Bovenschen lab
Prof. Dr. Niels Bovenschen
Department of Pathology
University Medical Centre Utrecht
Immunotherapy for Brain Cancer
Research Aim
Worldwide, more than 300,000 people are diagnosed with malignant brain cancer each year. Life expectancy depends on the type of tumor and ranges from a few months to several years. Brain cancer patients often experience severe long-term effects from surgery, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy, which significantly limit their daily functioning. Therefore, there is an urgent need for new treatments.
Our research focuses on the effector immune response of cytotoxic (killer) cells in brain cancer, with a particular focus on pediatric medulloblastoma and glioma (e.g. astrocytoma and oligodendroglioma). We aim to translate this knowledge into (cellular) immunotherapy and nanomedicines that mimic effector phase immunity to target cancer. These aims fit within UMC Utrecht focus areas Cancer and Immunity & Infection and UU strategic theme area Life Sciences. Besides biomedical research, we also focus on educational research to enhance training of future T-shaped professionals that are equipped with the knowledge and skills to solve todays big challenges in healthcare in benefit for society.
Current Focus
Medulloblastoma, Astrocytoma and Oligodendroglioma
