This interview with Professor Antonio Giordano was originally conducted for Casa Italia, the RAI television program dedicated to Italians living abroad. As an internationally recognized oncologist, molecular biologist, and founder of the Sbarro Health Research Organization (SHRO), Professor Giordano offers an in-depth analysis of the current state of scientific research in both Italy and the United States. Professor, what is happening in the United States, a country where scientific research has always been one of the fundamental pillars? “In the United States, scientific research has always been one of the main drivers of economic, medical, and technological progress. However, under the current administration, we’ve seen a series of cuts and restructurings that have inevitably put pressure on the system, particularly on federal agencies like the National Institutes of Health. That said, it’s also true that these actions, while debatable in academic circles, have shaken up an establishment that was perhaps too self-referential and resistant to change. In a way, the government’s intervention has forced the research system to reexamine itself, seek new models of sustainability, and strengthen public-private collaborations. At SHRO, for example, we are moving forward with even greater determination in independent fundraising and international partnerships, because we believe science must know how to adapt without compromising its integrity. The challenges are many, but sometimes crises open the door to positive transformations”. Will the cuts be across the board? Which sectors are most at risk, and what does it mean for a university or research center to not be able to rely on a stable budget? “When we talk about cuts to research funding, it’s important to understand that they are not always across the board. Some fields, especially those seen as less strategic or less immediately profitable, are at greater risk. Basic research, for instance, is essential but often invisible to the public because its results take longer to emerge. Translational medicine, environmental sciences, and even some areas of the social and behavioral sciences may slow down. Conversely, fields like biotech defense or digital health, closer to industrial or national security interests, may hold up better. For a university or research center, not being able to rely on a stable budget means having to rethink priorities, give up long-term programs, and, more seriously, lose young talent. Those starting a scientific career today need at least a credible outlook, if not certainty. Precarity is not just economic, it’s cultural and professional. That’s why we need a strategic vision: investing in science isn’t just about funding projects, it’s about building the future. And it’s a shared responsibility among government, institutions, and citizens to ensure research remains a pillar of national growth. Still, I’m optimistic about the future. The idea that the Trump administration would completely dismantle the research sector, which supports a large part of the American economy, is unrealistic”. In your opinion, is there a risk that science and research could become a battleground for political or ideological conflict? “Unfortunately, yes, there is a real risk that science becomes politicized or ideologically weaponized. Research should be guided by data, evidence, and the collective interest. Yet in recent years, from the pandemic to climate change and now AI, science has increasingly become a target of polarization. When that happens, public trust erodes and the freedom of knowledge is threatened. A concrete example is the recent study by Professor Enrico Bucci, supported by our organization, which documented the spread of AI-generated fake images in scientific publications. We’re no longer talking about isolated mistakes or fraud; we’re looking at a system that could distort scientific truth itself. And it’s in moments like these that it becomes clear how dangerous it is when politics, instead of promoting transparency and rigor, fuels confusion or discredits experts. Our task today is twofold: defend science’s independence from manipulation, and ensure that new technologies like AI are used responsibly, in service of research, not against it”. Scientific research is also an economic pillar of American society. What is its impact on the nation’s economy? “In the U.S., scientific research is not just a driver of medical and technological progress, it’s a key economic engine. Every dollar invested in research generates significant returns in innovation, employment, and global competitiveness. Think of the pharmaceutical industry, biotech, and AI-driven medical technology: all these sectors start in the lab and evolve into companies, patents, startups, and high-skilled jobs. The U.S. system has long followed a virtuous model: public funding for research fuels private enterprise. Academic breakthroughs turn into therapies, devices, software and sometimes entire industries. When research budgets are cut, this whole cycle slows down. It’s not just a blow to science, it’s a drag on the economy. That’s why science must remain a national strategic priority, not a budget line to trim in hard times. I don’t believe Trump, who’s proven himself a savvy businessman, will neglect such a vital sector of the U.S. economy“. What are your thoughts about the new funds garanteed by the Minister Anna Maria Bernini? You’re now Italo-American working in the U.S., but still maintaining strong professional ties with Italy… “I’ve been fortunate to build a career between the U.S. and Italy, and I can confidently say that my bond with my home country has never wavered. In fact, it has grown stronger over time thanks to ongoing projects and collaborations. That’s why I enthusiastically welcome the initiative by Minister Anna Maria Bernini: the €50 million euro plan to encourage the return of Italian researchers is a concrete and meaningful sign of change. It’s not just about reversing the ‘brain drain.’ This initiative also focuses on strengthening strategic research infrastructure, those advanced environments and tools that help scientists fully realize their potential. Talent alone isn’t enough without cutting-edge labs and technologies. This measure carries double weight: it values human capital and lays the groundwork for Italy’s scientific competitiveness on a global scale. My dream, and the driving force behind my work, is to build bridges between Italy and the U.S., fostering synergy between those… Continue reading Rai Interview: Professor Giordano speaks about scientific research today
Author: Antonio Casaccio
New SHRO Study Warns Against Unsupervised Nutritional Interventions
