Blocking metastasis in the lymph nodes

Although lymph nodes are an important route for the metastasis of cancer, it is unclear exactly how the lymph nodes near a tumor work. For the past few years, molecular techniques have made it possible to study lymph nodes more easily. Jeroen Hagendoorn has shown in mice that lymph nodes in a tumor start to function abnormally very early on. Vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C) is used to stimulate the growth and function of the lymph nodes, which results in greater metastasis of the cancer. When the receptor for VEGF-C is blocked, the metastasis of cancer cells to the lymph nodes can be reduced dramatically. Ongoing experimental and clinical studies will show which patient groups will benefit from anti-lymphatic therapy.

Jeroen Hagendoorn

Lymphatics and cancer

PhD advisor 1: Prof. I.H.M. Borel Rinkes
PhD advisor 2: Prof. R.K. Jain
Co-advisor: Dr. T.P. Padera