Why does CAR T-cell therapy work for some forms of leukemia but not for solid tumors? This is the central research question Judith Wienke will focus on starting in November. Wienke is currently a postdoctoral researcher in the Molenaar group at the Máxima. In that role, she spent time at the Charité research hospital in Berlin, where she gained new knowledge and experience. Upon returning to the Netherlands, she applied for the position of junior group leader. Successfully.
Complementing the research line
According to Prof. Dr. René Medema, Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) of the Máxima, Wienke’s focus fits seamlessly within the mission of the research hospital. 'Judith Wienke’s research is groundbreaking. It’s a great example of how we work from clinical questions to translate discoveries from the lab into better treatments for children with cancer. With her group, she complements our research lines in a meaningful way. I’m pleased she has successfully made the transition from postdoctoral researcher to junior group leader.'
A new perspective on the tumor microenvironment
Wienke’s research will focus on the so-called tumor microenvironment. This is a network of different cell types within a tumor that contribute to tumor cell growth, partly by blocking immune cells. 'CAR T-cells work well in leukemia, but not in solid tumors. That’s likely because these tumors have their own microenvironment that inhibits T-cell function,' Wienke explains. 'I want to unravel exactly what happens in that environment. Because if we understand those inhibitory factors, we may be able to disable them and make the therapy more effective.'
Joining forces for faster results
Collaboration is central to Wienke’s approach. At the Máxima, she already works closely with fellow research group leader Dr. Claudia Rössig, who also studies immunotherapy for solid tumors but from a different angle. 'We complement each other well. By sharing knowledge and working together, we can take faster steps toward better treatments for children,' says Wienke. She will also continue collaborating with the Molenaar group, her current research team.
Outside the Máxima, she actively seeks collaboration, including with international research centers and, in the Netherlands, with Sanquin, where she investigates how immune cells, so-called Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes (TILs), can be used as therapy. In this way, she is building a strong network that accelerates the translation of research into clinical practice. In her new role, she aims to speed up these types of collaborations.
The funding for Judith Wienke’s research group is made possible in part by the Princess Máxima Center Foundation, Stichting Kinderen Kankervrij (KiKa), KWF, Villa Joep, and the international PROTECT consortium.