The online working visit starts with the development that the Princess Máxima Center has gone through in a short time. Parents and healthcare professionals took the initiative for a single national pediatric oncology center to bring together all highly complex care and research for children with cancer. The center was opened three years ago by Queen Máxima. After the concentration and opening phase, the center is now pushing forward with the integration of care and research in all facets of pediatric oncology. This has opened up new perspectives for improved treatments.
The second discussion focuses on the improved treatments of the first approved application of cellular therapy (CAR-T) in children with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). In these children with ALL, normal treatment doesn’t work or the disease has come back for a second time. CAR-T cell therapy is a form of immunotherapy in which the own immune system is used to destroy leukemia cells. The Princess Máxima Center aims to further optimize CAR-T cell therapy and apply it in other forms of childhood cancer. To make this possible, it is also essential to produce CAR-T cells in the center itself.
The next topic of discussion is neuro-oncology. The treatment of neuro-oncological diseases in children is a complex challenge, both nationally and internationally. As yet, there is no effective therapy for various forms of brain tumor. Doctors and researchers are working on innovative treatments and the integration of neuropsychological care. International developments are also important in order to contribute to progress. To this end, for example, cooperation is sought with renowned cancer centers in the US, France and Germany, among others.