loss – he says – I entrusted myself completely to the doctors and I did everything they asked of me. My priority was to follow the treatments in the best possible way, giving the maximum because I was facing the race of life. I have always been positive, if I had to go to hospital on Christmas Eve I did. But it was very difficult, my family was literally annihilated by my illness and now that I am a parent I understand their reaction well. I could not lean on them to find that lightness that I needed like bread. Luckily I have always had my friends who supported me, entertained me, made me laugh! “.
His friend Marco was fundamental in this process: “Being by the side of those who are facing a tumor is not easy. When I saw Mario feel bad I felt helpless and at the same time I wanted to show strong for him. During the visits to the hospital I was looking for to bring a little light-heartedness. We often sat in the common room, ordered a pizza, had a laugh – he remembers – and tried to give a sense of normality to that complex and delicate situation “.