It is being investigated whether the human immune system can be ‘programmed’ in such a way that it recognizes and attacks cancer cells. A research team led by Professor Wijnand Helfrich wants to make use of the CMV virus, which most people come into contact with as children.
Fool your immune system
Usually they do not get sick, but people do develop a strong defense against it. If the virus flares up again briefly later, the immune system immediately makes short work of it. Helfrich’s plan is to use an agent that specifically attaches to cancer cells and ensures that the immune system sees them as an active CMV virus. The aim is to see whether this method is feasible and safe, so that follow-up research can be done in patients later.
The investigation will start next year. KWF puts in almost 755,000 euros.
Leukemia
Almost 670,000 euros will go to a study by professor Jan Jacob Schuringa. His team is investigating the weak spot of leukemia. Some malignant cells are highly dependent on certain nutrients for their survival.
Schuringa hopes to eventually find a form of treatment in which the supply of these substances is cut off.
DNA damage
Finally, nearly 622,000 euros will go to a study by Professor Marcel van Vugt that looks at the way in which cancer cells deal with damage to their DNA during cell division.
As cancer cells die with too much DNA damage or become more sensitive to chemotherapy and radiation, this knowledge can eventually contribute to more effective cancer treatments.
Also read:
– The number of cancer patients is growing, also in Groningen
– ‘If all women have a Pap test, we can eradicate cervical cancer’
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