ROMA (ITALPRESS) – It is a new step forward in the integrated care of cancer patients. At Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS was born the first clinic in Italy dedicated to eye complications caused by the most innovative antitumor drugs, the antibody-farm conjugated (ADC). The “intelligent” therapies, such as ADCs represent one of the most promising borders of modern oncology. These drugs combine the power of chemotherapy, the precision of a monoclonal antibody, capable of bringing the drug directly to the tumor cell, reducing damage to healthy tissues. However, these treatments can also cause side effects, including eye toxicity, which deserves attention and specialist skills.
In order to quickly manage and recognize these disorders, a multidisciplinary clinic was inaugurated at the Gemelli, where ophthalmologists and oncologists work side by side to protect the vision and quality of life of patients. In addition to clinical activity, the new service will develop guidelines for managing eye complications and promote research projects to better understand its causes and mechanisms.
“ADCs are extraordinary and potentially life-saving drugs – explains Professor Giampaolo Tortora, director of the Comprehensive Cancer Center Gemelli – but it is essential to learn how to effectively manage their side effects, to ensure maximum effectiveness of therapy and patient safety. This clinic represents an integrated care model and a further step forward towards ever more personalized oncological assistance.” Ocular disorders related to ADC can manifest with burning, redness, sensation of foreign body, blurred vision or excessive tearing. “It is mostly mild or moderate and reversible alterations – explains Professor Stanislao Rizzo, Director of Ophthalmology UOC – but they must be managed by a specialist, because they can temporarily alter vision and affect quality of life.”.
“We are the Italian center that manages the largest number of people with ovary cancer – recalls Professor Anna Fagotti, Ordinary of Gynaecology at the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart and director of the UOC Ovarian Carcinoma of Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS -. Our goal is to identify the pathogenic mechanism of eye toxicity early in order to carry out an increasingly preventive intervention and share our experience with our colleagues in other hospitals.”.
The new clinic, entrusted to doctors Andrea Giudiceandrea and Tommaso Salgarello of the UOC of Oculistica and both researchers UCSC, is part of the network of super specialist services of the Gemelli dedicated to the side effects of the oncological therapies – from cardiological complications to endocrine or gastrointestinal ones – confirming the multidisciplinary approach and centered on the person that characterizes the Foundation.
“This new initiative – says Professor Antonio Gasbarrini, Scientific Director of Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS and Ordinary of Internal Medicine UCSC – will also allow us to do innovative research. And it is an example of research really to protect the person. Because we always keep taking care of our patients: during clinical trials, at the conclusion and at any time; In short, in trial, out of trial and after trial. Patient welfare is our top priority.”.
“This project – commented the General Director of Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli Daniele Piacentini – perfectly summarizes the identity of the Gemini: Clinical excellence, safety, innovation and continuous research. It is a concrete example of how collaboration between different skills can result in a real benefit for patients.”.
– Photo press office Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS –
(ITALPRESS).
