Non-small cell lung cancer: Insubria University and ASST Sette Laghi conference in Varese focuses on innovative care pathways

Non-small cell lung cancer: Insubria University and ASST Sette Laghi conference in Varese focuses on innovative care pathways

More accurate diagnoses, personalised treatments and integrated care pathways, with patients at the centre. These were the main themes of the conference “Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Care Pathways, Innovation and Quality of Life”, held today at the Ville Ponti Congress Centre in Varese. The event was organised by the University of Insubria and ASST Sette Laghi, under the scientific leadership of Andrea Imperatori and Italo Dell’Oca.

The conference brought together specialists from different disciplines to explore the latest developments in the diagnosis and treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), a complex condition requiring integrated expertise and increasingly personalised care. It provided an opportunity for professional development and knowledge sharing, highlighting the importance of collaboration between universities and hospitals in promoting coordinated, appropriate care pathways that focus on quality of life.

The event opened with institutional greetings from Attilio Fontana, President of the Lombardy Region, who sent a letter, followed by remarks from the organisers, Professor Andrea Imperatori, representing the University of Insubria, and Italo Dell’Oca; Adelina Salzillo, Medical Director of ASST Sette Laghi; Giuseppe Catanoso, Medical Director of ATS Insubria; and Emanuele Monti, a member of the Lombardy Regional Council.

The scientific programme explored the main innovations in thoracic oncology, from diagnostic imaging and disease staging to molecular profiling and biomarkers, as well as new prospects offered by immunotherapy and targeted therapies. Considerable attention was also devoted to minimally invasive thoracic surgery, precision radiotherapy and the integration of different treatment strategies.

The conference also addressed patient care and quality of life, with a focus on hospital-community care integration, communication with patients and their families, psychological support and the role of patient associations. Speakers included Cristiano Cantore, Michela Clerici, Eugenia Trotti and Adele Patrini, who contributed to the discussion on comprehensive, person-centred care.

The day concluded with a round-table discussion on the design of care pathways, moderated by journalist Sara Canali. Healthcare professionals discussed how to integrate scientific evidence, service organisation and patients’ needs.
 

(Pictured from left: Giuseppe Catanoso, Medical Director of ATS Insubria; Elisabetta Todisco, Director of the Intercompany Oncology Department of ATS Insubria at Valle Olona; Eugenio Cocozza, Director of the Oncology Department at ASST Sette Laghi; Italo Dell’Oca, Director of Radiation Oncology at ASST Sette Laghi; Adelina Salzillo, Medical Director of ASST Sette Laghi; Andrea Imperatori, Professor at the University of Insubria and Director of Thoracic Surgery.)