1.6 million Euro for COHERENT to improve the diagnosis and treatment of blood cancer

Hematologic malignancies come in very different forms varying from lymphoma, leukemia to multiple myeloma. Most of these malignancies classify as rare cancers but together they rank number 5 (following lung cancer) as most frequently occurring malignancy in the Netherlands. Due to their rare but also extremely heterogeneous nature a correct diagnosis is often difficult to make. This is further hampered by the fact that >20% of healthy individuals above the age of 65 carry acquired mutations in genes underlying blood cancer.

Under the umbrella of the COHERENT platform new diagnostic technologies will be developed for rare hematological cancers. Project leader Bert van der Reijden, associate professor in molecular hematology, Lab Hematology, Dept Laboratory Medicine: “Diagnostic developments evolve extremely rapidly. At a nationwide level large differences exist as to their use and clinical applicability. We will capitalize on institutional developments through COHERENT, for COrrect diagnosis of HEmatological cancers for Right treatmENT decisions. Our expertise will be exchanged to improve diagnostic tests across different hematological disease entities. In parallel, we will develop, validate and exchange new technologies to further the diagnosis of hematologic malignancies. Generated data will be centrally stored and will be made accessible to investigators in the field. To create awareness among patients, diagnostic improvements and the use thereof will be communicated to Dutch patient organizations. Financial support from KWF will last until 2026. After this period the platform will continue to improve the diagnosis and treatment of patients with hematological cancers.”

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