Since the foundation of the European Institute of Oncology, clinical research in the Senology Division has been concerned with the development of new surgical techniques that improve not only the effectiveness of treatments for breast cancer, but also conserve as far as possible the integrity of the woman’s body. This dual approach was carried over from that adopted at the National Cancer Institute in Milan.
The Senology Division played a major role in the development of sentinel node biopsy for breast cancer. It carried out studies to demonstrate that the technique provides an accurate, minimally invasive method of staging the axilla. Other studies have extended the indication for sentinel node biopsy to women with cancers larger than 3 cm, to women who have received preoperative chemotherapy, and also those who are pregnant. Sentinel node biopsy has become a standard procedure at many centres throughout the world and is now applicable to most breast cancer cases.
Clinical units belonging to the division: