Cancer Center Amsterdam has received substantial support from the Dutch Cancer Society (KWF), with four of its research projects awarded a combined €3.8 million. The newly funded studies include research on early detection vulvar cancer, individualized treatment of brain tumors using advanced imaging techniques and nanopore sequencing, new therapies for endometrial cancer, and innovative treatment approaches for pancreatic cancer.
As with last week, KWF has announced the allocation of over €17 million to support Dutch cancer research. This round includes funding for 16 projects in total, four of which are based at Amsterdam UMC.
Early detection of vulvar cancer
Over €750,000 has been allocated to enable early detection of vulvar cancer through a so-called methylation test, using patient-friendly vulvar swabs. The research targets women with lichen sclerosus, a chronic skin condition of the vulva that can develop into cancer. Current screening methods are insufficient. This project, led by CCA pathologist Dr. Maaike Bleeker, aims to fill that gap.
Surgery or radiation?
A grant of nearly €1.5 million has been awarded to a study led by Professor of Surgery Dr. Marc Besselink. The research will compare the outcomes of surgical tumor removal with those of stereotactic ablative radiotherapy in patients with pancreatic cancer. While surgery has proven to significantly extend survival, it often leads to serious complications, including diabetes. The team aims to determine whether targeted radiotherapy can offer similar survival benefits with fewer side effects.
Slowing endometrial cancer
Medical oncologist dr. Jasper Vleugels is investigating the effectiveness of administering so-called PARP inhibitors in patients with endometrial cancer. PARP is a protein that helps cancer cells repair themselves and inhibiting it could be beneficial. The focus is on the treatment of the p53abn subtype, an aggressive form of endometrial cancer. The project will also study the biomolecular characteristics of this cancer type in more detail. KWF is granting nearly €800,000 to this project.
Advanced imaging
Neurosurgeon dr. Niels Verburg and his research team have been awarded over €800,000 to develop a new imaging technique that supports clinical decision-making in treating the highly aggressive brain tumor HGG. The new method combines two advanced MRI scans. The aim is to provide individualized treatment recommendations for each patient, allowing doctors to avoid being too cautious or overly aggressive in specific cases.