R&D

Research & Development (R&D)

The Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Unit develops an integrated Research and Development (R&D) program focused on generating translational knowledge and its direct application in clinical practice. This model connects molecular research, preclinical studies, and clinical research with the aim of improving diagnosis, optimizing treatments, and reducing long-term toxicity in pediatric and adolescent patients.

Research lines focus on precision medicine, the identification of prognostic and predictive biomarkers, the study of genetic predisposition mechanisms to cancer, the development of new therapeutic targets, and the evaluation of cardiotoxicity and other long-term treatment-related sequelae. These projects are carried out in collaboration with molecular biology platforms, hospital clinical departments, and national and international cooperative groups.

The Unit maintains active participation in academic and industry-sponsored clinical trials in phases I–IV, facilitating access to innovative therapies within a safe and regulated environment. This effort is complemented by continuous scientific production in peer-reviewed journals, presentations at scientific congresses, and supervision of doctoral theses, contributing to advances in pediatric oncology and hematology.

R&D activity is structured into four main areas:

• Research: translational projects and molecular studies focused on personalized medicine.
• Clinical Trials: development and participation in multicenter studies involving targeted therapies and innovative treatment strategies.
• START Pediatrics: a dedicated program focused on early-phase pediatric clinical trials and collaboration with international research networks.
• Publications: dissemination of scientific results in indexed journals and specialized forums.

This approach positions the Unit as an active node within cooperative research networks, with the ultimate goal of improving survival and quality of life through evidence-based and innovation-driven pediatric oncology.