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Kuiper group

In our group we investigate how we can use genomic aberrations in pediatric cancers to improve diagnosis, prognosis and care. We have a specific focus on children with an underlying cancer predisposition syndrome (CPS), where we investigate strategies for recognition, search for new causes of genetic predisposition and study the somatic consequences in the tumors. In addition, we investigate strategies for improved surveillance and prevention. As a second focus, we work on mechanisms of relapse development of precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia and lymphoblastic lymphoma in order to identify novel clues for intervention.

Group leader: Prof. dr. Roland Kuiper
Phone +31 (0) 88 972 52 13

Childhood cancer predisposition

An estimated 8% of the children that are diagnosed with cancer carry a germline pathogenic variant in a known cancer predisposing gene. Recognition of these syndromes is important and usually occurs on the basis of clinical features, family history, or tumor type. Furthermore, molecular characterization of the tumor can reveal specific findings that lead to a suspicion of a hereditary cause. Our research is aimed to identify novel causes and mechanisms of cancer predisposition in children and develop strategies that improve recognition of cancer predisposition. Below we give an outline of recent and ongoing projects:

"Recognizing genetic predisposition in childhood cancer is important for optimal patient care." Prof. Roland Kuiper - Group leader

Risk factors for relapse in hematologic malignancies

The overall survival of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and lymphoblastic lymphoma (LBL) is above 85%, but cure rates are much poorer in children that relapse. Particularly in children with relapse after LBL, survival is very poor. Our research is focused on the identification of biomarkers for relapse and the mechanisms of relapse development.



Grant, awards and key publications

Kuiper group