December 17, 2022 – 6:56 pm
The UMCG was the first hospital in the Netherlands to treat a cancer patient with a tumor in the head and neck region with stem cells from his own salivary gland. This should ensure that your salivary glands are working again after treatment.
Thursday December 15th was the day. After many years of research, Kasper van den Noort (43) was the first in the Netherlands and probably the first in the world to receive his own cells from cultured mini-salivary glands (organoids) via an injection. Van den Noort spoke of a special moment. The injection was a little sensitive. I’m obviously very curious to see what happens next, if it has the desired effect. It would be really great if that salivary gland started working again.”
The stem cell transplant should ensure that Van den Noort no longer suffers from dry mouth as a result of the treatment for tongue cancer he had.
Tongtumor
A tongue tumor was found earlier this year in Van den Noort. Had surgery at UMCG. A piece of his saliva glands was also removed. “We grew the stem cells from this in the lab,” says UMCG Professor of Radiation Therapy Rob Coppes. ‘These form salivary gland organoids that we can multiply. After the irradiation, which the patient has now received in our Proton Therapy Center, we return the cells of these organoids.’
Decreased quality of life
Every year in the Netherlands there are around 2,500 new patients with cancer in the head and neck region. Many of these patients have a good chance of recovery with radiation. A serious complication is that in 40% of patients the salivary glands no longer function properly after treatment. As a result, they constantly suffer from dry mouth. Chewing and swallowing is difficult, their sense of taste is reduced, speaking is very difficult and their teeth are damaged. As a result, these patients often have a markedly reduced quality of life.
Final steps of the investigation
To solve this problem, Rob Coppes’ research group has been involved in salivary gland stem cell transplantation for years. About four years ago, he and his colleagues began the final steps to make the method safe and suitable for clinical use. After Kasper van den Noort, more patients will be treated in this way at the beginning of 2023. This is done within a clinical study, in which a limited and selected group of patients can participate.
Determine if it catches on
“We therefore hope to be able to determine by the end of next year whether the treatment is working for patients,” concludes Coppes. ‘This study should serve as a ‘proof of principle’ that such a treatment is feasible and safe. If we find a positive effect, we will treat patients with other tumor sites in a follow-up study who are also at risk of dry mouth after radiotherapy. If successful, the so-called organoid technology could also be applied to other tissues.’
The research of Rob Coppes and his research team has been made possible in recent years by KWF and ZonMW through various grants.
Source: UMCG
Editorial Medicalfacts/ Janine budding
I studied physiotherapy and health business administration. I am also a Registered Independent Customer Service Representative and Informal Service Broker. I have a lot of experience in various positions in the healthcare sector, the social sector and the medical and pharmaceutical industry, nationally and internationally. And have broad medical knowledge of most healthcare specialties. And of the care laws by which care is regulated and funded. Every year I attend most of the major medical conferences in Europe and America to keep my knowledge up to date and to keep up with the latest developments and innovations. I am currently attending a Masters in Applied Psychology.
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