Philadelphia, PA – 12 May 2025 – A new study coordinated by Dr. Salvatore Cortellino and Professor Antonio Giordano, President of the Sbarro Health Research Organization (SHRO) and molecular oncologist at Temple University and the University of Siena, offers a critical assessment of vitamin supplementation and popular dietary trends in the context of cancer prevention and treatment. Published in Expert Review of Anticancer Therapy, the review cautions against the widespread belief, promoted by mass media and the wellness industry, that over-the-counter vitamins and fad diets can independently extend life expectancy or improve cancer outcomes. This work has been significantly enhanced by the esteemed contributions of Teresa Esposito, MD, Department of Clinical Dietetics and Metabolic Diseases, Cavalier Raffaele Apicella Hospital, ASL Napoli 3 Sud, Naples, Italy, and Francesca Pentimalli, PhD, Department of Medicine and Surgery, LUM University ‘Giuseppe De Gennaro’, Bari, Italy. The study The analysis reveals that while vitamin deficiencies are frequently observed in cancer patients and may contribute to increased cancer risk, supplementation through pharmaceutical-grade multivitamins has not demonstrated clear clinical benefit. Instead, the authors underscore the importance of a balanced diet, particularly the Mediterranean diet, as the most reliable strategy for maintaining adequate micronutrient levels. Crucially, the review raises concerns about hypervitaminosis, a condition resulting from excessive intake of vitamins without medical supervision. In oncological patients, such an imbalance could paradoxically stimulate tumor progression. Likewise, dietary trends such as ketogenic regimens, intermittent fasting, or even strict veganism, while supported by preclinical models, lack robust evidence of effectiveness in human cancer therapy. In some cases, these restrictive dietary practices may exacerbate cancer-related cachexia or result in malnutrition, particularly in frail or elderly patients. Statement “Our findings suggest that following dietary fashions without clinical guidance can be not only ineffective but potentially harmful for cancer patients,” explains Professor Giordano. “There is no substitute for evidence-based medicine and a personalized approach to nutrition.” The authors advocate for medical consultation before initiating any significant dietary change, especially in the presence of risk factors or active disease. Nutritional decisions whether related to supplements or entire eating plans should be made in collaboration with qualified healthcare professionals such as physicians, clinical nutritionists, or dietitians. The study concludes by reaffirming that health is best preserved through physiological balance, achieved by maintaining adequate caloric intake, adhering to a varied and wholesome diet, and engaging in regular physical activity in accordance with individual needs. These principles, rooted in the European Code Against Cancer and the Mediterranean lifestyle, remain the cornerstone of cancer prevention and patient wellbeing.
SHRO new research: “The Translational Power of Liquid”
Philadelphia, PA – 08 May 2025 – A landmark review, now published in the Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research, offers a sweeping and authoritative synthesis on the use of liquid biopsy in gynecological oncology placing this emerging tool at the forefront of precision medicine for women. Led by Professor Antonio Giordano, President of the Sbarro Health Research Organization (SHRO) and molecular oncologist at Temple University and the University of Siena, the study lays out a rigorous translational roadmap to bridge cutting-edge molecular diagnostics with real-world clinical application. The article, titled “Liquid biopsy in gynecological cancers: a translational framework from molecular insights to precision oncology and clinical practice,” presents a decisive shift from mere technical exploration to clinically actionable guidance. It systematically addresses how liquid biopsy, through circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), tumor-educated platelets, microRNAs, and extracellular vesicles, can revolutionize the diagnosis, monitoring, and therapeutic tailoring of endometrial, cervical, and ovarian cancers. A Translational Vision What distinguishes this review is its explicit focus on translational relevance. It does not limit itself to theoretical or laboratory insights. Rather, it rigorously maps fourteen critical fields of inquiry from assay design and biomarker validation to clinical endpoints and cost-effectiveness with a central aim: enabling reliable, standardized integration of liquid biopsy into routine oncology care. The authors argue that liquid biopsy is not merely an innovation in biomarker detection, it is a methodological bridge that aligns molecular biology with patient-centered care. This is especially vital in gynecological cancers, where the heterogeneity of disease and anatomical constraints often hinder early diagnosis and longitudinal monitoring. By offering a noninvasive, repeatable, and dynamic window into tumor biology, liquid biopsy has the potential to transform the clinical management of cancers that impact over 1.3 million women in the United States alone. Clinical Impact and Gender Relevance The implications for women’s health are particularly profound. For ovarian cancer, where early-stage detection remains notoriously difficult, liquid biopsy demonstrates up to 90% specificity and increasing sensitivity through combined microRNA and ctDNA panels. In endometrial cancer, personalized ctDNA analysis shows over 87% concordance with traditional tissue-based classification and can predict recurrence several months in advance of clinical imaging. In cervical cancer, circulating HPV DNA and specific serum protein levels such as SCC-Ag and VCAM-1 correlate with prognosis and therapy response, reinforcing the value of plasma-based surveillance. These findings underscore not only the scientific innovation, but the gendered urgency of the work: the application of liquid biopsy in gynecological malignancies is not an abstract advance, but a concrete opportunity to improve survival, reduce diagnostic invasiveness, and individualize treatment for millions of women. Overcoming Barriers, Building Integration Despite its promise, the authors emphasize that liquid biopsy remains underutilized in clinical gynecologic oncology. The review therefore presents detailed considerations to overcome the barriers that prevent translation from the need for FDA-approved multi-analyte assays to standardization of sample handling and AI-driven data interpretation. The article calls for rigorous clinical trials that move beyond biomarker performance in advanced disease, toward validation in early-stage settings and population-level screening. Particular attention is paid to the integration of fragmentomics, methylomics, and machine learning in refining diagnostic precision. A Message from SHRO Leadership “This work is a testament to the potential of translational science to serve not only innovation, but people,” says Professor Antonio Giordano. “Liquid biopsy offers us the unprecedented ability to detect, understand, and treat cancer in real time without waiting for symptoms to emerge or disease to advance. For gynecological cancers, this may well mean the difference between life and loss.” SHRO continues to promote scientific rigor, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and patient-centered innovation as pillars of its research mission. This publication reflects the organization’s commitment to translational oncology as a vehicle for equity, efficiency, and excellence in cancer care.
