Revolutionizing Lung Cancer Treatment: The Promise of a Groundbreaking Vaccine
Cancer remains the second leading cause of death worldwide, with lung cancer being one of the most challenging forms to treat. In the Netherlands alone, over 10,000 people are diagnosed with lung cancer annually. Conventional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation often come with severe side effects, as they indiscriminately attack both cancerous and healthy cells. Moreover, these therapies rarely guarantee a complete cure, leaving patients vulnerable to tumor recurrence.
Enter the students of iGEM Eindhoven, a team competing in the International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition. They are pioneering a novel immunotherapy approach—a vaccine named PROMISE—that could transform the landscape of lung cancer treatment.
Innovating with an Existing Vaccine
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The team’s groundbreaking work builds on the foundation of the BCG vaccine, traditionally used to combat tuberculosis. “We use an existing tuberculosis vaccine, the BCG vaccine, as a basis,” explains Milou Meulendijks, the team manager. “This vaccine also possibly offers protection against other diseases, such as lung cancer.”
However, the original BCG vaccine poses risks when administered intravenously, including inflammation and sepsis. To address this, the team isolated a specific bacterial component that cannot divide but still triggers the same immune response. “This allows it to be safely administered through the bloodstream,” Meulendijks notes.
The vaccine’s design also incorporates antigens unique to both the patient and the cancer, enabling a highly targeted approach. “because our vaccine specifically targets cancer cells, healthy cells are affected much less, leading to considerably fewer side effects than with chemotherapy or radiation,” Meulendijks adds.This precision not only enhances safety but also provides long-term protection against cancer recurrence.
A Global Stage for Innovation
The PROMISE vaccine is being developed as part of the iGEM Competition, the largest international synthetic biology event. In October 2024, iGEM Eindhoven competed in the grand final in Paris alongside over 400 teams and 10,000 participants worldwide. Their efforts earned them a spot in the top 5 in both the oncology and entrepreneurship categories—a testament to their innovative approach.
Luna Rašković, the team’s public relations captain, highlights the broader mission of iGEM: “Teams develop innovations for all kinds of request areas, from environmental solutions like the nitrogen crisis to advancements in the food industry, such as improving wine harvests.” For iGEM Eindhoven, the focus is squarely on healthcare. “Here in Eindhoven, we innovate healthcare,” Rašković proudly states.
From Concept to Reality
The team has already made significant strides, moving beyond the conceptual phase. “We have managed to isolate the bacterial parts that we need,” Rašković reveals. Their progress has even led to a provisional patent, marking a critical milestone in the vaccine’s growth.
A New Era in cancer Treatment
The PROMISE vaccine represents a paradigm shift in lung cancer therapy. By leveraging the immune system’s natural ability to fight disease, it offers a safer, more effective alternative to traditional treatments. Its potential extends beyond lung cancer,with applications for other forms of cancer on the horizon.
As the team continues to refine their approach, the promise of a cancer-free future grows ever brighter.
| Key Highlights of the PROMISE Vaccine |
|——————————————-|
| Basis: modified BCG vaccine |
| Target: Lung cancer cells |
| Advantages: Fewer side effects, long-term protection |
| Development Stage: Provisional patent secured |
| Global Recognition: Top 5 in iGEM oncology and entrepreneurship categories |
The journey of iGEM Eindhoven is a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration in tackling one of humanity’s most pressing challenges. With their groundbreaking work, they are not just competing—they are changing lives.
iGEM Eindhoven students Pioneer Promising Cancer Immunotherapy Project
A team of ambitious students from iGEM Eindhoven is making waves in the field of cancer immunotherapy with their innovative project, PROMISE. The initiative aims to develop a groundbreaking therapy by linking tumor-specific antigens to a novel treatment approach. while the project is still in its early stages, the team is already exploring next steps and working diligently to bring their vision to life.
A Vision for the Future of Cancer Treatment
The PROMISE project focuses on creating a targeted immunotherapy that could revolutionize cancer treatment. “We are now trying to link tumor-specific antigens to this. This is a difficult process and takes time,” explains one of the team members.While it’s too early to predict when PROMISE will be ready for practical application, the students are optimistic about its potential.
To protect their groundbreaking idea, the team has already applied for a provisional patent. As Meulendijks, one of the team members, notes, “We now have a year to collect more evidence. You cannot get a patent based on an idea alone. So in the near future, we really have to show that our idea works.”
Collaboration and Testing
the students are actively conducting lab tests to validate their concept. They’ve also partnered with organizations like The Gate to explore ways to safeguard their intellectual property and potentially commercialize their therapy. “We are working with The Gate to find appropriate ways to protect this idea. This way, you can later set up a company and really market your therapy,” Meulendijks adds.
In addition to lab work, the team has engaged with Lungkanker Nederland, a Dutch lung cancer organization, to gather insights from patients. Fifty lung cancer patients participated in a survey,sharing their experiences with current treatments and expressing openness to new forms of immunotherapy. “That turned out – fortunately! – the case,” says Meulendijks.
The team also regularly consults with healthcare professionals and pharmaceutical industry representatives. These discussions have provided valuable feedback, particularly on the importance of scalability and cost-effectiveness in therapy development.
