Breast Cancer Research

At Humanitas Istituto Clinico Catanese S.p.A., a large share of the trial portfolio focuses on neoplasms, especially breast cancer in both early and advanced stages. The studies explore hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative disease, HER2-positive disease, triple-negative breast cancer, and metastatic breast cancer, with the goal of improving treatment effectiveness, extending disease control, and refining options for patients with higher-risk disease.

  • Hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative early and metastatic breast cancer
  • HER2-positive and HER2-low breast cancer
  • Triple-negative breast cancer and residual disease after surgery
  • Testing new targeted and immunotherapy-based approaches

The Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit is also involved in research aimed at finding better treatment combinations and more personalized care for patients with advanced breast tumors.

Lung Cancer Studies

This site is actively studying non-small cell lung cancer, including locally advanced, metastatic, and previously treated cases. The research covers EGFR wildtype disease, HER2-overexpressing tumors, and other molecularly defined groups, with trials designed to compare new therapies against standard treatment and improve survival outcomes.

  • Locally advanced and metastatic non-small cell lung cancer
  • EGFR wildtype and HER2-overexpressing disease
  • Advanced non-squamous lung cancer with specific molecular features
  • Evaluating new targeted and immune-based treatments

These studies reflect a strong interest in finding more effective options for lung cancer patients whose disease has progressed after prior therapy.

Gastrointestinal and Digestive Tumor Research

Clinical trials at this hospital also address gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma, gastric cancer, esophageal adenocarcinoma, and pancreatic cancer. The main purpose is to assess whether new combinations or maintenance strategies can improve survival and disease control in advanced digestive system cancers.

  • Metastatic gastric and gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma
  • Advanced pancreatic cancer
  • Esophageal and upper gastrointestinal adenocarcinomas
  • Testing treatment combinations and maintenance approaches

Research in this area broadens the site’s oncology portfolio beyond breast and lung cancer, supporting care for patients with difficult-to-treat gastrointestinal tumors.

Targeted Therapy and Biomarker-Driven Oncology

Several studies focus on precision oncology, using molecular markers such as PIK3CA, ESR1, HER2, c-Met, and PD-L1 to guide treatment selection. The research aims to match therapies more closely to tumor biology and improve outcomes in advanced solid tumors.

  • Biomarker-selected breast and lung cancer populations
  • Molecularly guided treatment strategies
  • Evaluating targeted therapies for resistant or high-risk disease
  • Improving personalization of cancer care

These trials show a clear emphasis on finding better ways to tailor treatment for patients whose cancers carry specific genetic or protein changes.

Perioperative and Early-Stage Cancer Research

Some trials at Humanitas Istituto Clinico Catanese S.p.A. are focused on earlier stages of disease, especially early breast cancer and surgically treatable lung cancer. The goal is to strengthen treatment before or after surgery, reduce the risk of recurrence, and improve long-term disease-free survival.

  • Early-stage hormone receptor-positive breast cancer
  • Node-positive and high-risk recurrence settings
  • Resectable or surgically removed lung cancer
  • Testing therapies to prevent relapse and improve cure rates

This line of research supports efforts to intervene earlier in the disease course and improve outcomes after standard local treatment.