Further improvement of survival with optimal quality of life for children with cancer requires innovation beyond traditional treatments like chemotherapy. Novel targeted drugs and advanced therapy medicinal products, so called ATMPs offer new possibilities. The Máxima Center is strengthening its efforts to translate promising laboratory research into effective treatments for children with cancer. To bridge the gap between pre-clinical and clinical research, the center has appointed three junior clinical group leaders for drug development, starting February 1. Paco Bautista will focus on hemato-oncology, Jasper van der Lugt on neuro-oncology, and Reineke Schoot on solid tumors.
Prof. Dr. René Medema, Chief Scientific Officer at the Máxima Center: 'I am very pleased to welcome three new junior group leaders in this field, as it strengthens our ambition to play a pioneering role in developing targeted cancer treatments for children. By focusing on early-stage trials, we aim to bring care and research for children with cancer even closer together. With the support of our trial and data center, we work on further improving access to treatments that have a real impact on the survival and quality of life of children with cancer.'
Bridging Research and Treatment
The new junior group leaders will design and lead innovative early-phase clinical trials on an international scale. They will also collaborate closely with the Trial and Data Center and strengthen the clinical site teams that implement these studies. The integration of their roles into both the Trial and Data Center and clinical departments ensures seamless collaboration.
Dr. Paco Bautista, new junior group leader specialized in clinical trials for children with blood cancers, says:
‘As junior group leader in pediatric oncology drug development, I will work on creating better therapies for children with cancer—treatments that improve outcomes while causing fewer long-term side effects. I aim to work closely with my team and colleagues to align priorities and use resources effectively, always focusing on teamwork. Collaboration is key to advancing translational research, and I want to ensure that children and families remain central to everything we do.’
Dr. Jasper van der Lugt, new junior group leader specialized in clinical trials for children with a brain tumor, says:
‘My mission as junior group leader will be to improve access to new (immunotherapy) treatments for children with brain tumors by working closely with care and research colleagues. Using high-quality studies and biological data, we aim to lay the groundwork for future studies that can bring hope to children and families. This reflects my commitment to improving treatments and compassionately addressing the unmet needs in care for children with brain tumors.’
Dr. Reineke Schoot, new junior group leader specialized in clinical trials for children with solid tumors, says:
‘In the last twenty years, only few new medicines for children with cancer have been approved. As junior group leader for drug development in solid tumors, I aim to improve how these drugs are developed. By prioritizing treatments based on tumor biology, introducing promising treatments into clinical trials faster, and supporting studies that can lead to approval, I aim to make better options available for children sooner.’