Department of Oncologic Surgery

Our Mission 

The Department of Oncologic Surgery at the Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori in Milan serves as a national and international center of excellence for the surgical treatment of cancer. The organizational model we adopt is based on the functional integration of various specialized skills, where overall effectiveness stems from systematic coordination among structures rather than the mere aggregation of individual operating units.

Our goal is to provide an up-to-date and comprehensive overview, both from the perspective of each individual unit and from an institutional standpoint. This shared awareness of the Department’s activities enables us to pursue common goals, work more collaboratively, optimize resources, and invest in the most effective directions—always guided by a unified spirit focused on the well-being of our patients.

Our Facilities and Numbers 

The strength of the Department lies in the perfect balance between specialization and integration: 11 Units form the core of our operations, supported by 3 Departmental Divisions and 9 Divisions. Each of these brings distinctive expertise that merges into a unique multidisciplinary approach within the national oncology landscape.

In 2024, we achieved outstanding results that reflect not only our technical expertise but, above all, the daily dedication of every professional working in service of our patients. In particular:

• Outpatient Visits: 91260 
• Hospital Admissions: 10065 
• Major surgical procedures: 6213
• Day Hospital/Laser Procedures: 2939 
• Scientific Publications: 215 
• Total Impact Factor: 670

Behind these extraordinary numbers lies a human and professional reality of the highest value: 133 medical doctors who combine clinical experience with a passion for research, 203 nurses who provide round-the-clock, high-quality care, 90 healthcare assistants who ensure the comfort and dignity of every patient, 58 medical residents who represent the future of Italian oncologic surgery, and 31 administrative assistants who meticulously coordinate every organizational aspect.
Our team manages a significant volume of clinical and research activities on a daily basis. The analysis of 2024 data highlights an average of 250 outpatient visits per day and over 120 surgical procedures per week, including major surgical procedures.
At the same time, the Department’s scientific output actively contributes to the advancement of oncological knowledge through clinical studies and translational research.
The effectiveness of our organizational model is rooted in the functional integration of diverse specialized competencies, allowing us to optimize diagnostic and therapeutic pathways and improve clinical outcomes.

Areas of Excellence

The Department of Oncologic Surgery is distinguished by its unique specialized expertise, covering the full spectrum of oncologic diseases. Our areas of excellence are the result of years of experience, ongoing research, and continuous innovation.

• Major Oncologic Surgery: Treatment of locally advanced tumors in all anatomical regions, utilizing multidisciplinary approaches and innovative surgical techniques.
• Oncologic Liver Transplantation: A referral center for liver transplantation in oncologic conditions, applying cutting-edge indications and advanced protocols.
• Rare Tumors: Specialized treatment of rare tumors in common and uncommon locations, including sarcomas, genitourinary tumors, and mediastinal cancers.
• Prophylactic Surgery: Dedicated programs for prophylactic surgery in hereditary cancers, with a particular focus on breast, gastrointestinal, and gynecological tumors.
• Minimally Invasive Surgery: Laparoscopic and robotic techniques for complex conditions across all anatomical regions, ensuring less invasiveness and improved outcomes.
• Ocular Oncologic Surgery: Specialized treatment of retinoblastoma, uveal melanoma, and orbital tumors using innovative, organ-preserving approaches. 

Research and Innovation

Research is the beating heart of our department. With over €2,500,000 in active competitive funding and 215 scientific publications in 2024 totaling an Impact Factor of 670, we are continuously engaged in translational and clinical research.

Our research projects span precision medicine, artificial intelligence, robotic surgery, and studies on the tumor microenvironment. We collaborate with national and international centers of excellence, contributing to the development of new care standards and the training of future generations of oncologic surgeons.

Our research focuses on innovative areas such as liquid biopsy, radiomics, tumor organoids, and immunotherapy, always with the aim of rapidly translating scientific findings into tangible benefits for patients.