Paediatric Oncology Diagnostics

MISSION
Our mission is to provide diagnostic imaging services (ultrasound, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging) for paediatric tumours and to coordinate specialists with the aim of accurately defining the disease and its precise extent throughout the body. To this end, we also perform and refine imaging-guided cytological and histological biopsies. The centralisation of radiological images within the framework of national and international protocols forms part of the unit’s mission.

ORGANISATION
It is a simple unit attached to the Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Department.
The unit carries out its specific activities in accordance with internal quality protocols, which are reviewed and updated periodically.

CLINICAL ACTIVITIES
▪ Diagnostic staging and follow-up of paediatric tumours using various imaging techniques depending on the specific indications.
▪ Interventional radiology for diagnostic and research purposes (biopsy procedures), for therapeutic purposes (ultrasound- and CT-guided ablations and angiographic locoregional treatments) and the management of complications (imaging-guided placement of drains)
▪ Weekly participation in multidisciplinary meetings at the Paediatric Oncology Department, sharing and discussing radiological images of paediatric patients.
▪ Consultation of CT and MRI images of paediatric patients from other hospitals, in particular Buzzi Hospital, Milan Polyclinic and Gaetano Pini Hospital, which have agreements with our facility

RESEARCH ACTIVITIES
▪ Multidisciplinary collaboration in clinical trials sponsored by the Paediatric Oncology Department
▪ European study ‘UMBREL SIOP-RTSG 2016’: diagnosis and treatment of Wilms’ tumour. In this study, the department carries out the centralised radiological review of all Italian cases and provides a second opinion for all patients on the need to perform a biopsy of the renal lesion within 72 hours of the patient’s enrolment in the protocol. It regularly attends SIOP renal tumour meetings and has been involved in the SIOP RTSG Biopsy Working Group, contributing to the drafting of a position paper.

ACADEMIC ORGANISATION
Supervision and training of radiology postgraduate trainees at the University of Milan in the field of paediatric tumour imaging. Collaboration with the University of Milan’s Oncology Postgraduate School, providing training on the radiological aspects of paediatric tumours.

FUNCTIONAL RELATIONSHIPS
Internal
- Strategic Management
- Scientific Management
- Staff units reporting to Strategic Management and Scientific Management
- Organisational units of the Foundation’s administrative and functional departments.
External
- National and international universities
- Regional and national IRCCS centres
- Centres of excellence
- Lombardy Region, suppliers and other public and private entities
- Local Health Authorities (ATS) and Hospital Trusts (ASST) of the Province and the Region.