Opening of the new Theragnostic Oncology Centre at Policlinico Gemelli

On 28 April 2025, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore and Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli—coordinators of the Thera4Care project—officially inaugurated the new Theragnostic Oncology Centre (TOC).

One of the first of its kind in Italy, the TOC is an interdisciplinary centre dedicated to theranostics, an emerging field that integrates diagnostics and therapy through the use of radiopharmaceuticals. This innovative approach leads to precision medicine,  improving treatment outcomes, minimising side effects, and ultimately enhancing patients’ quality of life.

The TOC will be led by Professor Evis Sala, supported by Dr. Salvatore Annunziata as coordinator. They hold the roles of Academic and Scientific Coordinators of the Thera4Care project, respectiverly. Dr. Luca Tagliaferri will also play a coordinating role within the new Centre.

The centre’s mission is to offer patients the most advanced diagnostic and therapeutic options in theranostics, developing personalised treatment pathways. As a coordinating and interdisciplinary hub, the TOC will bring together a wide range of experts to oversee and manage diagnostic and therapeutic care. This includes collaboration across numerous hospital departments and affiliated centres, ranging from imaging, radiotherapy, and nuclear medicine to medical physics.

The TOC embodies a threefold mission: clinical, research, and educational. Its activities will include "Thera-Board" clinical meetings, aimed at identifying patients eligible for theranostic approaches, and "TOC Research Meetings," focused on the discussion and development of clinical trials. Complementing these efforts, a range of educational initiatives will support this integrated approach, through which the center aspires to become a national reference point in the field of theranostics.

While some radiopharmaceuticals are already approved and in use, the field is rapidly evolving. A significant expansion in the use of these agents is expected, alongside the introduction of new and promising radiotherapeutic approaches. This anticipated growth highlights the necessity of dedicated centres like the TOC to manage the increasing number of patients and the complexity of care.

During the inauguration, the Italian Minister of Health shared a message recognising the leadership of Policlinico Gemelli within the national healthcare system, praising its commitment to innovation, research excellence, and patient-centred care.