Research areas and methodologies

The Radiotherapy Oncology Research Unit is involved in various clinical research programs in the field of numerous tumors. The main areas of clinical research concern lung cancers, gastrointestinal and urological cancers and breast cancers. Within clinical research the two main directions concern:

  • the associations between radiotherapy and systemic agents 
  • the use of advanced technologies for radiotherapy treatment such as stereotactic radiotherapy, volumetric arc therapy (IMRT/VMAT), breath hold and gat techniquesing respiratory therapy (for example used to treat the mammary gland or lung nodules), brachytherapy and hyperthermia. 

More recently, a strong interest of the research group has concerned the applications of artificial intelligence and radiomics to radiotherapy and oncology, patient care during follow-up and radiobiology.

Specifically, the most recent lines of research concern:

  • In-depth analysis of the outcome predictive factors for the correct selection of the patient to be started on personalized active therapies, both linked to Artificial Intelligence and to the dosimetric tools typical of modern radiotherapy.
  • Promotion and in-depth study of "Survivorship", as a study and research of the issues of interest to patients from the moment of diagnosis ("Acute Survivorship") to the period in which treatments are completed ("Permanent Survivorship") through the prevention and management of side effects acute and long-term, with physical or psychological impact.
  • Development of radiobiological research aimed at studying the basic mechanisms of radiation/matter interaction both on tumor cells and on healthy tissues, to better understand the effects of radiosensitization and radioresistance of tissues.

Collaborations with other Research Centers

  • Medical Oncology, University of Turin-AOU S. Luigi Gonzaga Orbassano, Italy
  • Radiotherapy Oncology, University of Florence, Italy
  • Radiotherapy Oncology, University of Zurich, Switzerland
  • Radiotherapy Oncology, University of Erlagen, Germany
  • Oncological Radiotherapy, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli", IRCSS, Italy
  • Oncological Radiotherapy, Gemelli Molise Spa, Campobasso, Italy
  • Radiation Oncology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
  • Oncological Radiotherapy, University of Brescia, Italy
  • Thoraco-Pulmonary Medical Oncology; IRCCS Foundation National Cancer Institute, Milan
  •  Oncological Radiotherapy AUSL of Reggio Emilia IRCCS