Cancer Biology
Understanding disease to advance cures
WHAT
Focus
Students uncover how normal cells transform into cancer cells and how this knowledge drives prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. The program trains them to investigate the molecular and biological foundations of cancer, from signaling pathways and genome instability to tumor microenvironments and immune evasion. By integrating molecular biology, genetics, and systems approaches, students learn to connect fundamental discovery with translational research, gaining the skills to link molecular insight to therapeutic innovation and contribute to advances in oncology, biotechnology, and precision medicine.
HOW
Approach
Learning combines core courses in molecular and cellular biology with hands-on research in cancer-focused laboratories. Students gain experience with genomic and proteomic profiling, molecular imaging, and in vivo models, while developing analytical skills to interpret complex biological data. Regular seminars, interdisciplinary workshops, and exposure to clinical perspectives connect laboratory discoveries to patient-oriented outcomes.
WHERE
Environment
The area is powered by IFOM (FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology), internationally recognized for its fundamental research on DNA repair, genome stability, and signal transduction, and by the IEO (European Institute of Oncology), a center of excellence for translational research that connects molecular mechanisms to innovative therapies and clinical trials; together, they create an integrated ecosystem bridging basic science, technology, and medicine, and offer students access to cutting-edge facilities and mentorship from leading cancer biologists.
WHO
People
This area is for students fascinated by how cellular processes go awry in disease—and eager to apply that knowledge to real-world health challenges. Whether investigating tumor evolution, designing molecular interventions, or analyzing omics data, they gain the skills to turn discovery into impact.