IRIC - Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer

Published on February 4, 2026

On World Cancer Day, Anne Marinier, Director of IRIC’s Drug Discovery Unit, talks with Pasquale Gentile, a patient cured by the UM171 cell therapy developed at IRIC. A rich and deeply human encounter that gives hope to cancer research.

“It was my choice to go with the research protocol option; it was the path I chose. I knew nothing about research before my diagnosis; you only discover it when you are faced with a serious illness. I see the value of research; it’s in my blood. I sincerely thank everyone who participated in any way in saving my life.” – Pasquale Gentile