Research at INT
The Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori of Milan (INT) is a comprehensive cancer center, a hospital entirely dedicated to cancer care and research.
Our Institute has played a key role in the history of cancer research, contributing to the development of new pharmacological interventions and procedures (from chemotherapy drugs to targeted therapies and immunotherapies) and surgical approaches (including new conservative techniques).
Even today, research at INT is carried out through structures and scientific programs that span from preclinical basic research (biological, immunological, genetic/genomic, and pharmacological) to clinical and epidemiological studies, with a strong focus on a translational approach. This model integrates research and patient care, allowing for the rapid transfer of new discoveries from the laboratory to the patient's bedside.
INT’s research aims to improve cancer prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment, as well as the quality of life for cancer patients. This activity is based on a vision of healthcare research as an integration and synergy of different research domains.
The Institute also plays a leading role in primary and secondary cancer prevention and is attentive to patient needs through palliative care and supportive therapies.
Innovative therapies are made available to patients in various ways, including access to new drugs and technologies through both sponsored and non-profit clinical trials. This allows patients to access research protocols that, alongside the best possible care, offer the opportunity to receive cutting-edge treatments and procedures.
Focuses on the study of biological phenomena that underlie how our bodies function. In oncology, this type of research aims to investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms behind the complex nature of cancer—from the transformation of a normal cell into a cancerous one, to the processes that enable it to move within the body, colonize new organs, evade immune defenses, and develop resistance to treatments.
Aims to turn scientific discoveries made in the lab into clinical applications for treating cancer. This pathway can also work in reverse, where clinical observations spark new lines of laboratory investigation. The main goal of translational research is to identify new treatments and diagnostic approaches that can be used in clinical practice and ultimately benefit patients. This type of research promotes close collaboration between clinicians and biologists, often involving interdisciplinary professionals who bridge the gap between the lab and the clinic to facilitate the exchange of ideas and the implementation of innovative strategies.
Clinical trials and research are an essential part of the process that enables new drugs to become available to patients. The data obtained from clinical studies allow us to answer important scientific questions and gain a deeper understanding of the efficacy, safety, and therapeutic potential of experimental drugs.
Epidemiology examines all the factors that influence the presence or absence of diseases and disorders. It provides tools to understand how many people are affected, whether these numbers are changing, and how these conditions impact society and the economy.
Focused on improving rehabilitative and palliative care, developing personalized psychological support plans for patients and their families, and creating more effective clinical nutrition approaches.
Last update: 20/05/2025