The world of oncology medicine has made great strides in recent decades. Science and technology have made it possible to develop increasingly effective therapies, transforming diagnoses that were once sentences into treatment paths that, more and more often, lead to prolonged, quality survival. Despite these extraordinary advances, one challenge remains central and pressing: how to guarantee patients not only a longer life, but also a better life, reducing side effects and improving their overall quality of life during and after treatments?
It is precisely in this context of innovation and holistic attention to patient well-being that the important initiative of the Maria Gabriella De Matteis Foundation is inserted, which has launched a new scientific call for €40,000, dedicated to a crucial topic: the identification of favorable lifestyles and predictive biomarkers of toxicity. The ultimate goal is to concretely improve the quality of life of cancer patients.
An opportunity for young research talents
This call represents an unmissable opportunity for young Italian researchers. Until May 6, 2026, all professionals under 30, active in the study of solid tumors, will be able to present their innovative projects. The initiative is designed to support cutting-edge research that explores the factors capable of influencing the tolerability of anti-cancer therapies, opening new perspectives for increasingly personalized and effective treatment paths.
With funding of €40,000, the Maria Gabriella De Matteis Foundation intends to stimulate studies that can lead to significant discoveries in the management of the adverse effects of treatments. This is a concrete investment in the future of oncology research, with a direct focus on patient well-being, a value that GreenMe promotes with conviction in every area of life.
Lifestyle and biomarkers: the key to a personalized approach
The heart of this announcement lies in the belief that modifiable factors linked to lifestyles play a fundamental role in the tolerability of oncological treatments. A balanced diet, regular physical activity, correct management of stress and sleep are not just general well-being practices, but real therapeutic allies. More and more scientific evidence demonstrates how these choices can positively influence the response to therapies and reduce the incidence of side effects.
In parallel, the identification of molecular biomarkers represents another crucial frontier. These markers, which can be detected through simple tests, make it possible to predict the risk of adverse events before they occur. Imagine being able to tailor the therapeutic strategy for each patient, preventing or mitigating toxicities, improving adherence to treatment and, consequently, the overall effectiveness of the treatment. This is the future of personalized medicine that research aspires to.
The voice of the experts: an oncology that looks beyond
Professor Giuseppe Curigliano, president of the Scientific Committee of the Foundation, underlines the importance of this integrated approach:
«With this call we want to support a new generation of researchers capable of integrating clinical and translational oncology. Today it is no longer sufficient to treat cancer: we must learn to modulate treatments in a personalized way, reducing toxicity and concretely improving patients’ quality of life.”
And he adds, highlighting the crucial role of biomarkers:
«The identification of biomarkers represents one of the central challenges of modern oncology. Understanding in advance who will develop adverse events and how to intervene through personalized strategies can impact the therapeutic path. This call promotes research with high translational impact, with the aim of improving patient outcomes.»
Professor Curigliano’s words resonate with the vision of a modern oncology that is not limited to disease, but extends to the individual’s overall well-being, a principle that is at the heart of the sustainable, health-conscious living philosophy that GreenMe promotes.
The vision of the Maria Gabriella De Matteis Foundation
The Maria Gabriella De Matteis Foundation, founded in December 2023 at the behest of the Ricci and De Matteis families, is a virtuous example of how memory can be transformed into an engine of progress. Its mission is clear: to pursue the values of supporting new generations and the importance of interdisciplinarity. It wants to identify and support the most promising talents, both in the scientific and artistic fields, by offering scholarships and scientific calls.
His commitment is already tangible, with over €100,000 already allocated for various initiatives. This foundation embodies the idea that innovation, responsibility and disciplinary fluidity are pillars for building a better world, just as Maria Gabriella De Matteis dreamed of. Supporting research on quality of life in oncology means believing in a future in which the disease is not only cured, but managed with humanity and respect for existence.
A step towards a future of well-being and sustainability for health
This call from the Maria Gabriella De Matteis Foundation is not just research funding; is a powerful message about the importance of a holistic approach to health, which integrates advanced science and lifestyle awareness. For GreenMe readers, this resonates deeply: human health is inextricably linked to daily choices and a care environment that promotes all-round well-being.
The invitation is to follow the developments of this research with interest. Applications will be evaluated based on criteria such as innovativeness, methodological quality, translational impact and value of interdisciplinary collaborations. The winner will be selected for its potential to contribute to a future in which cancer patients can face therapies with greater serenity and a better quality of life, a goal that all of us, for a healthier and more sustainable world, must support.
