The IEO celebrates its first five years of activity. Numerous figures from the world of culture, science, business and politics, including Treasury Minister Giuliano Amato, participate in the celebration.

In collaboration with the European School of Oncology, the Institute organises the “First Milan Breast Cancer Conference”, destined to become the most important international scientific meeting on breast cancer organised in Italy specifically for oncologists. Each year, the convention discusses the state of the art in clinical practice and research into this type of cancer, calling upon panels of speakers that include some of the world’s leading experts, who are asked to discuss the most innovative and controversial issues. The event underscores the central role played by Italy, and particularly by Milan, in the progress being made in the treatment of breast cancer.

This is the year of a historic publication in NATURE on the discovery of P66, the gene responsible for ageing. The IEO researchers find that animals from which this gene is removed live 30% longer. Fascinating prospects open up not only for treating cancer but for all diseases related to ageing, like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s Disease.

The European Institute of Oncology starts up the first clinical study in Italy for the early diagnosis of lung cancer. Within a matter of months, one thousand smokers are recruited and once a year for five years, a Spiral Computerised Axial Tomography (CAT scan) of the chest is performed. Early data indicate that – as was the case with mammograms – a simple, rapid and non-invasive test may soon be able to reduce the high mortality rate associated with lung cancer, by identifying it in its initial phase when there is still a strong chance of curing it.

A totally integrated hospital management system is established. In Italy, this is the first example of the application of an ERP system in the health field, and this data management reflects the functional integration already present on an organisational level. This is a fundamental strategic investment for achieving the goals of the Institute.