Stefano Cavalieri, medical oncologist and clinical researcher at the Head and Neck Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan (Italy)

How did you come into contact with TRYTRAC?
“I already knew about Core Cancer Europe due to its relevant activity in research and education, but till 2020 I did not know about the TRYTRAC program. The Scientific Direction of my Institution (INT) let me know about the TRYTRAC program through newsletter emails.”

What appealed to you?
“The excellent opportunity to learn from the experience in translational research from other European peers attracted me. Moreover, I was captivated by the possibility to share my experience with colleagues working at high-level cancer centers firmly committed to research.”

What kind of research do you do in daily life?
“I am a medical oncologist fully dedicated to head and neck cancer patients. My main interests are clinical and translational research, focusing on big data and innovative methods aimed at improving prognosis forecasting and cancer survivors’ quality of life.”

Did you talk about that research at TRYTRAC?
“Yes, I did. In particular, in the exciting virtual workshop, all the TRYTRAC participants shared their research activities. On that occasion, I had a presentation about big data in head and neck cancer, talking about the research projects I am currently involved in.”

How does your work contribute to Cancer Core Europe?
“Since many of the TRYTRAC colleagues are experts in preclinical research (and I am not), I think that my daily activity on head and neck cancer patients and research about big data may be helpful on the clinical side of the CCE. My work is just one of the various and heterogeneous clinical sections, and it is complementary to what is extensively done by other clinical colleagues.”

What have you learned?
“I had the opportunity to learn about the methodology and the content of preclinical and clinical research held at other European cancer centers. I was impressed by the considerable preparation of young colleagues. Moreover, I was excited by the opportunity to create a European network of cancer researchers committed to translational research.”

What could have been better?
“Holding physical meetings could be much more interesting, even though the current limitations are owed to the COVID-19 pandemics. Of course, such limitations cannot be attributable to either CCE, TRYTRAC, or the participating institutions.”

Is there a follow-up?
“It would be exciting to know the developments of the research activities of the TRYTRAC colleagues, and I would be honored to share the results of my future scientific activity.”

Any comment?
“I am looking forward to meeting TRYTRAC colleagues and visiting the participating centers.”