Our pediatric (rhabdomyo)sarcoma research
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Soft-tissue sarcomas are rare cancers arising in connective tissues of the body and often have a poor prognosis. Despite surgical, radiotherapeutic- and/or systemic treatment of high-grade sarcomas, more than half of the patients relapse in distant organs within two years of initial diagnosis. Rhabdomyosarcoma, one of the more common subtypes, has a survival rate below 30% in patients with metastatic disease. Therefore, we aim to advance targeted therapy options for pediatric (rhabdomyo)sarcoma. |
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Scrutinizing TKI dependency of rhabdomyosarcomas in vitro and in vivo
As many tyrosine kinases are overexpressed in human sarcoma tumors, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are currently used in the treatment of (pediatric) sarcomas. As part of our research, we aim to improve the effectiveness and precision of these targeted therapies by identifying the right TKI for the right patient and further explore synergistic drug interactions.
Beyond optimizing current treatments, we are also actively exploring new targeted therapies based on each patient’s genomic profile and individual drug sensitivity. By combining molecular diagnostics with personalized drug testing, we strive to advance truly personalized treatment strategies for children and young adults with sarcoma.
Implementing patient avatar models
To improve how we study and treat childhood cancers, our team is using patient avatar models, tumor models established in the lab from individual patient samples. These models closely replicate the biology of each child’s cancer, providing a powerful tool to investigate how tumors grow and respond to therapies. By using patient avatars, we can identify which treatments are most likely to work for specific tumor types, paving the way for more personalized, effective and less toxic therapies. This approach brings us closer to truly individualized cancer care for children.
Beyond optimizing current treatments, we are also actively exploring new targeted therapies based on each patient’s genomic profile and individual drug sensitivity. By combining molecular diagnostics with personalized drug testing, we strive to advance truly personalized treatment strategies for children and young adults with sarcoma.
Implementing patient avatar models
To improve how we study and treat childhood cancers, our team is using patient avatar models, tumor models established in the lab from individual patient samples. These models closely replicate the biology of each child’s cancer, providing a powerful tool to investigate how tumors grow and respond to therapies. By using patient avatars, we can identify which treatments are most likely to work for specific tumor types, paving the way for more personalized, effective and less toxic therapies. This approach brings us closer to truly individualized cancer care for children.
