Where is clinical research in radiation oncology going? a snapshot from Lombardy, Italy-a study endorsed by AIRO Lombardia.

BACKGROUND

The research activity is fundamental to improve knowledge in Medicine. In the setting of clinical oncology, radiotherapy (RT) represents a cornerstone for patients treated with curative intent.

PURPOSE: The aim of this snapshot was to investigate the number and the characteristics of clinical trials currently ongoing in the Lombardy (Italy) RT divisions highlighting involved resources and eventual needs to improve the process of study activation.

METHODS

In April 2024, a survey composed of two parts, a snapshot of clinical and research activity and a database to report data on ongoing clinical trials, was proposed to the 30 RT centers in Lombardy. The snapshot consisted of 19 short answer questions.

RESULTS

A total of 26 (87%) centers answered the survey. The total number of active studies was 161. The median age among principal investigators was 51 years. Most studies were multicentric (61%) national (76%). Among 72 studies with available phase, 43% resulted phase III studies. Fifty-three (33%) studies were sponsored. IRCCS (Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a carattere scientifico) RT have a median of 11 active studies vs versus 6 in non-IRCCS structures. More resources are available in IRCCS centers compared to non-IRCCS: data management service 50% vs 25%, dedicated scientific nurses 20% vs 0%, clinical statistics services 60% vs 25%. The main difficulties in conducting clinical trials were bureaucratic difficulties with ethics committees (5 centers), time constraints (5 centers), and a lack of resources and staff (15 centers). The most frequently (58% of the centers) proposed solution was an increase in resources and staff.

CONCLUSION

While the RT centers in Lombardy demonstrate a commendable commitment to clinical research, disparities in resources and infrastructure remain significantly challenging.