Several researchers affiliated with the Oncode Institute have been awarded funding in the ZonMw Open Competition, underscoring the strength of collaborative cancer research in the Netherlands.
Awarded researchers include Nicolas Leveille and Sebastiaan van Heesch, Kristina Ganzinger, as well as research groups led by Marteijn, Burgering and Hansen, and Wolkers.
Among the awarded projects, two focus on colorectal cancer and immunotherapy.
A new perspective on colorectal cancer
Oncode researcher Nicolas Leveille (Amsterdam UMC, Vermeulen Lab) and Oncode Investigator Sebastiaan van Heesch (Prinses Máxima Center) will investigate the therapeutic potential of the “dark genome” in colorectal cancer.
Their work focuses on long non-coding RNAs and microproteins, an emerging and largely unexplored area that may reveal new targets for treatment. This approach could open new directions for tackling advanced colorectal cancer.
The project brings together complementary expertise from across the Oncode Institute network.
Oncode Investigator at Princess Máxima Center
Oncode Investigator at Princess Máxima Center
“A central aim of our project is to identify and explore which parts of the dark genome are translated into functional microproteins, reveal their contributions to colorectal cancer, and use this information to guide novel therapeutic approaches,” says Sebastiaan van Heesch.
“With ZonMw’s support, we are well positioned to expand our knowledge of the dark genome in colorectal cancer and to turn our findings into actionable strategies for improved treatment,” adds Nicolas Leveille.
Nicolas Leveille, Oncode researcher at Amsterdam UMC
Nicolas Leveille, Oncode researcher at Amsterdam UMC
Advancing immunotherapy research
Kristina Ganzinger (AMOLF / Oncode Institute), together with Ramon Arens (LUMC), has also been awarded a ZonMw grant.
Their project focuses on improving immunotherapy by understanding how T cells are activated and how this can enhance treatment effectiveness. This addresses a key limitation, as many patients do not experience long-lasting responses.
“By linking fundamental discoveries to practical applications, we hope that this research can contribute to more effective immunotherapies and improved survival outcomes for a larger number of patients,” says Kristina Ganzinger.
Kristina Ganzinger, Oncode Investigator at AMOLF
Kristina Ganzinger, Oncode Investigator at AMOLF
Broad impact across the network
Several other Oncode-affiliated research groups have also been awarded funding, reflecting the breadth of expertise across the institute.
These include research groups led by:
J.A.F. Marteijn (Erasmus MC);
B. Burgering (UMC Utrecht) and M.K.K. Hansen (Radboud University);
M.C. Wolkers (Amsterdam UMC).
Strengthening cancer research together
Together, these projects demonstrate the strength of the Oncode Institute network in enabling collaboration and driving innovative cancer research.