About us Department of Tumor Immunology
This department investigates how the immune system can be used in the treatment of tumors.
read moreAbout us Department of Tumor Immunology
The immune system has the tremendous task to eliminate pathogens and eradicate arising tumors, while preventing auto-reactive responses that are harmful to the host. In keeping with balancing this dual task, a complex interplay between immune cells exists and many stimulatory and inhibitory circuits are in place. Deregulation of this intricate balance is directly associated with human diseases, ranging from inflammatory and autoimmune disorders to infection and cancer.The mission of the Department of Tumor Immunology is to provide a comprehensive scientific and educational research program in the field of cellular and molecular immunology and translational research aimed at clinical application in cancer. To this end molecular and cell biological research is being carried out on receptors at the surface of so-called dendritic cells (DC). These are cells with long fimbriae which make tumor cells eminently 'recognisable' to the immune system. Clinical research in which cancer patients are vaccinated with these dendritic cells is also being conducted.
Research groups Tumor Immunology
Discover some of our research that is related to tumor immunology.
read moreResearch areas
Our research aims at a better understanding of our immune system using molecular, cell biological and immunological techniques and is centered around dendritic cells and regulatory T cells which play an important role regulating the immune response. read moreFaculty
Tumor Immunology Faculty are specialists in their respective fields. Together they manage and supervise a group of about 60 employees within this department. see staff members
Patients
Dendritic Cell (DC) therapy represents a promising immunotherapeutic approach for the treatment of cancer. The beauty of DC therapy is that it exploits the body's own immune system to fight cancer. Since 1997 we perform clinical trials to test the potency of this approach. For each patient a specialized vaccine is prepared from immune cells isolated from the blood. In specialized cleanrooms, a personalized DC vaccine is prepared after which patients are vaccinated.So far, our clinical trials are mainly focused on melanoma, a cancer of the pigmented cells of the skin. We have treated more than 350 patients until now and observed that DC vaccination is well tolerated with minimal side effects.
> more information in Dutch at www.afweertegenkanker.nl
Job opportunities and internships Tumor Immonology
Throughout the year the Department of Tumor Immunology recruits motivated PhD candidates, postdocs or technicians for new projects. Please visit the Radboudumc site for more information and to apply for current positions. You are welcome to inform at any time also for vacancies not outlined. We advise you to send your CV accompanied with a motivation letter by email to Sandy.Devue-Budde@radboudumc.nl.Internships
Motivated undergraduate students are always welcome for internships within our department. Be aware that you make inquiries at least 6-9 months in front to prevent disappointments. Inquiries including a motivation letter why and what your specific interests are, accompanied by a CV, should be emailed to Martijn Verdoes.Collaborations
Our department closely collaborates with the Departement of Haematology and the Department of Medical Oncology.
Themes
Getting there
Entrance: Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences
Route: 278, 5th floor
Getting there
Visiting address
Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences
Geert Grooteplein 28
6525 GA Nijmegen
Postal address
278 Tumor ImmunologyP.O. Box 9101
6500 HB Nijmegen
The Netherlands
Directions
Go to Geert Grooteplein 28
Enter building at: Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences
Follow route
278, 5th floor
