My lab experience at Experimental Neurology Unit, University of Milano-Bicocca – Alberto De Siena

Laboratory: Experimental Neurology Unit, University of Milano-Bicocca
PI: Prof.ssa Valentina Carozzi
Tutor: Dr. Chiara D’Aprile

My name is Alberto De Siena, a medical student in the Virgilio Programme, and in septembre I completed a fundamental laboratory rotation at the NEU (Neurological Experimental Unit) at the University of Milano-Bicocca. Under the direction of Prof. Guido Cavaletti, MD, and the specific guidance of Prof.ssa Valentina Carozzi (PI) and my tutor Dr.ssa Chiara D’Aprile, I had the opportunity to dive into a clinical challenge that is as crucial as it is overlooked: CIPN

What is CIPN? It’s something that almost nobody brings up first when talking about chemotherapy, yet it is incredibly important. While we often focus on the life-saving potential of chemo, we rarely discuss the neurological price many patients pay.

The Hidden Hurdle

CIPN is severe damage to the peripheral nerves caused by chemotherapeutic agents. It leads to chronic pain, tingling, and sensory loss. But beyond the discomfort, its most critical impact is clinical: it is a primary reason why doctors are forced to reduce dosages or suspend life-saving treatments, directly affecting a patient’s chances of survival and their long-term quality of life.

Lessons from the Lab

Working in the group of Prof.ssa Valentina Carozzi (PI), under the dedicated guidance of my tutor Dr.ssa Chiara D’Aprile, I moved from textbooks to hands-on translational research:

• Molecular Insights: I saw chemo’s (paclitaxel) interactions with neurons and endothelial cells to understand what triggers this neurotoxicity.
• Precision: From cell cultures I learned that research requires extreme precision. I realized that “failure” or unpredictable days are not setbacks, but essential parts of building scientific reasoning.
• A Collective Goal: Collaborating with expert researchers and international guests reminded me that science is a human endeavor. Every rule in the lab exists for a single purpose: maintaining the integrity of the work to eventually help the patient.

Looking Ahead

This experience within the Virgilio Programme has solidified my goal of becoming a clinician-scientist. The road to alleviating the burden of CIPN is long, but dedicated, methodical research is the only way forward.