It teaches the patient’s immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells. However, in some tumours, often called “cold tumours”, immunotherapy does not trigger a strong immune response, because they are harder to detect and target for the immune system. The Chemical Immunology led by Martijn Verdoes, together with the rest of the SPARC consortium (coordinated by dr. Alina Rwei, TU Delft) aim to develop personalized nanomedicines that can transform these insensitive “cold tumours” into “hot tumours” that do respond to immunotherapy.
In addition, the project is developing new technologies for the precise delivery, animal-free testing, and production of the drugs. In this way, the consortium aims to improve patient survival and quality of life, limit side effects, and reduce healthcare costs.
About NWO Perspectief
Perspectief is an NWO programme funded by the Ministry of Economic Affairs. It challenges researchers to work closely with companies and societal organisations on technological innovations with societal impact and economic opportunities for the Netherlands. The interdisciplinary projects address major societal challenges and key technologies, contributing to the ministry’s Mission-driven Innovation Policy.
A Great Egret (Grote Zilverreiger, Ardea alba) with two Great Bitterns (Roerdomp, Botaurus stellaris) hiding in the reeds (© Martijn Verdoes). Like Great Bitterns, cancer cells are masters in hiding - from the immune system. In the SPARC project we aim to develop new approaches to help immune cells find and destroy cancer cells.