Academisch Medisch Centrum Universiteit van Amsterdam

• Pathogenesis and (immuno)therapy of B cell malignancies.

The basic research is focussed on (dys-) regulation of apoptosis in CLL. We found a considerable difference in expression of the pro-/anti-apoptosis gene pair Noxa /MCL1 in CLL cells derived from lymph nodes versus peripheral blood. This finding might have important consequences for the future treatment of CLL. The same holds for the studies (with T.Kipps in San Diego ) showing a possible role for p73 in p53 dysfunctional (and thus chemotherapy-resistant) CLL. The translational research concerns a novel approach by redirection of CMV-specific CTL towards B-CLL via CD20-targeted HLA/CMV complexes.These studies will soon be followed by in vivo studies in mice. Studies on turnover of malignant cells in CLL were performed using stable isotopes.Results are expected early 2007.

The results of the international phase III clinical trial on the use of rituximab (a chimeric CD20 monoclonal antibody) in remission induction and maintenance treatment of relapsed follicular lymphoma ( FL), showing  impressive effects on both disease free survival as well as overall survival, were published in BLOOD mid  2006  (accompanied by an editorial), formed the basis of EMEA and FDA approval of the drug for this indication, and really changed daily practice in the treatment of FL.

Theme: Oncology
 

This research group participates in CIA (i.o)