Prof. Locatelli's s group in Pavia runs the largest programme of
childhood allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in Italy and
has made important contributions to the field. All types of allograft (i.e. cord
blood transplants, T-cell-depleted transplants from relatives partially matched
for human leukocyte antigen [HLA], HLA-matched unrelated-donor transplants) are
routinely employed in the treatment of children with malignant or non-malignant
disorders.
The IRCCS is credited as one of the most qualified centres worldwide in paediatric
HSCT and adoptive immunotherapy for prevention and treatment of both leukaemia relapse
and infectious complications occurring in immunocompromised individuals. In particular,
Professor Locatelli's laboratory pioneered the use of cord-blood transplants in
Italy and is now one of the most experienced European laboratories in this field.
In addition, the group provided seminal contributions in the study of immune reconstitution,
tumour immunology, induction of tolerance towards alloantigens and anti-viral cellular
immunity in childhood allogeneic HSCT, improving the knowledge of the fundamental
milestones in this type of therapy. In the Pavia unit, the largest number of children
with haemoglobinopathies in the world have received a cord-blood transplant from
an HLA-identical sibling. Moreover, the group is a key player in the establishment
of unrelated-donor HSCT. The results of these approaches have recently been published
in high-impact journals.
Prof. Locatelli is also involved in new approaches for optimizing
conventional treatment in patients with thalassaemia.