Tumors, oncologist Pinto: "Precision therapy has changed stomach cancer treatment"

"We make better use of resources by focusing on the targeted drug that can guarantee greater efficacy."

"Precision oncology has been changing patient care over the past decade. Thanks to tests, molecular biopathological targets, and targeted drugs, we are achieving significant advantages: we are able to give the right drug to the right patient and, above all, we are making better use of resources by targeting the drug that can guarantee the greatest efficacy." These are the words of Carmine Pinto, director of Medical Oncology at the Reggio Emilia Local Health Authority (AUSL-IRCCS), at the press conference today at the Chamber of Deputies for the presentation of the document "Diagnose to Treat in Oncology" by The European House-Ambrosetti.

In the case of gastric cancer, to reach a diagnosis, "we need immunohistochemical tests," the expert explains. "These are simple tests that can be performed on all pathological anatomies and allow us to combine chemotherapy with the best molecularly targeted drug, enhancing treatment. However, we must make our pathology departments capable of performing these tests," he warns, "through quality biopsy samples and adequate fees for these tests within our facilities."

In 2024, stomach cancer recorded "approximately 14,000 diagnoses and 9,000 deaths," Pinto recalls. "The negative aspect is that in 35-40% of cases, the tumor can be operated on; in the remaining cases, the tumor is diagnosed at an advanced stage, so only medical treatment is possible." Unfortunately, "five-year survival for all stages remains low, at 30%," the expert emphasizes. A balanced diet and healthy lifestyle play a fundamental role in a disease like "stomach and esophageal cancer, one of the 13 cancers that the IARC, the International Agency for Research on Cancer, "links to obesity and lifestyle," he highlights. For colon cancer, "we don't have screening for early diagnosis," Pinto recalls, "but we have symptoms that can be warning signs." In this regard, the role of "general practitioners in being able to initiate a pathway" of investigation is important. Finally, the expert emphasizes the importance of "adequate PDTAs," diagnostic-therapeutic care pathways, "within regional oncology networks that refer to surgery and oncology" and the need to use "appropriate therapies through testing."