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Course Objectives

The general objective is the acquisition of advanced knowledge, the scientific method, and the ability to develop and conduct research in thematic areas that address different and complementary aspects of neoplastic pathology. Each PhD student’s training path is based on carrying out a research project under the supervision of a Faculty Member and makes use of state-of-the-art methodologies, analytical techniques, and equipment. The program aims to train professionals who work in basic and applied oncology, immuno-oncology, and bioinformatics, capable of playing an active role in advancing biomedical knowledge in oncology, in developing technologies suited to the complexity of neoplastic disease, and in the appropriate application of new therapeutic approaches.

The PhD program offers research projects in major areas such as Experimental and Clinical Oncology, Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, and Hemato-Oncology, complemented by more cross-disciplinary fields such as Bioinformatics, Functional Imaging, and Pathology.

Educational Activities

The program offers training paths designed to study neoplastic disease across different basic and applied research areas: molecular and cellular characteristics, interactions between the immune system and tumors, new diagnostic approaches and innovative therapies, and the creation and management of databases. Teaching and research expertise are ensured by the multidisciplinary nature of the Academic Board, the scientific experience and international collaborations of Supervisors, and the use of innovative methodological approaches and cutting-edge technologies.

Training is also enriched by the acquisition of transversal skills (soft skills) and includes opportunities for stays abroad as well as participation in national and international conferences.

The PhD program is attractive to candidates from different degree backgrounds: medicine, biology, mathematics, and computer science. Training pathways in partnership with the Veneto Institute of Oncology (IRCCS-IOV, Padua) and IRCCS San Raffaele (Milan) are available, offering dual supervision.

Research Areas
- Bioinformatics applied to the study of tumors

New “high-throughput” technologies are revolutionizing both basic and clinical oncology research. Their holistic approach allows the construction of tumor-specific gene expression profiles and provides insights into the processes governing oncogenic transformation. However, the vast datasets generated by high-throughput methods are useless without tools capable of extracting relevant information—an endeavor that relies on sophisticated computational analyses.

The School offers dedicated training and research opportunities tailored to the current need for specialists able to address the broad variety of high-throughput oncology projects in both academic and industrial settings. These require the ability to solve complex and interdisciplinary problems and to understand the impact of such methodologies on biomedicine and cancer patient care.

- Cyto-histopathology and molecular pathology in oncology

PhD candidates who choose to study tumor histopathology gain expertise in clinical-diagnostic research within surgical pathology. Clinical activities expose students to a wide variety of material, ranging from common surgical specimens to rare or unusual diseases and neoplasms.

Students acquire hands-on experience in all aspects of laboratory work, from conceptualization in basic research to practical application in clinical settings. Special emphasis is placed on understanding the biological foundations and biotechnologies associated with pathology, as well as mastering modern techniques. Support services include histology, immunohistochemistry, molecular diagnostics, and operational informatics.

- Tumor immunology and immunotherapy approaches

Tumor immunology is undergoing rapid expansion thanks to the recognition that combining synergistic strategies targeting the various players involved in tumor growth may provide highly effective—possibly definitive—therapeutic solutions.

The School’s laboratories have a long tradition in tumor immunology and offer cutting-edge research opportunities on the mechanisms that allow tumors to evade immune control and on innovative approaches to interfere with these processes.

- Molecular markers predicting response to therapy in patients with solid tumors

Students can take part in research activities on solid tumors at the University’s Second Surgical Clinic, which includes groups recognized nationally and internationally for their clinical and experimental research on breast, colorectal, soft tissue, and gastric cancers.

The study program covers numerous thematic areas aimed at supporting or explaining epidemiological aspects of solid tumors and the correlation between genetic, molecular, and cellular factors and tumor progression.

Ongoing studies include new screening approaches and the identification of tissue and plasma markers for early diagnosis and improved monitoring of tumor progression/transformation. Laboratories are also evaluating new protocols for multimodal treatments with conservative intent and for adjuvant therapies, as well as investigating genetic alterations and tumor profiles as predictive markers of therapeutic response and/or prognostic factors.

- Hematological tumors

PhD research focuses on biological and molecular mechanisms involved in the development and growth of malignant cells in various hematologic diseases, including B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia, hairy cell leukemia, multiple myeloma, and T-cell and Natural Killer cell leukemias. The emphasis is on understanding the involvement of specific signaling pathways and related protein kinases, with the ultimate goal of identifying new drug targets and innovative therapeutic tools for treating hematologic diseases.

Training aims to prepare researchers with multidisciplinary expertise ranging from molecular sciences to the clinical treatment of hematologic disorders.

- Genetic Predisposition to Cancer

Although familial aggregation of tumors has long suggested a possible genetic and heritable basis, only recently has it been established that a fraction of all cancers (approximately 5–10%) results from genetic alterations transmitted via Mendelian inheritance.

The program’s laboratories have extensive experience studying the role of BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene alterations in breast cancer pathogenesis, with more than 300 families analyzed for predisposing mutations. More recently, hereditary cancer studies have expanded to other tumor types, including hereditary colorectal cancer and Lynch syndrome, familial melanoma, and endocrine tumors.

- Viral oncology

It is estimated that 15–20% of all human cancers are associated with infectious agents (mainly viruses). Immunocompromised conditions—due to infections or iatrogenic immunosuppression in transplant patients—represent a risk factor for developing virus-associated cancers. Investigating how viruses remodel cellular senescence/immortalization programs is providing new knowledge on cell physiology and has already yielded valuable tools for prevention and treatment strategies.

PhD students have the opportunity to work in laboratories experienced in studying oncogenic RNA and DNA viruses, particularly HTLV-1, Epstein–Barr Virus (EBV), Human Herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8 or KSHV, associated with Kaposi sarcoma), and Human Papillomavirus (HPV).

Professional Profile

PhD graduates may pursue research and teaching careers in oncology and immuno-oncology within universities, public or private research institutions, or the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.

In some training paths, the acquisition of bioinformatics skills aims to foster job opportunities involving the use and development of bioinformatics tools designed to handle large and complex datasets, addressing current needs in Biology, Genetics, and Biotechnology applied to cancer research.

With the activation of the 36th cycle, the program added a research area dedicated to Functional Imaging, integrating existing preclinical expertise with clinical competencies in radiomics and nuclear medicine (SSD MED/36). This addition enables the development of translational training projects—from the study of new imaging agents to novel diagnostic techniques—using state-of-the-art methodologies and equipment at the national level. It supports the training of highly skilled professionals in functional imaging and tumor theranostics.

  Other information

• Calls and Admissions
• The International PhD guide
• Administrative Informations