Lung cancer: early diagnosis and tailored Immunotherapy. The new frontier of research by Fondazione Veronesi and San Raffaele
On the occasion of World Lung Cancer Day (August 1st), Fondazione Umberto Veronesi ETS announces a major step forward in the fight against one of the most widespread and deadly cancers in Italy. In collaboration with IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital in Milan, a five-year research platform has been launched to revolutionize the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer, with a special focus on precision immunotherapy.
A widespread disease still difficult to treat
With over 44,800 new diagnoses in 2024, lung cancer ranks as the third most common cancer in Italy, after breast and colorectal cancer. Smoking remains the leading risk factor, responsible for around 80% of cases. Despite advances in research, lung cancer continues to be the leading cause of cancer death among men and the second among women, with approximately 35,700 deaths per year.
Late diagnosis is one of the biggest challenges. That’s why Fondazione Veronesi is investing in a platform that combines early detection, personalized therapies, and innovative technologies, aiming to improve survival rates and quality of life for patients.
Project Chewbacca: personalized immunotherapy
Among the most promising initiatives is Chewbacca, a project led by the Division of Immunology, Transplants and Infectious Diseases at San Raffaele. Its goal is to develop a personalized immunotherapy strategy that generates highly reactive T cells capable of recognizing and attacking each patient’s specific tumor.
The core of the project is an in vitro training system: the patient’s immune cells are exposed to selected mutations from their tumor, delivered via modified B cells. This innovative method activates and expands tumor-specific T cells without needing fresh tumor tissue, making the therapy more accessible and less invasive.
A turning point in oncology
“Immunotherapy has transformed the treatment of advanced solid tumors, but its effectiveness is still limited to a minority of patients,”
explains Dr. Chiara Maria Cattaneo, lead researcher.
“With Chewbacca, we aim to overcome current limitations by offering a tailored therapeutic response based on each patient’s unique immune profile”.
Prof. Fabio Ciceri, Director of the Comprehensive Cancer Center at San Raffaele, adds:
“Developing immunotherapies that activate the immune system against each individual tumor is one of the most promising frontiers in oncology. We’re proud to pursue this challenge with a young researcher and the support of Fondazione Veronesi”.
Shared vision: early diagnosis and precision medicine
The platform goes beyond immunotherapy. It includes studies on prevention for high-risk individuals, such as heavy smokers, and the use of artificial intelligence to enhance diagnostic imaging. The goal is to build a care pathway tailored to the molecular biology of the tumor and the individual characteristics of each patient.
“Investing in scientific culture and precision medicine is at the heart of our mission,” says Chiara Tonelli, Chair of the Scientific Committee of Fondazione Veronesi. “We want research to become shared knowledge, generating real impact for public health and future generations.”
Lung cancer: a concrete hope for the future
Project Chewbacca marks a breakthrough in lung cancer treatment, but its potential extends further. The same strategy could be applied to other solid tumors, opening new horizons in clinical practice and personalized medicine.
Fondazione Umberto Veronesi ETS and IRCCS San Raffaele reaffirm their commitment to cutting-edge research, transforming scientific discoveries into real, effective, and patient-centered therapies.
