Advancing Target Discovery and Mechanistic Insights at the Intersection of Oncology and Neurology
This interdisciplinary think tank brings together experts in proteomics and genomics to drive innovation at the crossroads of oncology and neurology. With a strong foundation in omics technology, CRISPR screening and molecular and cell biology, the group unravels disease mechanisms and identifies novel therapeutic targets for cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. By leveraging these approaches, they aim to accelerate the development of precision therapies that improve patient outcomes.

Previously funded research
– EV-PREDICT: studying extracellular vesicles to understand disease mechanisms and develop treatments
– CRISPR Cut-to-the-Chase: improving CRISPR gene-editing tools to support therapeutic developments
– Transvision: studying advanced models for brain-tumor communication to find novel targets for treatment

Focus Group leaders

Liaison (for Research Council Adore): Guus Smit

Enabling Precision Medicine in Oncology and Neurology
Standardized collection of well-characterized, clinically-annotated patient material is instrumental for understanding disease processes, discover and validate novel biomarkers and drug targets. This focus group brings together a multidisciplinary team committed to advancing biomarker discovery and development by establishing an integrated biobank system at the interface of oncology and neurological diseases.
Our mission is twofold: (1) to establish unique and integrated biobanks—including tissue, liquid, and digital (genomic, imaging) repositories—to deepen our understanding of disease connections, and (2) to drive biomarker discovery and development that enhances diagnostics, prognosis, and treatment strategies.
To ensure broad accessibility and interoperability, the group is developing a biobanking and data collection framework aligned with FAIR principles, providing Adore users with seamless access to biospecimens and associated data. Key priorities include optimizing the use of our unique and complementary patient materials, enhancing the integration of clinical data with biospecimens, and advancing innovative biomarker assay pipelines. The first two initiatives (below) have recently secured Adore board funding, and upcoming focus group meetings will explore new research ‘leads’, 10 year milestones and opportunities.

Previously funded research
– GenBioDora: Optimal coupling clinical data & samples​
– BioDora: Optimal use of our unique & complementary patient materials

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Focus Group leaders

Liaison: Michiel Pegtel
Support staff: Mandy Chin-Sie-Jen: m.f.f.chin-sie-jen@amsterdamumc.nl

Enhancing Imaging Innovations for Oncology and Neurology
This focus group unites experts in imaging science, neurology, and oncology to drive innovation in diagnostic and research imaging at the intersection of these fields. Our goal is to develop and refine imaging technologies that enhance disease detection, characterization, and treatment monitoring for both cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.
By leveraging cutting-edge modalities—including advanced MRI, PET, molecular imaging and theragnostics—we aim to improve spatial and temporal resolution, optimize multimodal imaging integration, and enable more precise visualization of disease progression and treatment response. The group is also committed to developing standardized imaging protocols and in close collaboration with the Biocompuation Focus Group develop AI-driven analysis pipelines to enhance reproducibility, accessibility, and clinical translation.
Through collaborative efforts, we strive to push the boundaries of imaging science, facilitating earlier diagnosis, personalized treatment strategies, and a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between oncological and neurological diseases.

Previously funded research
– Crossing barriers: Measuring brain delivery of novel biologicals using LAVOF PET

Focus Group leaders​

Liaison: Hanneke van Laarhoven

Advancing Immune-Based Treatments for Oncology and Neurology
This focus group brings together experts in immunology, cellular therapy, oncology, and neurology to drive innovation in immune-based treatments for cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. With a strong focus on translational research, we aim to develop novel therapeutic strategies that enhance efficacy while minimizing risks, particularly in complex neurological and oncological conditions.
Current focus is on immune-mediated neuroinflammatory diseases (IMND), neurologic immune-related adverse events (irAEs), finding strategies to cross biological barriers, next-generation in vitro models and therapies and on developing an immune monitoring unit for improved personalized immunotherapy. The group further aims to explore advanced treatment modalities such as CAR-T and TCR therapies, dendritic cell vaccines, and adoptive cell transfer, and we seek to refine immune-modulating approaches to improve patient outcomes and safety.
By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, we strive to accelerate the clinical translation of immuno- and cellular therapies, paving the way for more precise, effective, and durable treatments at the intersection of oncology and neurology.

Previously funded research
– Crossing barriers: From periphery to the brain: how immune cells cross barriers and adapt to the microenvironment in health and disease.
– NICITA: NeuroInflammation at the Crossroads of autoImmunity and immunoTherapy in cAncer
– Immune monitoring unit: Development of an immune monitoring unit for the improvement of personalized immunotherapy

Focus Group leaders

Liaison: Yvette van Kooyk

Liaison: Hans Berkhof

Driving Innovation in Drug Discovery & Therapy Development
The Drug Discovery & Therapy Development Focus Group is dedicated to accelerating the translation of groundbreaking research into effective therapies for neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. By bringing together experts from diverse fields, we aim to foster innovation at the intersection of oncology and neurology, identifying shared mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities that can drive impactful treatment advancements. Our focus lies in developing and optimizing new therapeutic strategies, including small molecules, antibodies, RNA-based therapies, and gene therapies. We prioritize projects that push the boundaries of traditional treatment approaches, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to refine drug candidates, validate targets, and advance promising therapies toward clinical application.
Collaboration is at the heart of our mission. By integrating expertise across disciplines, we work to bridge the gap between discovery and application, ensuring that high-potential therapeutic innovations receive the strategic support and resources needed for progression. We also explore opportunities to enhance drug discovery infrastructure, strengthening the foundation for future breakthroughs.
Through regular discussions and shared insights, we strive to shape a dynamic and forward-thinking drug development ecosystem—one that not only accelerates the delivery of new treatments but also transforms the way we approach complex diseases. Researchers interested in contributing to this vision are encouraged to engage with the focus group, as we work together to bring the next generation of therapies from the lab to the clinic.

Focus Group leaders

Liaison: Pieter van Bokhoven

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Empowering Clinical Research for Impactful Patient Outcomes
The Clinical Trials Focus Group is dedicated to strengthening the infrastructure and expertise required to conduct high-quality clinical research in neurodegenerative diseases and oncology. By fostering collaboration among clinicians, researchers, and support staff, we aim to accelerate the translation of scientific discoveries into meaningful patient outcomes.
Our focus includes clinical trials support: helping investigators navigate trial design, regulatory strategy, operational execution and administration, and data analysis. We emphasize the importance of patient-centered approaches to ensure that research efforts lead to real-world improvements in care. Whether refining recruitment strategies, developing standardized protocols, or integrating biomarker-driven and adaptive study designs, our work is grounded in achieving measurable outcomes for patients.
Collaboration is central to our mission. By bringing together multidisciplinary experts, we promote knowledge exchange and provide actionable solutions to common logistical and methodological challenges. We actively explore the use of real-world data, digital health tools, and AI-powered analytics to optimize trial efficiency and improve patient stratification.
Importantly, we also work to ensure patient access to innovative treatments, including serving as a critical entry point for Phase I and early-phase studies. This includes acting as a last-resort option for patients with limited treatment alternatives. As a result, Phase I trials from pharmaceutical companies are increasingly being initiated here, allowing for faster local access to cutting-edge therapies.
Researchers are encouraged to engage with the Focus Group when clinical research support is needed—at any stage of trial development. We also welcome proposals for new studies, particularly at the interface of oncology and neuroscience, where synergistic advancement is critically needed.

Focus Group leaders

Liaison: Sonja Zweegman