Michele Carella, is a researcher for spinal cord development, which has brought great innovation in the field. I have already talked about him in a previous article but in this I want to emphasize once again his importance as well as share with you the valuable interview given by this great luminary who has dedicated a lifetime of studies on leukemia and medical weapons useful to combat blood tumors.
1. Let’s talk about your youth, when you were eighteen years old, you came to Genoa from south Italy. Tell me about the follow-up and what drove you to this decision.
After graduating from high school, my only aspiration was to follow in my father’s footsteps, graduating in History and Philosophy. As there was a strong crowd at the University of Bari, I decided to spend a few days of vacation in Genoa, where my aunt lived. Walking along via Balbi (seat of the University of Genoa), I noticed that at the stand of Medicine there was a small number of people waiting. On impulse, I approached the counter and always on impulse, I enrolled. My father’s reaction was not at all positive compared to my mother who was instead very happy and pushed me to take this path, later forcing my father to move to Genoa, despite the foreseeable hardship of the change.
2. What made you specialize in haematology? How did you manage to rank among the world’s best known haematologists in just a few years?
At the beginning of the fourth year I was particularly fascinated by neurosurgery and started to attend this department. One day, while I was in the waiting room at a dental office, I accidentally got into the hands of a dossier of “Medical Time” with the photograph and the interview with Professor Alberto Marmont. Also in this case, the same impulse that had made me enroll in Medicine directed me towards this man; I had to meet him! So I did and immediately a special empathy was activated between us so much so that the Professor Marmont accepted to make me attend his Division and allowed me to participate in his visits and seminars, welcoming me among his students. In the meantime I graduated and entered the School of Specialization in Hematology. Prof. Marmont, called to direct the Division of Hematology of the San Martino Hospital, wanted me to follow him in his research. The example of a great haematologist changed my professional life.
3. From your story, you look like a doctor who never stops. What gives you so much strength and determination?
I have published over 300 works, numerous book chapters and coordinated various volumes. I have also worked on the drafting of national and international protocols in haematological neoplasms and on new innovative drugs. At the base of everything there is always a great determination that remains unchanged over time, the love for study, the passion for haematology, sometimes even stubbornness but especially the curiosity for the new. Although I am very involved in biological and clinical research, I have always dedicated great attention to patients. In fact, it is my firm conviction that the patient must always be at the center of attention through appropriate and advanced care but in respect of his full dignity.
4. Your structure deals with the various diagnostic and therapeutic procedures of the main blood diseases! Which ones?
It depends on the diseases. Like all the Reference Centres, very sophisticated molecular biology techniques are used for diagnostic purposes and to follow the clinical evolution of the disease. As far as lymphomas and myelomas are concerned, all the most sophisticated radiological techniques (CT, PET, latest generation MRI) are used.
5. Science is constantly looking for new solutions to combat this disease. Can you tell me about some risky behaviours?
We do not know exactly the causes of haematological diseases but certainly chemical substances and pollution can play an important role as the use of pesticides and fungicides especially for the onset of lymphomas. Certainly there are other factors that are being investigated. The great achievements of molecular biology have allowed us and will certainly allow us in the future to better undsterstan the fine mechanisms underlying neoplastic pathology and haematological pathology in particular. Understanding these mechanisms is the basis on which significant and highly effective innovative drugs will be developed.
6. Do you think that there is sufficient information on diseases in this regard?
I think so. In general, it seems to me that scientific information is rather widespread and well organised, even if, at times, one reads loud interviews that do not fit in with the reality of the treatments available to us today.
7. You are an important exponent of AREO what your main role is, even if we believe that you space widely on all the arguments and are above all the creator of this association.
I am one of the directors of AREO and my role is to find funds for the Association. I am lucky enough to be part of a close-knit group, very generous, made up of established professionals. AREO is a non-profit organization with a social purpose that aims to raise funds to be used for charitable purposes in favor of haematological patients and encourage the development of initiatives that contribute to improvements in the field of haematology. AREO is financed thanks to the contributions of citizens and local and national companies; thanks to the support of Genoese Banks and Foundations and, last but not least, through side initiatives such as theatrical performances, sports or social events.
