Prof. dr. Ruben van Boxtel has been appointed professor of genome biology of stem cells at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Utrecht University. In his research group at the Princess Máxima Center, he focuses on the fundamental question: Why do children get cancer?
‘By better understanding what goes wrong at the genetic level in stem cells, we can contribute to better diagnosis and treatment of childhood cancer, and prevention of second cancers,’ says Ruben van Boxtel, research group leader at the Máxima Center and Oncode Institute. He uses advanced techniques to map DNA changes and damage in stem cells of children with cancer. His appointment at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine may not seem obvious at first, but Van Boxtel explains: ‘Animal species that rarely or remarkably often get cancer, offer unique insights into natural protection against cancer. And that helps us to better understand why childhood cancer can develop.’
People and animals
Van Boxtel already collaborates with research groups within the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine to compare lymphoma in children and dogs at the molecular level. ‘If it turns out that certain tumors are very similar, we can learn a lot from each other. In clinical studies looking at dogs with cancer – who have the same living environment as we do – we can develop and test less harmful treatments, which in future we may also be able to use for children with cancer.’
Opportunities for cancer research and aging
Van Boxtel sees many opportunities within his field to find connections between cancer biology, prevention and aging. ‘For example, we aim to better understand how treatments such as chemotherapy damage stem cells. That could help to delay, or perhaps even prevent, late effects due to accelerated aging in childhood cancer survivors.’
He also expects fruitful collaborations within the faculty, for example in the field of RNA sequencing, metabolomics and lipidomics – techniques with which various molecular processes in cells can be studied. ‘By cleverly combining this data with our expertise in genome biology of stem cells, we can gain deeper insights into the origin and progression of cancer.’
Science is about people
The appointment also means a lot to Van Boxtel personally. ‘I find supervising young researchers to be one of the most beautiful and meaningful parts of my work. I look forward to not only supervising PhD candidates, but also to officially awarding them their degrees. That is a special moment in the process.’
Throughout his career, Van Boxtel has been driven by wonder. ‘I am fascinated by how the enormous complexity of life is contained in the genome – a kind of biological code. That curiosity has always motivated me to explore new techniques and to make connections between fundamental research and social impact. This appointment feels like recognition of the work that I have built up together with my group over the past few years. Research is teamwork, and I am proud of what we have achieved together.’
Ruben van Boxtel’s chair at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Utrecht University started on 15 June 2025. His inaugural lecture will take place at a later date.