Drost group
Molecular dissection of childhood solid tumors.
In the Drost group we are interested in the molecular mechanisms underpinning the development of childhood solid tumors, with a primary focus on renal tumors, rhabdoid tumors, and soft tissue sarcomas. We take a multidisciplinary approach by using unique model systems, such as organoid technology, in combination with multi-omics and lineage tracing technologies to increase our understanding of the origin of these tumors and to develop new therapeutic strategies.
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Professor Jarno Drost
Cancer is still one of the leading causes of disease-related deaths in children. Survivors suffer from side effects of the, in most cases, intensive treatment regimens. Hence, there is an urgent need to develop improved, less toxic therapies. Our vision is that if we understand the processes that underpin the development of childhood cancer, we will facilitate improved cure rates and a better quality of life.
“Better models, increased knowledge: more cures!”
Jarno Drost
Research group leader
However, therapeutic innovation is hampered by the lack of cell models representative of native tumor tissue. We are convinced that by developing cancer models that more closely recapitulate the patient's tumor, we will be able to more efficiently translate pre-clinical findings to the clinic and bridge the gap between bench and bedside: Better models, increased knowledge: more cures!
Our activities
- Organoids as representative models for childhood solid tumorsThe organoid technology has revolutionized cancer research, as it allows for the ‘unlimited’ expansion of healthy and diseased tissue from individual patients in a dish, while retaining essential characteristics of native tissue.
- Defining the developmental origin of childhood cancersMany childhood tumors already originate in the developing fetus, but their cellular origin remains in many cases unknown.
- Studying the (epigenetic) processes driving tumor initiation and progressionThe pediatric cancer organoid models that we have established give us the unique opportunity to study the processes driving tumor initiation, progression, and therapy resistance.
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Grants, awards and publications
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