START Opens First Italian Early-Phase Cancer Trial Site in Rome
Rome – – November 03, 2026 --
The START Center for Cancer Research will open its first Italian early-phase oncology trial site inside Rome's IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori Regina Elena, under a strategic partnership with the public hospital organization Istituti Fisioterapici Ospitalieri (IFO). The site will be fully integrated into START's network and will have access to its global trial portfolio from day one.
Italy's 390,000 annual cancer diagnoses meet a thinner trial footprint
Italy records approximately 390,000 new cancer diagnoses a year, according to the 2025 edition of the national report "I numeri del cancro in Italia," produced by AIOM and partner organizations. Despite that burden, Italy runs fewer clinical trials relative to its population than several major Western European markets, the companies said. They describe this gap as an opening for sponsors to reach patients through established research institutions.