Innovative strategies in organ and cell transplantation and approach to the transplant candidate /
Thoracic Surgery and Lung Transplant

Elements of rejection and compatibility after lung transplantation
The research activity focuses on the study of early biomarkers of acute and chronic rejection after lung transplantation. In particular, bronchoalveolar lavage and tissue samples are studied by molecular biology techniques for evaluation of microRNAs, extracellular vesicles and lipids, and by Next Generation System method.

Experimental study models
Focus of the project is the creation of experimental models on the small- and medium-sized animal to study the mechanisms of ischemia-reperfusion injury in lung transplantation and to develop ex-situ graft assessment during the ex-vivo lung perfusion process. 

Robotic applications in thoracic surgery
Study of the application of modern robotic systems applied to thoracic surgery, both for the approach to mediastinal neoplasms and for the treatment of lung pathology. In addition to the implementation of the more purely technical component, the group is involved in the evaluation and monitoring of the clinical outcome of operated patients.

Study of DCD lung donors for transplantation purposes
The research activity is aimed at studying the pathway of donor lung transplantation after ascertainment of death by cardio criterion (DCD). In particular, the program aims to develop the original protocol of graft preservation by simple ventilation and to implement the network with Lombard centers.

Study on the biology and immunology of non-small cell lung cancer
Basic research on neoplastic and healthy tissue taken from subjects operated on for lung neoplasia, with special interest in the relationship between tumor and host immune system, studied with multi-omics techniques and translocated in vitro to create organoids.

Thymic neoplasms
Integrated, multidisciplinary study of thymomas and thymic carcinomas. The group cross-gathers thoracic surgeons, oncologists, radiation oncologists, neurologists, and radiologists for a comprehensive study and approach. In addition, the program provides data sharing with other centers through joint database.