Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment – Diagnosis

The centre leverages cutting‑edge imaging and molecular diagnostics to sharpen the detection and monitoring of paediatric cancers such as neuroblastoma and lymphomas, enabling more precise treatment decisions.

  • Evaluation of [18F]mFBG PET‑CT versus [123I]mIBG SPECT‑CT for skeletal lesion detection
  • Development of companion diagnostics for genetically modified T‑cell therapies
  • Biomarker profiling to predict response to checkpoint inhibitors

These efforts aim to improve early diagnosis, guide therapy selection, and track disease dynamics for children treated at the Prinses Maxima Centrum.

Hemic and Lymphatic Diseases

Research in this area concentrates on blood‑forming and lymphatic malignancies—including acute lymphoblastic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, and various lymphomas—to test innovative targeted agents and cellular therapies.

  • Phase I safety study of dasatinib + venetoclax in relapsed leukemia with MAPK/SRC mutations
  • Inotuzumab ozogamicin for CD22‑positive B‑cell ALL
  • Relatlimab + nivolumab in refractory Hodgkin lymphoma and NHL
  • Quizartinib in FLT3‑ITD positive AML

The goal is to raise cure rates while reducing treatment‑related toxicity for young patients.

Immune System Diseases

This therapeutic focus explores immunotherapy strategies, including genetically modified T‑cell products, checkpoint blockade, and pathway‑specific inhibitors, to combat paediatric haematological cancers.

  • Long‑term follow‑up of gene‑modified T‑cell recipients
  • Pembrolizumab monotherapy safety and activity in solid tumours and Hodgkin lymphoma
  • Ruxolitinib + venetoclax targeting IL‑7R/JAK‑STAT signalling
  • Trametinib‑based combination for relapsed haematologic malignancies

By harnessing the immune system, the centre seeks durable remissions and improved survival for children with refractory disease.

Neoplasms

Broad investigations address solid tumours such as neuroblastoma, atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumour, melanoma, and high‑risk lymphomas, evaluating radiopharmaceuticals, targeted drugs, and novel regimens.

  • 177Lu‑DOTATATE therapy for high‑risk neuroblastoma
  • High‑dose chemotherapy versus radiotherapy consolidation in ATRT infants
  • Pembrolizumab combined with chemotherapy for early responders
  • Vinblastine monotherapy for standard‑risk ALK‑positive ALCL

These studies aim to boost event‑free survival and achieve curative outcomes for children with aggressive solid tumours.

Nervous System Diseases

Dedicated efforts target central nervous system malignancies, particularly ATRT and neuroblastoma with bone involvement, integrating advanced imaging and intensified chemotherapy protocols.

  • mFBG PET‑CT for skeletal lesion detection in neuroblastoma
  • High‑dose chemotherapy consolidation for ATRT under 12 months
  • MRD‑negativity assessment in FLT3‑ITD AML with CNS risk
  • Safety monitoring of GM T‑cell therapy in paediatric patients

The aim is to enhance neurological outcomes and long‑term quality of life for young patients facing CNS‑related cancers.