The laboratory of Experimental Neuro-Oncology developed its activity in the Istituto Nazionale Neurologico Besta (INNB) starting in 1992 and working on two areas: the molecular genetics of brain tumors and the experimental treatment of malignant gliomas.

The laboratory contributed data on the most relevant tumor suppressor genes involved in gliomagenesis (p53, p16, PTEN) and on patterns of chromosomal losses in gliomas. 
It is providing genetic exams of relevance for the definition of prognosis/diagnosis and for decisions on the treatment of gliomas. 

More recently a genetic characterization of pediatric and adult medulloblastomas has been started with the identification of gene expression patterns that may identify different subsets of tumors. The laboratory is developing DNA microarray and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) studies on meningiomas with the goal of identifying genetic markers helping to select tumors that are more prone to relapse.

The PI and the laboratory have been active in the field of gene therapy. The PI was the main investigator in Italy of the phase III clinical trial for GBM based on retroviral transfer of HSV-tk: the laboratory includes a BL2 facility that was approved for the preparation of retroviral producer cells for clinical use. The group developed preclinical experiments of immuno-gene therapy based on viral transfer of IL-4 and IL-12 and on IL-4 expression by neural stem progenitor cells grafted in the tumor.

Skin-derived stem cells are and will be used to evaluate their fate after grafting into murine brain and their potential for the expression of therapeutic molecules in the context of a brain tumor.

Another project under development is based on the use of mesenchymal stem cells for the expression of therapeutic molecules in experimental gliomas.

On 2003 the laboratory started the study of cancer stem-like cells (CSC) in different brain tumors, with special emphasis on the genetic characterization of CSC and CSC-derived tumors. This project will be developed in the near future on a larger number of cases and using the techniques of immune separation by magnetic beads and DNA microarray.

The Unit has also started a project on manipulation of murine Dendritic Cells (DC) to be used for the vaccination of experimental gliomas. Different approaches for DC maturation, pulsing and administration will be tested in experimental models.

In the INNB all the critical structures for the treatment of neuro-oncological patients are located in the same building: neurosurgery, neuroradiology, neuropathology, clinical neuro-oncology, radiotherapy, and experimental neuro-oncology. 
At the clinical level the Lab plan to apply for a phase I project of DC vaccination in patients with relapsing glioblastomas. The functional department of Neuro-Oncology in the INNB is the frame for such study. This functional department is directed by Dr. Amerigo Boiardi. 

The INNB has renovated the animal facility. A new structure for GMP-GLP storage of biological material in liquid nitrogen has been prepared. A new Production Unit for Cell Therapy, organized by Dr. Eugenio Parati, has been completed and should be active during year 2005. 
In the department of Experimental Neurology and Diagnostics (director Dr. Stefano Di Donato) two FACS are available as well as all the facilities for the molecular genetic analysis (including qPCR, automated sequencing, DNA fragment analysis, DHPLC). 
The INNB is part of Genopolis, a public, non-profit Consortium, located at the University of Milano-Bicocca  (www.genopolis.it) and is linked in an administrative consortium with the Ospedale Policlinico and the Istituto Nazionale Tumori, both in Milano.

Salsano E, Pollo B, Eoli M, Giordana MT, Finocchiaro G.
Expression of MATH1, a marker of cerebellar granule cell progenitors, identifies different medulloblastoma sub-types.
Neurosci Lett. 2004 Nov 11;370(2-3):180-5.
PMID: 15488319 [PubMed - in process]

GF is in the editorial Board of Neuro-Oncology, the official journal of the American Society for Neuro-Oncology, and of Neurological Sciences, the official journal of the Italian Society of Neurology. He acts as reviewer of journals specialized in oncology or molecular biology including Cancer Research, Gene Therapy, Oncogene, Human Gene Therapy and of national and international grant agencies. He wrote more than 90 papers published in peer reviewed journals.
GF is a member of the scientific board of the Italian Association for Neuro-Oncology and of the Italian Association supporting neurological research. He was a member of the consulting committee for gene therapy of the Italian Prime Minister. He was the PI of the only phase III gene therapy trial developed in Italy.