UMCG to treat cancer patients with self-developed CAR-T cells
We 23 July 2025
With a grant of over 2.2 million euros from the Dutch Cancer Society (KWF Kankerbestrijding), the UMCG will treat patients with rare T-cell cancers using CAR-T cells that have been fully developed at the UMCG, on the Healthy Ageing Campus.
The treatments are part of a study into the optimal safe dose of this new product, explains UMG researcher Edwin Bremer from the Haematology department. A total of twelve patients with rare T-cell cancers (T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia or T-cell lymph node cancer) can participate in the study. ‘The study focuses on patients for whom other treatments have not been effective or in whom this specific form of leukaemia or lymph node cancer has returned after previous treatment.’
Training the immune system
In CAR-T cell therapy, T cells (a specific type of white blood cell that plays an important role in our immune system) are removed from the patient's blood. These cells are then genetically modified in the laboratory. A so-called CAR (Chimeric Antigen Receptor) is inserted so that the T cell can recognise and attack the cancer cells again. The patient's own immune system is thus used to eliminate the cancer cells. ‘What makes our CAR-T cell product unique is that we have developed a CAR based on a natural binder that the body produces to attach to cancer cells,’ explains Bremer.
First patients in mid-2026
The UMCG has been working for some time on producing its own CAR-T cells and using them to treat patients. Until now, a CAR developed by other parties has been used for this purpose. With the KWF grant, the UMCG can now treat patients for the first time with CAR-T cells that have been developed and produced entirely at the UMCG.
‘By producing the CAR-T cells ourselves, we can treat patients with a fresh and readily available product. In addition, T-cell cancers are rare and therefore less attractive for commercial parties to develop therapies for. That is why it is important that we at the UMCG conduct research to develop and produce CAR-T cell products for these patients ourselves. We expect to be able to start this so-called phase I study in mid-2026.'
If the research is successful, Bremer hopes that the CAR-T cell product for these patients can be further investigated for effectiveness and ultimately become available as reimbursed care.
Source article and image: UMCG, by Lex Kloosterman and Larissa van der Wal
Op zondag 31 mei 2026 staat Groningen in het teken van sport, doorzettingsvermogen en betrokkenheid. Tussen alle lopers is ook het herkenbare roze van Vrienden Beatrix Kinderziekenhuis zichtbaar.
The LIFE Cooperative, part of the Northern Netherlands life sciences ecosystem at Campus Groningen, is organizing the Dutch Medicines Winter Afternoon together with FIGON on Thursday, 26 February. This fully booked event brings together leading scientists and industry experts to explore the latest developments in innovative medicines and advanced drug delivery. Read the full article as published by the LIFE Cooperative.National Attention for Sold-Out Dutch Medicines Winter Afternoon: Innovative Medicines and Advanced Drug Delivery Take Center Stage in Groningen Innovation in medicines takes center stage on Thursday, 26 February during the Dutch Medicines Winter Afternoon, an inspiring event organized by FIGON (Federation for Innovative Drug Research Netherlands) in collaboration with the LIFE Cooperative. “We are extremely proud of the strong line-up at this event, bringing together leading experts from science and industry to explore the frontiers of drug development. The fact that registrations are already fully booked underlines the great importance of this event for the life sciences ecosystem, and in particular for the Northern Netherlands,” says Ronald Hesse, Director of the LIFE Cooperative. The Dutch Medicines Winter Afternoon brings together scientists, innovators, and professionals from across the Netherlands for an afternoon of insights, knowledge exchange, and networking opportunities. The speaker line-up features experts from both academia and industry. This event is already fully booked. Interested in joining the waiting list? Please email: amber@lifecooperative.nlConnecting force The afternoon will be opened by Prof. Klaas Poelstra of the University of Groningen (RUG), Chair of FIGON, who will outline the importance of innovative drug development in the Netherlands. This will be followed by an introduction by Robert Hof on behalf of the LIFE Cooperative, highlighting the cooperative’s role as a connecting force within the regional ecosystem. The first session block before the break focuses on innovation in drug delivery systems. Rob Steendam (CTO, InnoCore) will discuss the development of long-acting SynBiosys® microspheres for controlled and sustained drug release. Jaap Wieling (CEO, PureIMS) will present the potential of dry-powder inhalation via the Cyclops® technology for both pulmonary and systemic indications. From an academic perspective, Prof. Marleen Kamperman (University of Groningen) will explore the potential of polyelectrolyte coacervates as innovative drug delivery platforms.Deep dive After the break, the focus shifts to advanced nanomedicines and clinical development strategies. Dr. Flávia Sousa (RUG) will present her work on polymer-based nanomedicines for the delivery of biotherapeutics to the brain. Dr. Ad Roffel (ICON plc, Groningen) will address mass balance and absolute bioavailability studies with ¹⁴C-labeled drugs in humans, an essential component of clinical drug development. Prof. Erik Frijlink (RUG) will reflect on the value of innovation within both established and advanced drug delivery systems, placing technological progress in a broader pharmaceutical context. Finally, Prof. Helder Santos (RUG) will demonstrate how nanomedicines are being used for RNA delivery in myocardial infarction repair, a promising development in cardiovascular therapy. “We are extremely proud of the strong line-up at this event, bringing together leading experts from science and industry to explore the frontiers of drug development. The fact that registrations are already fully booked underlines the great importance of this event for the life sciences ecosystem, and in particular for the Northern Netherlands." - Ronald Hesse, director LIFE CooperativeClosing and networking The afternoon will conclude with a contribution by Peter Ketelaar (LIFE Cooperative), followed by closing remarks from Prof. Klaas Poelstra. Participants will then have the opportunity to connect and continue discussions during the networking reception. Hesse looks forward to the event: “With this event, FIGON and the LIFE Cooperative underline the strength of collaboration between academia, industry, and clinical practice. The Dutch Medicines Winter Afternoon promises not only to be an inspiring afternoon, but also to provide momentum for further innovation and collaboration within the Northern Netherlands life sciences ecosystem.” Text: lifecooperative.nlPhotographer: Casper Maas
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