Abstract
This paper offers a reinterpretation of hospital organization in the field of oncology through the lens of the concept of knowledge-intensive organization (KIO). Based on a qualitative investigation conducted in oncology departments in the Lombardy Region, the article analyzes organizational dynamics with particular reference to hierarchical structures and leadership mechanisms. The findings highlight the inadequacy of traditional bureaucratic models in addressing the increasing complexity and specialization of oncological work, suggesting the need for more fluid organizational configurations that enhance professional competencies. The study thus aims to contribute to the theoretical discussion on the evolution of organizational forms in the healthcare context, proposing a reconceptualization of oncology as an emblematic case of KIOs.