Target Preclinical Vulnerabilities In Breast Cancer Using (Cell Based) Immunotherapies

Our research focuses on identifying and targeting preclinical molecular vulnerabilities in invasive breast cancer using advanced (cell-based) immunotherapies using 3D and organ-on-a-chip in vitro models.

Breast cancer is the most common female malignancy worldwide, and is currently uncurable for patients with invasive or metastatic disease. There is an unmet need for breast cancer therapies that target invasive breast cancer cells specifically, all independent of molecular type, bypassing the cancers heterogeneity. Therapies as such do not exist.

The overall hypothesis of the project is that invasive and metastasized breast cancer creates a targetable immunosuppressive microenvironmental niche, independent of molecular subtype.

Breast cancer poses significant challenges due to its diverse molecular and treatment limitations. Overall, novel therapies such as (cell-based) immunotherapies represent a promising frontier in cancer treatment, offering the potential to improve outcomes by overcoming current therapeutic limitations, tumor immune evasion and minimizing treatment-related morbidity. These advancements are critical in addressing the complexities of breast cancer heterogeneity and treatment resistance, ultimately striving towards better survival rates and quality of life for patients.

We are committed to interdisciplinary societal relevant research and to foster dialogue between science and society.