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Research & Scientific Work

Research Focus

The research work focuses on neuroendocrine neoplasms, lung cancer and the individualisation of treatment, with particular emphasis on clinical research, real-world data and translational biomarkers.

LANCE (NCT06049966) is a prospective real-world study in metastatic pulmonary LCNEC, comparing chemotherapy with or without atezolizumab. Its final four-year analysis was presented as mini-oral 279MO at ESMO Sarcoma and Rare Cancers 2026. The dedicated study page brings together the design, public results, limitations and related sources.

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ESMO Sarcoma and Rare Cancers 2026, Lugano — presentation of the final four-year analysis of LANCE.

Selected International Congress Presentations

Durable immune-mediated survival plateau in metastatic LCNEC after fixed-duration chemo-immunotherapy: Final 4-year analysis of the prospective LANCE study
ESMO Sarcoma and Rare Cancers Congress · 2026 · Mini-oral · 279MO
Official abstract: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esmorc.2026.100484

Baseline and longitudinal circulating miR-375 in metastatic pulmonary large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma treated with atezolizumab-based chemo-immunotherapy: a LANCE translational analysis
ESMO Congress · 2026 · ePoster · #1470
Before the official embargo release, this entry contains bibliographic details only. Official abstract and public poster links will be added when available and permitted.

Scientific Communications & Recognition

ESMO · 2026

Breaking Science — Final LANCE Analysis

An interview for the ESMO Breaking Science Series on the final four-year analysis of the LANCE study, focusing on long-term survival and prolonged treatment-free intervals in selected patients with metastatic LCNEC.

The interview was also shared through ESMO’s official channels.

OncLive · 2024

Insights on the LANCE Pilot Study

Independent commentary on the LANCE study by oncologists, discussing the results and their potential clinical relevance to the management of LCNEC.

CancerNetwork · 2024

Exploring the Value of Preoperative CAPTEM in Atypical Lung NETs

A discussion of the possible role of preoperative capecitabine–temozolomide (CAPTEM) in well-differentiated atypical pulmonary carcinoids, prompted by the related publication.

Research Studies & Projects

LCNEC & High-Grade Lung Neuroendocrine Carcinomas

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Research into the treatment of LCNEC and other high-grade pulmonary neuroendocrine carcinomas, with emphasis on immunotherapy, long-term outcomes and the clinical heterogeneity of the disease.

Biomarkers & Molecular Heterogeneity

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The study of genomic, epigenetic and circulating biomarkers to understand heterogeneity and mechanisms of treatment resistance. The prospective STRATUS study investigates genomic and methylation signatures, ctDNA and circulating tumour cells in patients with SCLC and LCNEC receiving chemo-immunotherapy.

Patient-Derived Zebrafish Models in NSCLC

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Development and evaluation of zebrafish xenograft models derived from human non-small-cell lung cancer samples, with the aim of functionally assessing biological behaviour, dissemination and treatment response.

Circulating & Tissue Biomarkers in LCNEC

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The study of biomarkers in plasma and archival tissue material to improve understanding of the biological heterogeneity of LCNEC. The research includes serial analysis of circulating miR-375 and assessment of tyrosine hydroxylase expression in FFPE LCNEC samples in relation to clinical and pathological characteristics.

Selected Peer-Reviewed Publications

The Effectiveness of Atezolizumab in Metastatic Large Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Lungs: Insights from the LANCE Pilot Study
Biomedicines · 2024 · 12:1161 · Original research · DOI 10.3390/biomedicines12061161. Prospective pilot comparison of chemotherapy with or without atezolizumab in metastatic pulmonary LCNEC.

Full Article →

Real-World Data and Evidence in Lung Cancer: A Review of Recent Developments
Cancers, 2024 · Review · DOI 10.3390/cancers16071414. Reviews recent applications and limitations of real-world evidence in lung cancer.

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Neoadjuvant Capecitabine Plus Temozolomide in Atypical Lung NETs
Oncology (Williston Park), 2024 · Case report · DOI not listed on publisher page. Discusses neoadjuvant capecitabine plus temozolomide for an atypical pulmonary neuroendocrine tumour.

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Microbiomics in Collusion with the Nervous System in Carcinogenesis: Diagnosis, Pathogenesis and Treatment
Microorganisms, 2021 · Review · DOI 10.3390/microorganisms9102129. Reviews links between microbiota, the nervous system and cancer development.

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Zebrafish Patient-Derived Xenograft Models Predict Lymph Node Involvement and Treatment Outcome in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
J Exp Clin Cancer Res · 2022 · 41:58 · Research · DOI 10.1186/s13046-022-02280-x. Evaluates patient-derived zebrafish xenografts for lymph node involvement and treatment response in NSCLC.

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Many Voices in a Choir: Tumor-Induced Neurogenesis and Neuronal Driven Alternative Splicing Sound Like Suspects in Tumor Growth and Dissemination
Cancers, 2021 · Review · DOI 10.3390/cancers13092138. Discusses tumour-associated neurogenesis and neuronal alternative splicing in cancer progression.

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