ADDRESS

INSTITUTE OF PATHOLOGICAL ANATOMY – VIA A. GABELLI N.61 – 35121 PADOVA

DIRECTOR
Prof.ssa Fiorella Calabrese

DIAGNOSTIC ACTIVITY

The pathologists of the Thoracic Pathology Unit have extensive experience in the histopathological diagnosis of a broad range of thoracic diseases, encompassing both neoplastic and non-neoplastic conditions. They serve as a national and international reference center for several diseases, including pulmonary interstitial diseases (with a particular focus on idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, sarcoidosis, exposure-related pathologies (such as malignant pleural mesothelioma, asbestosis, silicosis, and berylliosis), lung tumors (both epithelial and non-epithelial), mediastinal tumors (especially thymic tumors), and lung transplant-related pathologies. The diagnostic approach to these diseases is based on a multidisciplinary team, which meets weekly to discuss cases and integrates the expertise of clinical colleagues from respiratory medicine, oncology, respiratory physiology, and thoracic surgery. For most of the studied diseases, tissue and other biological samples are stored in a biobank, with the patient’s informed consent, and clinical-morphological data are entered into a dedicated RedCap platform database. Additionally, digitalized slides are available for many diseases, accompanied by relevant clinical and pathological information, facilitating a comprehensive and integrated approach to diagnosis and research.

Italian and/or international quality certification:

The UOC is UNI EN ISO 9001: 2008, no.5871/aq CERTIQUALITY certified for quality management of diagnostics and research.

Histopathological and molecular diagnostics of non-small cell lung cancer (adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma) has used European EQA Lung certification since 2022.

Main technologies/approaches:

-  Morphological investigations (histological and immunohistochemical)

-  Molecular investigations (PCR, Real-Time PCR, Next-Generation Sequencing)

-  Electron microscopy investigations

-  Digital pathology and AI algorithms

-  Management activities of the thoracic biobank

RESEARCH ACTIVITY

The research activities of the Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Sciences primarily focus on morphological and molecular studies of non-neoplastic thoracic diseases, especially those with indications for lung transplantation, including pulmonary interstitial diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cystic fibrosis. A significant aspect of the research is dedicated to studying the mechanisms of acute graft dysfunction and both cell-mediated and humoral rejection post-lung transplantation, through both clinical and experimental approaches. Additionally, the thoracic Unit researchers are involved in in-depth morphological and molecular research topics on thoracic neoplastic diseases, such as lung cancer, tshymic neoplasms, and pleural malignancies. Pediatric respiratory diseases are also a key area of study, with molecular research aimed at understanding chronic lower airway disorders and pulmonary interstitial diseases.

RESEARCH PROJECTS (GRANTED IN THE LAST 5 YEARS):

• The role of dd-cfDNA (donor derived cell-free DNA) in predicting and monitoring graft complications: integrative study with LASHA (Lung Allograft Standardized Histological Analysis), microbiological and immunological data. - University of Padova – 2024-2027
• TILDS – Tumor scouting and deep Insights in fibrosing end-stage Lung DiseaseS. - University of Padova – 2024-2027
• Epithelial dysfunction in chronic respiratory diseases: a reverse translational research approach to identify novel therapeutic targets in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) - Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A. (drug company) – 2023-2026.
• The ANswer within the microEnvironment: Malignant pleural mesothelioma resistance to Old and NEw drugs (ANEMONE) - European Commission/DG Research and Innovation - 2022-2024.
• Integrative transcriptomic and metabolomic study of chronic lung allograft dysfuntion (clad) for the identification of early molecular diagnostic biomarkers - University of Padova – 2021-2024.
• Understanding and dissecting the role of Tumour microEnvironment of LUng Adenocarcinoma in the era of precision medicine (TELUAD). - Italian Ministry of University and Research – 2021.
• Study of tissue and organic lesions in SARS-CoV-2 positive deceased patients: morphological, molecular, ultrastructural and clinical-pathological correlations - University of Padova – 2020-2021.
• Identification of biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis - Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A. (drug company) – 2020-2021.
• Mesothelioma and translational clinical and health-related data – a biological and clinical observational study (MATCH) - Mario Negri Institute – 2020.
• Multidisciplinary approach for COVID-19: development of an algorithm for a more accurate diagnosis, a better prognostic stratification, and an optimal therapeutic management. – Italian Ministry of University and Research – 2020.
• Influence of tumor microenvironment, metabolic interaction and telomere dysfunction in malignant pleural mesothelioma: translational and preclinical study - University of Padova – 2019-2020.

National and international major collaborations:

• ·         CHRU de Strasbourg, Strasbourg (France)
• ·         Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Le Plessis Robinson, Paris (France)
• ·         Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen (Denmark)
• ·         Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver (USA)
• ·         Singapore General Hospital, Singapore (Republic of Singapore)
• ·         University of Iowa Health Care, Iowa City, Iowa (USA)
• ·         UCLA - University of California, Los Angeles, California (USA)
• ·         Weill Cornell Medicine, New York (USA)
• ·         Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York (USA)
• ·         Medical University of Vienna, Vienna (Austria)
• ·         Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A., Parma (Italy)
• ·         Pisa University Hospital, Pisa (Italy)
• ·         Medical University of Gra, Graz (Austria)
• ·         University of Coimbr, Coimbra (Portugal)
• ·         Riga Stradins University Faculty of Medicine, Riga (Latvia)
• ·         Pulmonary Branch National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI, NIH), Bethesda (USA)

The Thoracic Pathology Unit at the Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health of the University of Padova has been officially recognized by the European Society of Pathology (ESP) as an Advanced Training Center for the study and research of thoracic diseases (Director Professor Fiorella Calabrese). This prestigious recognition will facilitate the hosting of young research-pathologists from various regions of Europe in Padova. The fellow will be involved not only in the review of archival slide cases but also in following specific research projects under the supervision of Professor Fiorella Calabrese. The selected researchers will be chosen based on their academic background and experience and will receive dedicated funding through the Giordano Fellowship program. This collaboration aims to foster the development of cutting-edge research in thoracic pathology and provides an invaluable opportunity for young scientists to engage in high-level academic training. The program is expected to contribute significantly to the advancement of knowledge in the diagnosis and management of thoracic diseases, offering a platform for future leaders in the field. Thoracic pathology lab is also open to host many other young specialists from various places of the world who intend to improve their knowledge in this specific field.

TEACHING HALL

• Aula Cagnetto (Floor 0) management assigned to the School of Medicine
• Aula Esercitazioni microscopiche (Floor -1) exclusive management of the DSCTV and DIMED Lecturers of Pathological Anatomy
• Library (Floor 0)

LABORATORIES
Campus Bimedico Pietro D'Abano - Via Giuseppe Orus, 2b, 35131 Padova (PD)