#Eureka

At Oncode Institute we believe patient involvement in cancer research is crucial. Two recent events we organized mark our commitment to bringing patients and researchers closer. One is the Annual Meeting that took place at the Princess Máxima Center, bringing patient partners and researchers together for an inspiring day of sharing stories, presentations and networking.

The second event was the recent kick-off meeting of the Patient Perspective Program, which facilitated the formation of new researcher-patient pairs, encouraging long-term collaboration. Through the program, patient partners engage with Oncode Investigators, delving into researchers' daily practices to understand the pursuit of answers to complex questions in cancer research.

You can read more about the Patient Annual Meeting, and about the kick-off meeting for the Patient Perspective Program.

Oncode Institute, in partnership with Active Biotech and HOVON, entered a clinical proof-of-concept trial for tasquinimod in myelofibrosis (MF), a rare blood cancer. Tasquinimod, previously tested for prostate cancer, has shown promise in ameliorating MF in preclinical studies. The trial will assess tasquinimod as monotherapy for MF patients previously treated with or ineligible for JAK inhibitors. This research addresses an urgent clinical need, as current treatments often lead to complications and therapy resistance. Oncode Investigator Rebekka Schneider's work identified a targetable biomarker, paving the way for a patent license agreement for tasquinimod in MF treatment.

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Through a study funded by Oncode Institute, researchers from the lab of Oncode Investigator Thijn Brummelkamp at the NKI have challenged conventional biochemistry understanding, discovering a new pathway for human cells to produce triglycerides, a form of fat. Contrary to previous knowledge, Thijn Brummelkamp and his team disabled the known triglyceride production route in human cells, unveiling an unexpected detour. This pathway, which is orchestrated by a protein named DIESL, is activated during food scarcity to utilize fats within cells. Mice lacking DIESL showed slower growth, particularly evident during dietary transitions. The findings suggest a vital role for this pathway in energy production, with potential implications for diseases like cancer and metabolic disorders.

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René Bernards, Oncode Investigator at NKI, and LIXTE Biotechnology extend their collaboration to explore the counterintuitive approach of utilizing LIXTE's LB-100 compound for cancer treatment. Bernards' laboratory uncovered a paradoxical intervention, bypassing traditional oncogenic signaling inhibition. Instead, they hyperactivated mitogenic signaling with LB-100, disrupting cancer cell homeostasis and overwhelming stress response pathways. Combining LB-100 with a WEE1 inhibitor synergistically induced cancer cell death in multiple models, suppressing tumor growth in vivo. The research that was initiated with Oncode funding in support of high-risk/high-gain endeavors, exemplifies Oncode Institute’s commitment to innovative studies. LB-100's unique properties, enhancing responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors and chemotherapeutic agents, hold promise for advancing cancer treatment.

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Oncode Investigator Jacco van Rheenen, in collaboration with Oncode Investigators Rene Medema, Emile Voest, Leila Akkari and Anne Rios have discovered that taxanes, a commonly used chemotherapy, kill cancer cells differently than previously believed. The study, published in Cancer Cell, reveals that taxanes activate the immune system to secrete vesicles poisonous to cancer cells. This finding could lead to more effective treatments with fewer side effects. While taxanes are widely used, not all patients benefit equally, making understanding their mechanisms crucial. The research emphasizes the importance of collaboration in scientific advancements, highlighting the value of interdisciplinary efforts.

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