Immunotherapy in solid tumors
immunotherapy, melanoma, immune related adverse events (irAE)
Research aim
Our research aims at accomplishing cure and good quality of life for more and more patients with metastatic cancer by:
– AI-based early identification of (non-)responders to current immunotherapy
– new immunotherapies for non-responders
– developing strategies to treat immunotherapy toxicity without compromising efficacy
About us
We perform clinical and translational research aiming to improve immunotherapy for solid tumors. Our main focus area’s are:
AI-based early identification of (non-)responders In the PREMIUM project we build AI-algorithms based on clinical data, CT and pathological images to predict response to Immune Checkpoint Inhibition (ICI) in melanoma before the start of treatment. (collaborators: Paul van Diest, Willeke Blokx, Mitko Veta, Josien Pluim, Philips). Early prediction of non-response can prevent unnecessary toxicity and help to select patients for new immunotherapies. In the MIRSA project we use spatial transcriptomics on tumor samples before and after ICI to identify main pathways involved in ICI resistance, to ultimately develop new treatments for patients who do not respond to ICI. (collaborators: Jeroen de Ridder, Myrthe Jager, Genmab)
New immunotherapies for non-responders We develop new treatment strategies for patients who do not respond to the PD(L)1-based checkpoint inhibitor treatments. One of these strategies is the combination of ICI with HIFU-histotripsy, which has the potential to synergize with ICI in non-immunogenic tumors. In a phase 1 study we are the first to test the combination of ICI and HIFU-histotripsie in humans. (collaborators: Chrit Moonen, Clemens Bos, Manon Braat, Roel Deckers, FUS Foundation)
Immunotherapy toxicity In large patient cohorts, we were the first to show the detrimental effects of immunosuppressants that are currently used to treat the immune related adverse events (irAE) which occur during ICI. Using samples from our unique UNICIT biobank we study the major immunological pathways involved in these irAEs, with the ultimate goal to treat immunotherapy toxicity without compromising efficacy. (collaborators: Femke van Wijk, Anne May)
Improving melanoma treatment Using data from the Dutch Melanoma Treatment registry, the largest prospective registry on metastatic melanoma worldwide, we study efficacy and toxicity of (immuno)therapies in metastastic melanoma. This includes studies in rare melanoma types (e.g. acral, mucosal), patients not included in clinical trials (e.g. with brain metastases or autoimmune disease) and new treatment strategies to optimize treatment outcomes. (collaborators: all 14 Dutch melanoma reference centers)