Projects inside the Oncology line research: 

Tumors and bone metastases. In the Laboratory of Preclinical and Surgical Studies pathophysiological mechanisms of bone metastases and new treatments are studied with in vitro experimental models, such as co-cultures of tumor cells and musculoskeletal system cells.

Electroporation and Electrochemoterapy for the treatment of bone metastases. Electric pulses of short length and high intensity induce an increased permeability of cellular membrane caused by re-orientation of polar molecules: this phenomenon is named Electroporation (EP). The effects of EP are exerted only on the cellular components, leaving unchanged the connective tissue, in the absence of protein denaturation. Regarding primary and metastatic tumor lesions, the permeabilization of cellular membranes gives a direct access to the cytoplasm for chemotherapeutic drugs normally non permeable, such as bleomycin, whose toxicity increases of thousands times in that way. 

The combined use of EP and chemotherapy is named Electrochemotherapy (ECT). Nowadays, ECT is used for local treatment of skin primary tumors and metastases localized to the skin and to the subcutaneous tissue independently from the histological origin. The effects of EP and ECT are studied in relation to tumor cells, tissue and bone metastases through histological, histomorphometric (static and dynamic) and microtomographic analysis.

Innovative ablation techniques for the treatment of musculoskeletal system metastases.  The project aims to study an innovative technique based on a RNM system, associated with a particular device able to release ultrasonic and shockwaves that can act in a focused manner on neoplastic lesions.