Presentation of the Centre
The Mediterranean Institute of Oncology (IOM), recognized by the national service and certified with UNI EN ISO 9001:2008 system, was founded in 2003 as a highly specialized oncological center. IOM takes care of patients through qualified professionals and advanced equipment, enhancing through translational research patient’s health and well-being. Within the institution operate units of Medical Oncology, Onco-Hematology with a specialized section in bone marrow transplant, Surgical Oncology (Breast Unit, Neurosurgery Unit, Urologic Surgery Unit, GYN Unit) and a post-operative intensive care unit. Outpatient clinics and services include: Laboratory Medicine Unit, Imaging Unit, Anatomic Pathology and Molecular Diagnosis Unit, Dermatology Unit, Endoscopy Unit.
Main Research Activities
IOM is an institute dedicated to conducting and supporting translational cancer research which stands out for its breadth of scale: from the molecular events underlying the tumorigenesis to the most sophisticated diagnostics and innovative therapies. The unique and flexible research facility houses some of the largest and smallest experiments in the field of oncology, and the professional technical staff provide unprecedented technical support.
IOM's Experimental Department, together with the University of Messina, Catania, SALAH Azaiez Institute of Oncology and the University of Tunis ElManar, enriches all the necessary expertise to develop ambitious cancer research programs, from basic science to translational and clinical research.
The majority of the projects are based on strong interactions with hospitals, companies and regional and abroad universities. The research at the IOM uses molecular and cellular approaches, genetics, animal models and biological and clinical resources from hospitals. Teams explore the complexity of solid and hematological malignancies, their interaction with the microenvironment, in particular the immune system, to discover novel diagnostics and therapeutics, and move, as much as possible, to the bedside for clinical evaluation. Teams with more clinically orientated programs also develop projects in radiotherapy and pharmacology/pharmacokinetics. The Institute is constantly committed to ameliorating its scientific performance through the introduction of innovative approaches and the creation of a synergistic integration between all the scientific areas present.