RTFCCR at ESMO 2025: Advancing the Dialogue on Microbiome in Oncology 

October 28, 2025

Berlin, October 17-21, 2025 – The Rising Tide Foundation for Clinical Cancer Research (RTFCCR) was proud to participate in the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) 2025 Congress in Berlin—a global gathering of oncology professionals, researchers, and advocates committed to transforming cancer care. 

RTFCCCR was thrilled to see several grantees presenting their work at ESMO. Highlights included promising results from the POSITIVE study, presented by Dr. Fredo Peccatori (IEO, Italy), which is set to redefine the treatment path for young women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer who wish to get pregnant. Also noteworthy were guideline-changing findings from Dr. Alexandros Papachristofilou (USB, Switzerland and RTFCCR advisory board), whose research is helping to establish new standards in radiotherapy for seminoma. These presentations exemplify the impact of patient-centered, high-quality clinical research and reinforce RTFCCR’s mission to accelerate meaningful change in oncology. 

RTFCCR also hosted a dinner with grantee Dr. Antonio Avallone (Istituto Tumori Napoli, Italy) and Dr. Alfredo Budillon (scientific director of Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS G. Pascale of Naples), alongside the patient advocacy group Digestive Cancers Europe (DiCE) and Barbara Ewals, CEO of the International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG). The discussion focused on the urgent need for improved treatment options for gastrointestinal cancer, particularly for older patients.  

As part of its commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation, RTFCCR co-hosted a special meet-up with the Seerave Foundation and the Anticancer Fund, spotlighting the emerging role of the microbiome in oncology. The event brought together leading experts, funders, and clinicians to explore how microbiome research can inform more personalized, integrative approaches to cancer treatment and supportive care. 

Thank you to all who joined us in Berlin—RTFCCR looks forward to continuing these conversations and advancing the field together.