Oncology Research at MultiMedica is conducted within a translational research framework, bridging the continuum from bench to bedside. Scientific activities are grounded in close collaboration among clinicians, pathologists, basic scientists, and translational researchers, enabling multidisciplinary studies with rapid clinical applicability and tangible benefits for patients and the broader population.
The main areas of oncology research include:
- Phenotypic and functional characterization of innate immune cells (with a focus on Natural Killer cells and neutrophils) in patients with lung cancer, colorectal cancer, prostate carcinoma, and pancreatic cancer
- Identification of circulating cellular and molecular biomarkers (alarmins, cfDNA, miRNAs), through liquid biopsy approaches, for early cancer detection and prediction of therapeutic response
- Characterization and prevention of adverse effects associated with anticancer therapies, including chemotherapy and immunotherapy, with particular emphasis on cardiovascular complications through cardio-oncology approaches
- Investigation of the role of air pollutants and their interaction with both the macroenvironment (circulating compartment) and the tumor microenvironment (tissue level) in tumor initiation, progression, and therapeutic response, particularly in lung cancer
- Comprehensive profiling of the tumor microenvironment in pulmonary neuroendocrine carcinomas using integrated multi-omics approaches for novel biomarker discovery
- Drug repurposing strategies in immuno-oncology, aimed at reprogramming the tumor microenvironment and modulating the immune system
- Clinical protocols for innovative or experimental therapeutic strategies, based on precision oncology and immuno-oncology approaches
Within this framework, the Innate Immunity Laboratory specializes in the following experimental methodologies:
- Isolation of immune and stromal cells from blood and tissue samples (biopsies and surgical specimens) derived from patients or murine models recapitulating relevant malignancies
- Development and application of murine models for studies in oncology, immunology, and therapy-induced cardiotoxicity (chemotherapy, immunotherapy)
- Immunophenotypic characterization using multiparametric flow cytometry, with single-cell resolution and up to 18 parameters
- Generation of 3D immuno-oncology models, including mono- and multicellular spheroids and patient-derived organotypic tumor models (PDOTs)
- Establishment of cellular co-culture systems (commercial cell lines and primary cells)
- Investigation of bidirectional interactions between cells, secretome, and extracellular matrix in immuno-oncology
- Use of alternative animal models in oncology and vascular biology, including the leech Hirudo verbana
In close collaboration with the F.L.O.R.A.L. Flow Cytometry Facility, the laboratory provides expertise in flow cytometry panel design for multiparametric analyses (surface, intracellular, and intranuclear antigens), sample acquisition (blood and tissue-derived cell suspensions from both human and murine sources), and advanced data analysis of high-dimensional cytometry datasets.
MultiMedica Oncology Research operates in strong synergy with numerous clinical and research institutions at both national and international levels, and is actively integrated into collaborative networks involving public and private research institutes and universities.
Research activities are supported by funding from Fondazione AIRC ETS, Fondazione Cariplo, and Fondazione Guido Berlucchi.
Collaborating Institutions
- Nuclear Receptors, Metabolic and Cardiovascular Diseases Unit, INSERM, Institut Pasteur, University of Lille, Lille, France
- Pancreatic Surgery Unit and Pathology Unit, Istituto Clinico Humanitas, Rozzano, Italy
- Oncology Unit, Thoracic Surgery Unit, Pancreas Unit, Pathology Unit, ASST Sette Laghi, Varese, Italy
- Human Genetics Laboratory, Invertebrate Biology Laboratory, Cell Biology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
