Oncological studies in Transfusion Medicine

Oncological research in Transfusion Medicine is developed in two macro-areas: 

1. translational studies on the so-called 'platelet-based therapies'; 
2. translational and clinical studies of Patient Blood Management. 

Concerning the 'platelet-based therapies', we conduct pre-clinical studies for the characterisation and optimisation of cryopreserved platelet products, to assess the in vitro oncogenic potential, as well as quality and safety aspects for prophylactic transfusion purpose in thrombocytopenic patients. New projects are also aimed at studying the biochemical and molecular characteristics of tumour-educated platelets and their role in prognosis and therapeutic response in colorectal cancer and other solid tumours.
Patient Blood Management studies involve the whole peri-operative (pre-, intra- and post-operative) and are aimed at evaluating the anaemia management interventions in cancer patients in order to improve their clinical and therapeutic outcomes.
Projects active in 2023/2024:

• 'Cryopreservation of platelets for prophylactic use in onco-haematology: an in vitro study'. PI: Lucia Merolle
• "Characterisation of tumour-educated platelets in cancer patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC)". PI: Lucia Merolle
• "Effect of a Patient Blood Management programme in the management of anaemia in cancer patients". PI: Erminia Di Bartolomeo