Three IOR projects funded by the Swiss Cancer Research Foundation
Institute of Oncology Research
The Swiss Cancer Research Foundation, in collaboration with the Swiss Cancer League, supports outstanding cancer research projects in Switzerland. Twice a year, funding is awarded based on the evaluation of an independent Scientific Committee. In the first half of 2025, 129 applications were submitted, requesting 40.9 million Swiss francs. Of these, 63 were recommended for funding, and the foundation ultimately supported 32 research projects and 3 fellowships, for a total of 10.7 million francs.
Among the projects selected for funding in the first half of 2025, are 3 research projects from the Institute of Oncology Research (IOR), affiliated to USI and member of Bios+, highlighting the scientific excellence of the institute. The projects, led by Prof. Francesco Bertoni, Prof. Davide Rossi, and Prof. Andrea Alimonti, address critical challenges in lymphoma and prostate cancer research.
The selected projects
“Resistance to BTK Inhibitors in B-Cell Lymphomas: ERBB4 Signaling and Therapeutic Vulnerabilities” – project of Prof. Francesco Bertoni, Group Leader of the Lymphoma Genomics Laboratory
Lymphoma, a cancer affecting the immune system, is often treated with targeted drugs that block specific proteins in cancer cells. However, these treatments often stop working as the cancer cells find ways to resist the drugs. One mechanism of resistance involves a protein called ERBB4. This protein, found in normal and neoplastic immune cells, can become a driver of resistance when lymphoma cells are exposed to therapies, particularly those targeting the B-cell receptor signaling pathway.
This research project will explore how ERBB4 contributes to drug resistance in lymphoma by studying different forms of ERBB4 and its interactions with other molecules, then investigating how we can target it to make lymphoma treatments more effective.
“Determinants of response to Bruton’s Tyrosine Kinase inhibitors in Marginal Zone Lymphomas” - project of Prof. Davide Rossi, Group Leader of the Experimental Hematology Laboratory
Marginal zone lymphomas (MZL) are the third most common type of lymphoma, a cancer that affects the immune system. Currently, a type of drug called BTK inhibitors (BTKi) is the only approved treatment for MZL. However, these drugs only work in about half of patients, and fewer than 25% achieve complete remission. This study aims to improve treatment outcomes by identifying genetic and clinical factors that can predict how well a patient will respond to BTKi. If successful, this research could help doctors personalize treatment plans, increasing effectiveness and reducing unnecessary risks or costs
“Exploring PMN-MDSC Heterogeneity in Prostate Cancer” project of Prof. Andrea Alimonti, Group Leader of the Molecular Oncology Laboratory
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, and scientists are working hard to find better ways to treat it. This project focuses on a specific type of immune cell called PMN-MDSCs (short for polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells). These cells look like normal neutrophils but behave differently - they help cancer grow instead of fighting it.
Research has already shown that blocking these harmful immune cells from entering tumors can improve treatment outcomes. However, some of these cells manage to stay in the tumor even when current treatments try to block them. Our team recently discovered that this group of "survivor" cells is different from the rest: they are immature, meaning they can continue to grow and produce new harmful immune cells. More importantly, they seem to rely on a process called DNA repair to survive and multiply. Our project aims to understand how these immature immune cells develop and survive in prostate cancer patients. We will also study how they repair their DNA, which allows them to keep growing and expanding.
