Eliminating cancer with light: KWF invests €4 million in first patient study Lumox

Killing cancer cells with light. Does that sound like science fiction? It's not. In fact, KWF Kankerbestrijding has been supporting scientific research at Utrecht University for years to bring this treatment to people. This preliminary work has now led to a multi-million investment in the first patient study in head and neck tumors.

The treatment uses light to activate a targeted cancer drug exclusively in the tumor. This approach makes it possible to destroy cancer cells very selectively and spare healthy tissue. At the UMC Utrecht, head and neck surgeon Prof. Dr. Remco de Bree leads this new patient study into its application in head and neck cancer. Research into this technology has been going on in Utrecht for more than 10 years, with support from KWF and Alpe d'HuZes.

A major challenge for patients

For many patients with cancer in the head and neck area, surgery is the main treatment. Although the procedure is often effective, it can have drastic consequences for speech, swallowing, eating and appearance. Other treatments, such as radiation and chemotherapy, are also regularly associated with permanent side effects. That is why doctors and researchers worldwide are looking for ways to treat tumors more effectively and selectively.

“As a surgeon, I see every day how much impact our treatments can have on the lives of patients,” says Remco de Bree. “We have made great strides, but there is still a need for treatments that are less invasive and at the same time very effective.”

Only active where the tumor is

The new therapy uses small targeted proteins, so-called nanobodies, that recognize and seek out cancer cells. A light-sensitive drug is linked to these nanobodies.

After the drug has collected in the tumor, the area is briefly illuminated with a special lamp. The lighting makes the medicine active so that it destroys the cancer cells. Healthy tissue is largely spared. Because the nanobodies disappear quickly from the body, the treatment can be expected to be completed within one day.

From fundamental research to a company

Pronk HernandezThe basis for this technology lies in the research laboratories of Utrecht University. There, Dr. Irati Beltrán Hernández worked for many years on the development of nanobodies for cancer treatment, in the research group of Dr. Sabrina Oliveira. During their PhD research, Beltrán Hernández and fellow researcher Dr. Sebas Pronk met each other. Pronk became fascinated by the results achieved in the laboratory."

When I saw how specifically and powerfully the treatment could tackle tumors, I immediately thought: this should not just end up in a scientific article," says Pronk. "This has to go to patients."

That belief ultimately led to the founding of Lumox, the biotech company that further develops the technology towards clinical application. "There are many wonderful discoveries that never reach the patient," says Pronk. “We wanted to make sure this wouldn't be one of those.”

Utrecht collaboration

The new project brings together the expertise of academic researchers, doctors and entrepreneurs. The UMC Utrecht carries out the clinical study and supervises the patients. Lumox develops and produces the drug tested in the study.

According to Pronk, this collaboration is essential: patient studies require enormous investments. "KWF financing alone is not sufficient for this. That is why we have set up a spin-off in the form of Lumox. A company. That enables us to attract the necessary investments from outside. For example, for the final safety study that is needed to carry out the first patient study."

First step towards a broader application

The researchers initially focus on patients with head and neck tumors, for example tumors in the oral cavity. In this phase 1 study they investigate the safety, applicability and dosage of this new light-activated precision therapy. They hope not only to develop a new treatment option for this patient group, but also to pave the way for applications in other types of cancer. The technology is designed in such a way that it can be quickly adapted to different tumor types.

“KWF has supported this line of research for years,” says Beltrán Hernández. "For example, KWF and Alpe d'HuZes invested in 3 previous research projects by Sabrina Oliveira, who laid the foundation for this treatment. The fact that we can now take the step to patients is extremely special."

De Bree can't wait for the time to come: "As a surgeon, I see patients every day and I therefore see what could be improved. As a researcher, I can do something about that. That makes the combination of research and care very motivating. At the same time, it also makes me impatient: I want patients to benefit.

Source: KWF