PCM4EU project paves the way for accessible, personalized cancer treatments

Identifying a tumour’s genetic profile and utilizing it to select the most suitable treatment is the primary goal of the project. The researchers of the project are committed to making this approach accessible to all cancer patients. The substantial grant from the EU4Health programme, for which PNO* has written the proposal, allows them to expand their successful strategy to other countries.

Tailored treatments

The Drug Rediscovery Protocol (DRUP) study, which forms the basis of this approach, is led by Professors Emile Voest, Henk Verheul, and Hans Gelderblom. The study focuses on testing existing targeted medications on patients with tumour types for which the drugs are not (yet) registered. Through DRUP, several new treatment options have emerged, with some even receiving reimbursement from health insurers.

To date, approximately 1,300 patients have been treated and 35 drugs are available. The researchers report a 33% success rate in administering effective treatments.

Gelderblom: “These are really very good results for a study of personalised treatments in patients for whom no approved treatment is yet available.”

However, this method of tailoring treatments to a tumour’s genetic profile is not yet widely adopted due to limited knowledge and unequal access to molecular diagnostics. Therefore, education is a significant component of the consortium’s project.

Widely accessible

The Dutch DRUP team collaborates with 17 institutions across multiple European countries, with a strong partnership established with Scandinavian countries. By sharing protocols and appointing project managers in each country, the consortium aims to increase accessibility to molecular diagnostics and build a large patient database for further learning.

With this European grant, the researchers aim to establish a foundation for personalized cancer treatments in every European country, ultimately making it available to all Europeans.

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* Formerly known as ttopstart, a separate Life Sciences & Health consultancy. The company has since fully integrated into PNO Innovation and no longer operates under the ttopstart name. For more information, see the press release “We continue as PNO Innovation.”