Exclusive Interview: Advancing Cancer Treatment - Prof. Griffioen Discusses Tumor Angiogenesis, CAR T Cell Therapy, and Future Research Directions
Journal of Cancer Metastasis and Treatment (JCMT) recently had the privilege of interviewing Prof. Arjan W. Griffioen, a leading expert in tumor angiogenesis and an esteemed member of the JCMT Editorial Board. In this insightful discussion, Prof. Griffioen shared his perspectives on the role of angiogenesis in cancer progression, innovative combination therapies, and valuable advice for young researchers.
Unraveling Tumor Angiogenesis: A Key Driver of Cancer Progression
Prof. Griffioen has dedicated his research to understanding tumor angiogenesis - the process by which tumors develop their own blood supply to sustain growth and metastasis. His latest findings highlight novel mechanisms that can be exploited to disrupt angiogenesis, potentially leading to more effective cancer treatments.
Enhancing CAR T Cell Therapy with Anti-Angiogenic Drugs
One of the most exciting advancements discussed was the combination of anti-angiogenic drugs with CAR T cell therapy. In his recent study, Prof. Griffioen explored how this approach can overcome the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of CAR T cell therapy for solid tumors. This strategy has the potential to enhance immune responses and improve patient outcomes, marking a significant step forward in cancer immunotherapy.
Future Potential of Combination Therapy
When asked about the future of anti-angiogenic drugs combined with CAR T cell therapy, Prof. Griffioen expressed optimism, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize cancer treatment. While challenges remain, ongoing research in this field could lead to new therapeutic breakthroughs for patients with solid tumors.
Advice for Young Researchers: Perseverance and Passion
For young scientists facing obstacles in their research careers, Prof. Griffioen stressed the importance of perseverance, curiosity, and passion. He encouraged early-career researchers to stay committed despite setbacks, as scientific discovery is a journey filled with both challenges and rewards.
Strengthening the Impact of Cancer Research Journals
As a member of the JCMT Editorial Board, Prof. Griffioen also shared insights on how to enhance the visibility and influence of cancer research journals. He emphasized the importance of high-quality, innovative research and international collaborations in driving impactful discoveries in cancer metastasis and treatment.
JCMT is honored to feature this exclusive interview, offering valuable insights from one of the foremost experts in the field. As cancer research continues to evolve, contributions from thought leaders like Prof. Griffioen will undoubtedly shape the future of oncology and patient care.
Stay tuned for the full interview video, coming soon on JCMT’s official platforms!
Personal Biography
Professor of Experimental Oncology at Amsterdam UMC
Chief Scientific Officer at CimCure BV.
Director of the Graduate School for Oncology Amsterdam (OOA)
Founder and Editor-in-Chief of the Springer Nature journal Angiogenesis
Editor-in-Chief of the Springer Nature journal Apoptosis
Prof. Griffioen specializes in tumor immunology and angiogenesis. He is also CSO of CimCure BV, a spin-off company from Amsterdam UMC. His laboratory is known for developing cancer vaccines using an innovative and patent-protected strategy that is effective, safe and does not induce drug resistance. Currently, in collaboration with CimCure, he is leading efforts to bring their lead vaccine candidate into clinical testing.
Editor: Frida Xu
Language Editor: Catherine Yang
Production Editor: Ting Xu
Respectfully Submitted by the Journal Editorial Office of Journal of Cancer Metastasis and Treatment