SHRO Honors National Nurses Day
Philadelphia, May 6, 2025 – On this National Nurses Day, the Sbarro Health Research Organization (SHRO) proudly joins the United States in recognizing and celebrating the extraordinary role of nurses in the American healthcare system. Held annually on May 6, National Nurses Day marks the beginning of National Nurses Week, a dedicated time to acknowledge the contributions, skills and unwavering commitment of nurses. Often referred to as National RN Recognition Day, it serves as a reminder of the essential presence of nurses in every aspect of care, from emergency rooms to research labs, from public health initiatives to chronic care management. At SHRO, we know that advancing science and protecting lives go hand in hand. Nurses are at the heart of both missions. They not only care for patients with professionalism and empathy, but also serve as vital partners in clinical research and prevention strategies. Professor Giordano statement Professor Antonio Giordano, scientist and President of SHRO, issued the following statement: “On National Nurses Day, we honor a profession that is not only essential but foundational to the integrity of our healthcare system. Nurses play a critical role in clinical care and scientific progress, often serving as the link between research and patient outcomes. Their expertise, dedication and human touch make them indispensable allies in our fight against cancer and in every effort to improve public health. SHRO proudly stands with nurses and reaffirms its commitment to supporting their work at every level.” SHRO stands with nurses across the country, honoring their critical contributions and reaffirming its commitment to working alongside them to build a healthier and more compassionate future for all Americans.
From Naples to Philadelphia: the dialogue between Filangieri and Franklin
Philadelphia, PA – April 28, 2025. In an inspiring celebration of transatlantic Enlightenment thought, Temple University hosted the international event “Enlightenment Exchanges Between Italy and America: Dialogues on Science, Liberty, and Legislative Reform.” The event was jointly organized by the Sbarro Health Research Organization (SHRO), in collaboration with the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) and the Accademia Filangieri di Partenope. This unique scholarly gathering honored two intellectual giants of the 18th century whose correspondence shaped the foundations of modern democratic thinking: Gaetano Filangieri and Benjamin Franklin. Filangieri and Franklin Gaetano Filangieri (1752 – 1788) was a Neapolitan jurist and philosopher, widely regarded as one of the most influential thinkers of the European Enlightenment. His monumental work, “The Science of Legislation”, proposed a rational and humanistic approach to legal reform, advocating for liberty, justice, and the moral improvement of society through laws founded on reason and empathy. Filangieri’s writings captured the attention of none other than Benjamin Franklin, who became an admirer and correspondent of the young philosopher. Their exchange of letters, initiated in the late 18th century, represents one of the most compelling dialogues between European and American Enlightenment thinkers. Franklin, deeply impressed by Filangieri’s legal philosophy, integrated many of his ideas into the debates surrounding the shaping of American constitutional principles. Their correspondence is more than an intellectual curiosity, it is a testament to the shared pursuit of a just and rational society, one that transcends national borders and historical epochs. Speakers Among the distinguished guests at the colloquium were: * Amedeo Arena, Professor of European Law at the University of Naples Federico II and expert on the Italian and American Enlightenment * Antonio Giordano, President of SHRO and internationally renowned scientist in cancer research * John Bessler, Professor at the University of Baltimore School of Law, specialist in comparative law and capital punishment reform Filangieri’s Universal Legacy The event also marked the launch of Prof. Amedeo Arena’s latest volume, “Citizen of All Places, Contemporary of All Ages: The Universality of Gaetano Filangieri’s Thought”. Published in conjunction with the 800th anniversary of the University of Naples Federico II, the book explores how Filangieri’s vision rooted in liberty, reason, and peace continues to offer valuable insights for today’s complex world. The first part of the book traces Filangieri’s influence in cities. The second section examines how his work has been interpreted across centuries, from the 19th century to modern times. Shared Future This international partnership uniting a major American research center with one of Europe’s oldest universities reaffirmed a profound transatlantic bond. By celebrating the enduring relevance of Filangieri and Franklin’s ideas, the event underscored a common commitment to science.