For those facing a cancer diagnosis, the clinical path is often defined by a series of measurements, scans, and chemical dosages. Yet, according to Giuseppe Curigliano, one of the world’s leading experts in oncology, the most critical component of a patient’s journey is not found in a lab report. It is hope.
As the president of the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO), a professor at the University of Milan, and the scientific deputy director of the Istituto Europeo di Oncologia (IEO) in Milan, Curigliano operates at the intersection of high-level research and bedside care. His perspective is shaped by a lifelong ambition to decode the “code of life” and a firm belief that although a definitive cure for all cancers may remain elusive for another century, the trajectory of survival is shifting fundamentally.
Curigliano views hope not as a passive wish, but as a biological and psychological necessity. “For the patient, hope is a motor; they must never lose it,” he says. This philosophy guides his approach to “empathic medicine,” where the human connection—what he calls the “human touch”—is as vital as the scientific protocol. In an era of increasingly digitized healthcare, he warns against a trend among some younger physicians to rely solely on clinical charts, arguing that a patient cannot be fully understood through data alone.
The Shift Toward Cancer Interception
The current frontier of oncology is moving away from reactive treatment and toward what Curigliano describes as “interception.” The goal is to identify and neutralize cancer before it manifests as a symptomatic disease. Central to this strategy is the development of liquid biopsies, which detect traces of tumor DNA in peripheral blood.
While these tools are currently used to refine therapies and monitor recurrence, Curigliano sees a future where they allow clinicians to intercept the disease in its infancy. This precision is being further accelerated by artificial intelligence. In the process of genomic sequencing, a single tumor may reveal 70 to 80 different DNA mutations. AI is now being utilized to determine which of these mutations are the primary drivers of the disease, allowing doctors to target the most critical vulnerability with specific drugs.
Beyond AI, Curigliano highlights the promise of nuclear diagnostics, specifically the use of peptides—compact protein fragments—that selectively bind to tumor cells. Once these peptides “light up” the tumor on a scan, the same mechanism can be used to deliver a targeted nuclear charge to destroy the malignant cells. This approach is already showing significant potential in treating prostate cancer and rare neuroendocrine tumors.
Practical Frameworks for Prevention
Translating complex research into public health, Curigliano emphasizes that prevention is often a matter of deceleration. He points to the “blue zones” of Calabria and Sardinia, where centenarians often lead methodical, low-stress lives, as evidence that a slower pace of living may reduce the systemic inflammation that contributes to cancer risk.
His recommendations for risk reduction focus on sustainable, science-based lifestyle adjustments rather than “miracle” diets. He notes that while some view food as a cure, vitamins and antioxidants should only be used within the framework of scientific studies to avoid adverse effects.
To provide a clear guide for early detection, Curigliano suggests the following screening priorities:
| Group/Risk Factor | Recommended Action | Key Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Women | Annual mammography and Pap tests | Early detection of breast and cervical cancer |
| Men | Regular urological examinations | Prostate health monitoring | Adults (50+) | Colonoscopy and fecal occult blood tests | Colorectal cancer prevention |
| Heavy Smokers | High-resolution CT scans | Detection of small pulmonary nodules |
In addition to screenings, he advocates for at least 30 minutes of daily physical activity to reduce inflammation and suggests that intermittent fasting—reducing caloric intake or skipping certain meals—may stimulate the immune system and lower overall risk.
The Ethics of Care and the Human Touch
The intersection of science and mortality brings complex ethical challenges, particularly regarding euthanasia. While Curigliano acknowledges the right of the patient to choose their finish-of-life path, he identifies himself as a conscientious objector. His professional drive is to “tie the patient to life” by aggressively managing physical pain and the psychological terror of death.
This commitment to the patient’s dignity was forged under the mentorship of Umberto Veronesi, the legendary oncologist and founder of the IEO. Curigliano recalls Veronesi’s ability to make every individual experience like the most important person in the room, a trait he considers essential for any physician. This empathy was too evident in Curigliano’s care for the formidable journalist Oriana Fallaci, whom he describes as a woman of immense personality and complexity during her battle with a severe illness.
For Curigliano, the ultimate goal of oncology is to move toward a world where cancer is no longer a death sentence but a manageable condition. He admits that a total cure may not arrive in the next 100 years, but the steady arrival of specific, targeted therapies means that fewer people will die from the disease each year.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
The next phase of oncology will likely be defined by the integration of multi-dimensional AI algorithms that can process patient data far beyond human capacity, potentially unlocking the “code of life” Curigliano has dreamed of since childhood. As research continues, the focus remains on the dual necessity of scientific innovation and unwavering human empathy.
We invite you to share your thoughts on the role of AI in healthcare or your experiences with patient-centered care in the comments below.