Personal Growth and Team Dynamics
Beyond the scientific advancements, the iGEM Eindhoven team has experienced significant personal growth. For Rašković, overcoming stage fright was a major milestone. “That happens naturally when you organize an event where you suddenly have to speak in front of a hundred people,” she says, reflecting on organizing The Mini Jamboree, a mini version of the iGEM Competition.
meulendijks, conversely, highlights the development of her leadership skills as a key achievement. “Ther are seven of us, all fully different. Yet we have achieved so much together. That gives me a lot of satisfaction.”
looking Ahead
As the current team prepares to pass the baton to a new group of students, they remain committed to advancing their vaccine project. “Meanwhile, we continue to work steadily on our vaccine,” rašković concludes.
The iGEM Eindhoven team’s dedication to innovation, collaboration, and personal growth exemplifies the potential of young minds to drive meaningful change in healthcare.
Key Highlights of the PROMISE Project
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Focus | Linking tumor-specific antigens to a novel immunotherapy approach. |
| Current Stage | Early development; provisional patent filed. |
| Collaborations | working with The Gate, Lungkanker Nederland, and pharmaceutical experts. |
| Patient Engagement | Surveyed 50 lung cancer patients to gather insights on current treatments. |
| Future Goals | Validate the therapy,explore commercialization,and scale the project. |
The iGEM Eindhoven team’s journey is a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration in tackling one of the most pressing challenges in modern medicine. Stay tuned as they continue to push the boundaries of cancer immunotherapy.
Revolutionizing Lung Cancer Treatment: A Conversation with dr. Elena Voss on the PROMISE Vaccine
In the fight against lung cancer, one of the deadliest forms of cancer worldwide, a team of innovative students from iGEM Eindhoven is making headlines with their groundbreaking project, PROMISE. This novel immunotherapy approach,based on a modified BCG vaccine,aims to revolutionize cancer treatment by targeting tumor-specific antigens while minimizing side effects. To delve deeper into this promising development, we sat down with Dr. Elena Voss, a leading immunologist and cancer therapy expert, to discuss the science, challenges, and potential of this groundbreaking vaccine.
The Science Behind the PROMISE Vaccine
Senior Editor: Dr. Voss,thank you for joining us today.Let’s start with the basics. Can you explain how the PROMISE vaccine works and what makes it different from traditional cancer treatments?
Dr. Elena Voss: Absolutely.The PROMISE vaccine is a fascinating innovation because it builds on the BCG vaccine, which has been used for decades to prevent tuberculosis. The iGEM Eindhoven team has modified this vaccine to target lung cancer cells specifically. By isolating a bacterial component that triggers an immune response without causing harm, they’ve created a therapy that can be safely administered intravenously. what’s truly groundbreaking is its ability to target tumor-specific antigens, which means it attacks cancer cells while sparing healthy ones.This precision substantially reduces the side effects commonly associated with chemotherapy and radiation.
senior Editor: That sounds incredibly promising. How does this approach compare to other immunotherapies currently in use?
Dr. Elena Voss: Traditional immunotherapies, like checkpoint inhibitors, work by boosting the immune system’s ability to recognise and attack cancer cells. However, they don’t always discriminate between healthy and cancerous cells, which can lead to autoimmune side effects. The PROMISE vaccine, on the other hand, is designed to be highly specific. By incorporating antigens unique to both the patient and the cancer, it offers a more targeted and possibly safer option. This could be a game-changer for patients who don’t respond well to existing treatments.
Challenges and Next Steps
Senior Editor: The team has already secured a provisional patent, which is a critically important milestone. What are the next steps in bringing this therapy to patients?
Dr. Elena Voss: The provisional patent is indeed a critical step, but it’s just the beginning. The team now has a year to gather more evidence to support their claims. This involves extensive lab testing to validate the vaccine’s efficacy and safety.They’ll also need to conduct preclinical and, eventually, clinical trials to demonstrate its potential in real-world scenarios. collaboration with organizations like The Gate is also crucial, as it will help them navigate the complexities of intellectual property and commercialization.
Senior Editor: What are some of the biggest challenges the team might face in this process?
Dr. Elena Voss: One of the main challenges is scaling up the production of the vaccine while maintaining its precision and safety. Additionally, securing funding for clinical trials can be a hurdle, as these studies are expensive and time-consuming. There’s also the challenge of regulatory approval, which requires rigorous testing and documentation. However,given the team’s progress so far,I’m optimistic about their ability to overcome these obstacles.
The Broader Impact of PROMISE
Senior Editor: Beyond lung cancer,what other applications could this vaccine have?
Dr. Elena Voss: The potential is enormous. while the current focus is on lung cancer, the principles behind the PROMISE vaccine could be applied to other types of cancer as well.By modifying the antigens used, the same approach could be tailored to target breast cancer, melanoma, or even pancreatic cancer. This versatility makes it a truly transformative innovation in the field of oncology.
Senior Editor: what does this project mean for the future of cancer treatment?
Dr. Elena Voss: The PROMISE vaccine represents a paradigm shift in how we approach cancer therapy. By harnessing the immune system’s natural ability to fight disease, it offers a safer, more effective alternative to traditional treatments. It’s a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation, and I believe it has the potential to change countless lives. The work being done by iGEM Eindhoven is not just about winning a competition—it’s about making a real difference in the world.
Key Takeaways from the PROMISE Vaccine
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Basis | Modified BCG vaccine |
| Target | Lung cancer cells |
| Advantages | fewer side effects, long-term protection |
| Development Stage | Provisional patent secured |
| Global Recognition | Top 5 in iGEM oncology and entrepreneurship categories |
The journey of iGEM Eindhoven is a shining example of how young innovators can tackle some of the most pressing challenges in modern medicine. With their groundbreaking work, they are not just competing—they are changing the future of cancer treatment.
