Oncology and Solid Tumors

The clinical trial portfolio at Istituto Tumori Bari Giovanni Paolo II is strongly centered on Neoplasms, with a major focus on non-small cell lung cancer, melanoma, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and gastric and endometrial cancers. Many studies are designed to test new treatment options, compare them with current standards, and improve outcomes after surgery or in advanced disease.

  • Advanced research in lung cancer, including biomarker-defined disease such as EGFR, ALK, ROS1, RET, and KRAS G12C alterations
  • Studies in melanoma, triple-negative breast cancer, and HER2-positive or hormone receptor-positive breast cancer
  • Trials in urothelial and bladder cancers, including muscle-invasive and non-muscle-invasive disease
  • Research in gastrointestinal cancers, such as colorectal, gastric, and small bowel adenocarcinoma

These studies commonly aim to improve survival, reduce recurrence, and refine treatment choices for patients with advanced or resected tumors.

Hematology and Blood Disorders

This site also runs an active program in Hemic and Lymphatic Diseases, covering both leukemias and lymphomas as well as chronic blood cancers. The research is focused on evaluating new therapies, improving disease control, and supporting longer-term safety and effectiveness in patients who may have limited treatment options.

  • Acute myeloid leukemia, including FLT3-positive disease
  • Chronic lymphocytic leukemia and small lymphocytic lymphoma
  • Follicular lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma, marginal zone lymphoma, and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
  • Myeloproliferative neoplasms and myelodysplastic syndromes

Across these trials, investigators are testing new approaches for symptom control, response improvement, and relapse prevention in both aggressive and chronic hematologic cancers.

Urologic and Genitourinary Oncology

The SS Oncologia Medica applicata all’urogenitale department is especially aligned with studies in female urogenital diseases and urinary tract cancers. Research here includes bladder cancer, urothelial carcinoma, endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, and related gynecologic malignancies, with a strong emphasis on improving treatment effectiveness and reducing recurrence.

  • Muscle-invasive and non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer
  • Urothelial carcinoma and other urinary tract tumors
  • Endometrial, ovarian, fallopian tube, and peritoneal cancers
  • Studies in vulvar cancer and other advanced gynecologic cancers

Many of these trials are evaluating whether newer treatment combinations can improve disease control before or after surgery.

Respiratory and Thoracic Cancer Research

A large share of the research at Istituto Tumori Bari Giovanni Paolo II focuses on respiratory tract diseases, especially lung cancer and pleural mesothelioma. The studies range from early-stage resectable disease to advanced metastatic cancer, often exploring targeted and immune-based therapies to improve survival and delay progression.

  • Non-small cell lung cancer in resectable, locally advanced, and metastatic settings
  • Small cell lung cancer, including extensive-stage disease
  • Mesothelioma and other thoracic malignancies
  • Biomarker-driven studies in EGFR, ALK, ROS1, RET, HER2, and KRAS G12C altered tumors

These trials are mainly designed to test new therapies, compare them with standard care, and improve outcomes after surgery or in advanced disease.

Melanoma and Other Solid Tumor Immunotherapy

The site has a strong immunotherapy-oriented research stream in melanoma and other advanced solid tumors. Studies are examining whether newer immune-based approaches can improve tumor response, prolong progression-free survival, and offer better options for patients with difficult-to-treat disease.

  • Advanced cutaneous and mucosal melanoma
  • Metastatic or unresectable melanoma, including BRAF– and NRAS-driven disease
  • Merkel cell carcinoma and other selected skin cancers
  • Combination strategies pairing immunotherapy with targeted or vaccine-based approaches

Overall, this research is aimed at improving response rates and durability of benefit in advanced skin and solid tumors.

Digestive System and Colorectal Cancer Studies

Research in digestive system diseases includes several studies in colorectal cancer, rectal cancer, gastric cancer, and small bowel adenocarcinoma. The main goal is to refine treatment strategies, assess maintenance approaches, and understand how to better control disease in both localized and metastatic settings.

  • Metastatic colorectal cancer and rectal cancer
  • Gastric and gastroesophageal cancer
  • Small bowel adenocarcinoma
  • Trials exploring treatment sequencing, recurrence prevention, and biomarker-guided care

These studies reflect a broad effort to improve effectiveness while tailoring therapy to patient and tumor characteristics.

Supportive, Diagnostic, and Translational Research

In addition to disease-specific oncology studies, the research program includes analytical, diagnostic, and therapeutic techniques that support better cancer care. Some trials focus on improving disease monitoring, identifying patients most likely to benefit from treatment, and evaluating clinical markers that may help guide future decisions.

  • Use of biomarkers to personalize treatment selection and monitor response
  • Studies evaluating circulating tumor DNA and other indicators of treatment effect
  • Research aimed at improving surgical and post-surgical cancer management
  • Supportive studies addressing treatment tolerability and long-term safety

These efforts help connect laboratory findings with practical improvements in cancer diagnosis and treatment planning.