Seven new studies launched at the Princess Máxima Center thanks to KiKa funding

The Princess Máxima Center launches seven new research projects thanks to KiKa funding

The Princess Máxima Center is launching seven research projects made possible by KiKa funding. The studies aim to improve immunotherapy for children with brain tumors, optimize CAR T-cell therapy, and accelerate diagnosis for children with solid tumors. Each of these projects contributes to achieving the Máxima’s mission: curing every child with cancer, with optimal quality of life.

Scientific research is crucial to fulfilling the Máxima’s mission. Laurens van der Flier, managing director of research: “It’s fantastic that seven new research projects can start at the Máxima. KiKa, together with its donors, makes new research into childhood cancer possible. We are extremely grateful for their support.”

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is currently not effective in treating most high-grade brain tumors. Immune-suppressing cells, such as microglia and macrophages in the tumor environment, play a significant role. By mapping the specific role of these immune cells and selectively disabling or activating them, pediatric oncologist Dr. Jasper van der Lugt, together with research group leaders Dr. Stefan Nierkens, Prof. Dr. Henk Stunnenberg, and Prof. Dr. Marcel Kool, aims to make immunotherapy more effective.

Currently, CAR T-cell therapy — a form of immunotherapy — is available for children with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) for whom other treatments no longer work. To maintain remission, it’s important that the CAR T-cells remain in the bloodstream for a longer period. Previous research showed that exposure to the drug fludarabine before treatment plays a role in this. Pediatric oncologist Dr. Friso Calkoen and stem cell transplant physician Dr. Caroline Lindemans are launching a clinical trial in collaboration with the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center to investigate whether increasing the fludarabine dose improves disease-free survival.

Solid Tumors

What is the effect of chemotherapy dose adjustments and delays during treatment of Ewing sarcoma? Prof. Dr. Marta Fiocco, statistician (also at the Mathematical Institute of Leiden University), and pediatric oncologist Prof. Dr. Hans Merks will analyze data from the international Euro Ewing 2012 study to answer this question. They will then develop a predictive model that takes the unique circumstances of each child into account. This model helps optimize current treatment guidelines, supports informed treatment decisions, improves care, and may help reduce anxiety in children and parents.

DNA analysis is used to determine the correct diagnosis — a crucial step in choosing the most suitable treatment. Currently, molecular analysis takes one to two weeks. Dr. Lennart Kester, associate group leader at the Laboratory for Pediatric Oncology, wants to develop a new technique to reduce this to less than 24 hours. This would allow for faster treatment and shorter periods of uncertainty for children and their families. Kester is working with colleagues Dr. Bastiaan Tops and Prof. Dr. Jeroen de Ridder (UMC Utrecht and Oncode Institute). They previously collaborated on rapid DNA analysis of brain tumors using artificial intelligence (AI).

The other research projects launching:

• Research into new treatments for acute myeloid leukemia (AML):
  Prof. Dr. Olaf Heidenreich, research group leader, and Prof. Dr. Josef Vormoor, pediatric oncologist and clinical co-group leader in the Heidenreich group

• Research into better prediction and treatment of Wilms tumor in children:
  Prof. Dr. Marry van den Heuvel-Eibrink, pediatric oncologist and group leader; Dr. Harm van Tinteren, head of the Trial and Data Center; and Dr. Patrick Kemmeren, research group leader

• Research into aggressive brain tumors in children:
  Prof. Dr. Marcel Kool, group leader, and Jens Bunt, postdoctoral researcher

KiKa is an important partner of the Princess Máxima Center. Through core funding, KiKa supports childhood cancer research at the Máxima and has already made numerous research projects possible.

Source: Prinses Máxima Centrum