TORCH: Theranostic Oncology Research – Collaboration Hub

📍 Auditorium, Le Benedettine Congress Center, University of Pisa

Piazza S. Paolo a Ripa D’Arno, 16 – Pisa, Italy

🎟️ Free access, but requires registration: https://forms.office.com/e/q9Q5zYVE9g?origin=lprLink

🌐 Visit our website for further information –> https://torch.farm.unipi.it

TORCH will focus on the latest advances in oncology research, with particular emphasis on theranostic approaches that integrate precision diagnosis and treatment.

While addressing cancer research broadly, the event will place a specific focus on glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive central nervous system tumors, characterized by high biological heterogeneity, resistance to standard therapies, and poor prognosis.

The initiative stems from a research project funded by the Italian Ministry of Health, aimed at developing theranostic strategies and fluorescence-guided oncological surgery in glioblastoma, with particular attention to the role of the enzyme ALDH1A3.

Building on this foundation, TORCH aims to expand the discussion into a broader, multidisciplinary dimension, addressing key challenges in precision oncology, innovative diagnostics and treatments, and translational medicine.

🎯 Main Topics

The conference will promote interdisciplinary dialogue across key areas of contemporary research, including:

🔬 Molecular mechanisms underlying tumor aggressiveness and resistance to radiotherapy and chemotherapy

🧪 Identification and validation of new biomarkers and molecular targets

💊 Development of innovative therapeutic strategies in precision oncology

🧠 Advanced diagnostic tools, including imaging techniques and fluorescence-guided oncosurgery

✨ Emerging perspectives in theranostics in oncology

🤝 Mission

TORCH aims to foster collaboration among researchers from diverse fields, including:

The goal is to promote scientific collaboration and facilitate the translation of knowledge into innovative diagnostic and therapeutic applications in oncology.

🇪🇺 Funding & Framework

The conference is part of activities supported by the European Union – Next Generation EU – National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), Mission 6, Component 2, Investment 2.1 Enhancement and strengthening of biomedical research in the NHS. Project Title: Developing proprietary fluorescent probes targeting high grade gliomas into useful tools for oncosurgery and theranostic. Grant Assignment: PNRR-POC-2022-12376588; CUP: I53C22003240001.

🌱 Inclusivity & Sustainability

The event is organized in full compliance with the University of Pisa Guidelines for Gender Equality and Sustainable Events, ensuring:

🧑‍🔬 Scientific Committee

Concettina La Motta – University of Pisa

Ilaria D’Agostino – University of Pisa

Lorenzo Magrassi – University of Pavia

Silvia Garavaglia – University of Piemonte Orientale