More targeted therapy for high-risk leukemia
A specific type of ALL is caused by a DNA error that makes cell division overactive. Despite additional medications, children with this form of leukemia often experience more side effects and have a higher risk of relapse. Research group leader Prof. Dr. Monique den Boer and senior scientist Dr. Judith Boer aim to better understand why leukemia cells with this genetic abnormality, known as a kinase fusion, are resistant to treatment. They are investigating which genes and factors in the bone marrow microenvironment play a role and testing how these influences can be reduced. By doing so, they hope to improve the effectiveness of kinase inhibitors and immunotherapy. In the future, this research could lead to more effective, targeted treatments with fewer side effects for children with high-risk ALL.
New protein research for high-risk neuroblastoma
Neuroblastoma is an often aggressive form of childhood cancer, mainly affecting the adrenal gland marrow in children under the age of four. The most severe cases still have a low survival rate. In this study, research group leader Dr. Sebastiaan van Heesch and Dr. John Prensner from the University of Michigan (USA) are exploring a promising new area in cancer biology: previously unstudied microproteins. These are tiny proteins produced from DNA fragments that were once thought to have no function. However, earlier research by both teams has shown that some of these fragments are essential for cancer cell growth. By analyzing thousands of microproteins simultaneously, the researchers hope to identify new therapeutic targets. This could lead to an entirely new class of treatments targeting a poorly understood group of cancer genes, potentially improving survival rates for children with neuroblastoma.
More precise treatment for severe infections in the pediatric ICU
Infections are a serious complication of cancer treatment in children. In some cases, they lead to sepsis, a life-threatening inflammatory response. Recent insights show that the immune response to sepsis varies between children. Those with extreme inflammatory reactions and high levels of inflammatory proteins in their blood have a greater risk of death. In this project, pediatric oncologists Dr. Bianca Goemans and Dr. Caroline Lindemans, working with Dr. Bas Vastert (pediatric immunologist) and Dr. Roelie Wösten-van Asperen (pediatric intensivist) from the Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, will investigate whether an existing drug that inhibits a specific inflammatory protein can improve survival rates in children with cancer who develop sepsis and require ICU admission. By identifying inflammatory markers in the blood, the researchers aim to better understand immune system dysfunction and develop more targeted treatments.
Investigating the cause of concentration problems after leukemia
Many children treated for ALL later experience difficulties with thinking, learning, and concentration. They may forget their homework, struggle with decision-making, or have trouble following conversations. While these issues are often attributed to treatment, researchers suspect that other factors, such as fatigue, stress, or neurological conditions, also play a role. In this study, Dr. Marita Partanen and colleagues will follow 700 children from the start of their treatment to identify risk factors. This research could help detect problems early and provide targeted support, improving the quality of life for childhood cancer survivors.
Impact for the future
Thanks to KiKa’s support, these critical studies can now move forward. ‘We are grateful to KiKa for funding these valuable projects,’ says Dr. Kristel Kleijer, strategy manager research. ‘These new studies will help us gain a deeper understanding of childhood cancer. By doing so, we can intervene more effectively and potentially develop entirely new treatments to improve both survival rates and quality of life for children with cancer.’