Oncology and Gynecologic Cancers

At Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS in Rome, a large share of the research focuses on neoplasms, especially ovarian cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, and other gynecological cancers. These studies are designed to test new treatment approaches, improve outcomes after standard therapy, and refine care for advanced or recurrent disease.

  • Advanced and platinum-resistant ovarian, fallopian tube, and primary peritoneal cancers
  • Hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative and triple-negative breast cancer
  • Locally advanced, recurrent, and metastatic cervical cancer
  • Purpose: evaluating new therapies and improving treatment effectiveness in difficult-to-treat cancers

The site also contributes to research on personalized cancer care, including biomarker-driven strategies and combinations that may strengthen the effect of existing treatments.

Hematology and Blood Disorders

This research program includes extensive work in hematologic malignancies and related hemic and lymphatic diseases. Trials at the site explore better options for leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloproliferative disorders, with a strong emphasis on treatment response, relapse prevention, and long-term disease control.

  • Acute myeloid leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and chronic myeloid leukemia
  • Chronic lymphocytic leukemia, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, and follicular lymphoma
  • Myelofibrosis, myelodysplastic syndromes, and multiple myeloma
  • Purpose: testing targeted treatments, improving remission rates, and reducing relapse risk

Several studies also examine treatment after stem cell transplantation and strategies for patients with relapsed or refractory blood cancers.

Respiratory, Lung, and Thoracic Diseases

Another major area is respiratory tract diseases, with research spanning non-small cell lung cancer, small-cell lung cancer, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and fibrotic lung conditions. The overall aim is to improve survival, symptom control, and quality of life in both cancer and non-cancer lung disease.

  • Advanced and resectable non-small cell lung cancer
  • Severe asthma, eosinophilic asthma, and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps
  • Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and progressive pulmonary fibrosis
  • Purpose: evaluating new therapies, reducing symptoms, and improving lung function or cancer outcomes

Research at the site also includes supportive studies for patients with complex respiratory conditions and advanced thoracic malignancies.

Digestive System and Liver Research

The site has a broad portfolio in digestive system diseases and liver diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, liver fibrosis, and gastrointestinal cancers. These trials are aimed at better disease control, safer long-term management, and earlier detection of treatment benefit.

  • Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
  • Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, cirrhosis, and primary biliary cholangitis
  • Gastric, colorectal, pancreatic, and biliary tract cancers
  • Purpose: improving symptom control, slowing disease progression, and testing new treatment strategies

These studies reflect a strong interest in both chronic inflammatory conditions and gastrointestinal oncology.

Autoimmune, Inflammatory, and Immune-Mediated Conditions

Research in immune system diseases and related inflammatory disorders is also prominent. Trials address conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren’s syndrome, and psoriatic arthritis, with the goal of improving disease control and limiting organ damage.

  • Systemic lupus erythematosus and lupus nephritis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and systemic sclerosis
  • Sjögren’s syndrome and hidradenitis suppurativa
  • Purpose: assessing new immune-modulating therapies and better control of chronic inflammation

At this site, these studies often focus on patients with moderate to severe disease who still need better treatment options.

Neurology, Neurodegeneration, and Rare Neuromuscular Disease

There is also active research in nervous system diseases, including both common and rare neurological conditions. Trials explore treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy syndromes, and inherited neuromuscular disorders.

  • Alzheimer’s disease, mild cognitive impairment, and related behavioral symptoms
  • Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and progressive supranuclear palsy
  • Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Becker muscular dystrophy, and spinal muscular atrophy
  • Purpose: testing therapies that may slow progression, improve function, or ease neurological symptoms

These studies highlight a strong interest in both neurodegenerative disease and rare inherited conditions.

Cardiometabolic, Renal, and Vascular Research

The site conducts trials in cardiovascular diseases, nutritional and metabolic diseases, and kidney disorders. Research includes prevention of cardiovascular events, management of diabetes and obesity, and treatment of chronic kidney disease and proteinuric renal conditions.

  • Coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, and heart failure
  • Type 2 diabetes, obesity, and metabolic liver disease
  • Chronic kidney disease, IgA nephropathy, and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis
  • Purpose: evaluating prevention strategies and therapies that improve organ protection and long-term outcomes

These studies support a broad, multidisciplinary approach to cardiometabolic and renal health.

Ophthalmology, Dermatology, and Other Specialized Areas

Beyond the major disease groups, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS also participates in research on eye disease, skin disorders, and selected rare conditions. This includes studies in age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, atopic dermatitis, and bullous pemphigoid.

  • Neovascular and dry age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema
  • Atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, vitiligo, and bullous pemphigoid
  • Rare genetic and metabolic disorders such as achondroplasia and Fabry disease
  • Purpose: improving diagnosis, symptom relief, and disease-specific treatment options

These trials show the breadth of the site’s clinical research, extending well beyond oncology into highly specialized medical fields.