Imperial visit underscores the importance of international collaboration
Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan visited the Princess Máxima Center for pediatric oncology on Friday, June 19, together with King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima. The visit focused on international collaboration in the effort to improve outcomes for children with childhood cancer and was part of the state visit of the Emperor and Empress to the Netherlands.
International collaboration is essential to achieving our mission: to cure every child with childhood cancer, with optimal quality of life. The royal guests therefore received an introduction to the important role international clinical studies play in investigating new treatments, their effects, and the characteristics of childhood cancer.
Trial and Data Center
Upon arrival, there was a brief meeting with three children receiving treatment at the Máxima Center, including a Japanese girl. The four royals then attended presentations by Board Member Gita Gallé, Director of Clinical Research Max van Noesel, and researcher Sae Ishimaru. They explained the history behind the establishment of the Máxima Center and highlighted the importance of international collaboration in clinical research. Sae also presented two studies in which the Máxima Center collaborates with institutions in Japan.
The aim of these studies is to examine how changes in treatment can contribute to improved cure rates while maintaining optimal quality of life.
Insight into research and care
The Emperor and Empress then spoke with Japanese colleagues and a Japanese family living in the Netherlands whose daughter is receiving treatment at the Máxima Center. Meanwhile, the King and Queen received further information from colleagues at the Trial and Data Center and three group leaders involved in clinical trials.
To conclude the visit, the four royals were given a tour of the center, where they learned more about the care and research departments, including a visit to a parent and child room.
Queen Máxima has been closely involved with the Princess Máxima Center for pediatric oncology for many years. In 2018, she officially opened the Princess Máxima Center. Over the years, she has visited the care and research departments on multiple occasions.