Fondazione IRCCS Carlo Besta
Milano, Lombardia, Italy
From 1995 central nervous system tumours became my major scientific interest. I have set up techniques for
loss of heterozigosity studies based on microsatellite analysis after PCR amplification and on methylation
specific PCR . Thanks to this experience it was possible to propose a reclassification of oligoastrocytoma based
on their genetic signature. I conducted studies evaluating on MGMT methylation in brain tumors, in particular
in glioblastomas suggesting that methylated MGMT may be part of a genetic signature of secondary as
promoter methylation.
I devoted myself also to evaluate correlation between genetic characterization of gliomas and MRI
features.
Furthermore I have conducted studies on prognostic factors and effectiveness of chemotherapy in brain tumors.
I was scientific coordinator and responsable for a research project founded by the Italian Ministry of Health on the experimental treatment with Imatinib of plexiform neurofibromas in NF1 patients.
I am scientific coordinator and responsable for a research project founded by the Italian Ministry of Health on the spinal form of Neurofibromatosis 1): Unsolved challenges in neurofibromatosis type 1: the search for novel clinical and molecular predictors for spinal neurofibromatosis diagnosis and management.
I have pioneered the use of dendritic cells for the immunotherapy of glioblastoma in Italy.
I acted as principal investigator in three clinical studies for innovative therapy in brain tumors, including Abbvie study M14) I contributed for Neurological Institute C.Besta to TCGA study on gliobalstoma.
I act as principal investigator for Neurological Institute C.Besta in the research project the Landing consortium coordinated by Prof. A. Iavarone, The goal of the project is to comprehensively identify the genomic and molecular features of glioma occurring in patients diagnosed with NF1 and compare them with those arising sporadically. I have authored more than 100 papers in peer reviewed journals including Nature genetic , Clinical Cancer Researc, Brain.
