2023-07-11 16:18:58
Title: Dutch Cancer Research Leverages mini-organs to Personalize Cancer Treatments
Subtitle: UMC Utrecht researchers receive nearly 1.6 million euros in funding from the Dutch Cancer Society for pioneering cancer studies using organoids
Date: [Insert Date]
Researchers at UMC Utrecht are embarking on three groundbreaking cancer studies utilizing organoids, also known as ‘mini-organs,’ in an effort to personalize cancer treatments. These 3D miniature organs have revolutionized cancer research as they can mimic various organs and tumors, offering a more accurate understanding of the disease and potential treatments. The Dutch Cancer Society has granted a total of almost 1.6 million euros to support these innovative studies.
In the past, scientists were limited to working with 2D models of cancer cells. However, tumor organoids have opened up new possibilities by preserving the unique properties of a patient’s tumor. This characteristic makes organoids ideal for testing treatments and developing personalized therapies.
The three researchers leading these transformative studies have received grants from the Dutch Cancer Society. Jeanine Roodhart, a medical oncologist and associate professor, plans to utilize organoids to improve the treatment of anal cancer. Martijn Gloerich, a cell biologist and associate professor, aims to unravel the metastatic changes that colorectal cancer cells undergo. Meanwhile, Boudewijn Burgering, a professor of signal transduction and molecular cancer researcher, will explore a novel technique to prevent resistance to cancer drugs.
Jeanine Roodhart’s goal is to tailor combination treatments for anal cancer patients, minimizing side effects and the need for surgery. She will create organoids that closely resemble each patient’s anal tumor, enabling a comparison between the cells and DNA of the tumor and the organoid. By studying the correlation between treatment effects, Roodhart hopes to develop new approaches for patients who do not respond to existing therapies.
On the other hand, Martijn Gloerich seeks to gain a deeper understanding of how colorectal cancer cells metastasize. He aims to identify the metamorphoses and molecular components involved in metastasis by using organoids that mimic intestinal tumors. Gloerich’s research could pave the way for more effective treatments for metastatic colorectal cancer.
Lastly, Boudewijn Burgering focuses on solving the mystery of cancer cell resistance to drugs. By utilizing the innovative single cell proteomics technique, Burgering aims to identify the specific proteins that cause drug resistance in cancer cells. His research using organoids aims to shed light on how distribution of DNA during cell division affects protein composition and resistance to cancer drugs.
With the support of these grants, UMC Utrecht researchers are paving the way for personalized cancer treatments, improving overall patient care and potentially advancing the field of oncology. The future of cancer treatment lies in organoids, and these studies represent a significant step forward in tailoring therapies to individual patients.
For any questions, comments, or tips, reach out to the editors at UMC Utrecht.
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