Researcher at UNISA, Baronissi
📍 Università degli Studi di Salerno — Dipartimento di Medicina, Chirurgia ed Odontoiatria
Grant received: €3.000Developing a non-invasive test based on salivary biomarkers (genetic, microbiome, immunological) to predict which lung cancer patients will develop immune-related adverse events (irAEs) before therapy begins. A precision-medicine approach combined with accessible laboratory medicine.
The Immuno-SAFE project has made significant scientific and technology-transfer progress. The results obtained contributed to the publication of the study "rs10204525 binding to miR-4717-3p modulates PD-1 expression and predicts the development of immune-related adverse events in patients with advanced cancer treated with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy", which strengthened the biological rationale underpinning the proposed genetic test. Immuno-SAFE is now protected by an Italian and international patent, confirming its high innovative potential and its prospects for transfer into clinical practice. The project has also received an important national recognition: the ITWIIN 2025 Award for the best Italian woman innovator was granted to the project's lead researcher. We are currently working on the translational validation of the Immuno-SAFE test and on defining the pathway for the industrial development of the technology. In parallel, preliminary activities are under way to establish a university spin-off aimed at bringing the test toward clinical application and the precision-medicine market.
To advance precision oncology by implementing Immuno-SAFE, a rapid and non-invasive system predicting severe irAEs in NSCLC patients eligible for anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy. The project aims to improve treatment personalisation, enhance patient safety, reduce avoidable hospitalisations, and support the regional and national transition toward more efficient, sustainable immunotherapy management.
Early and accurate identification of NSCLC patients at high risk of severe irAEs, enabling more personalised and safer immunotherapy pathways. Reduction of treatment interruptions, emergency admissions, and irAE-related healthcare costs. Strengthened precision oncology services across regional centres, improving clinical workflow efficiency, the sustainability of immunotherapy programmes, and overall patient outcomes.
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