Dr Gabri van der Pluijm
An open mind is essential in the search for better pancreatic cancer treatments. The Oncolytic Viro-Immunotherapy (OVIT) team therefore explores approaches beyond established practice. Its close collaboration between scientists, clinicians and research centres is exceptional in the Netherlands and internationally. Specialists share knowledge from several hard-to-treat cancers to advance viro-immunotherapy. Dr Gabri van der Pluijm, head of the Urological Research Laboratory at Leiden University Medical Centre, is a member of the OVIT team. He says: "It is remarkable to see so many disciplines working together at such a high level. Support Casper makes an invaluable contribution to this work."
Gabri’s research focuses on the tumour-killing properties of oncolytic viruses in urological cancers. He explains: "My team works to improve immunotherapy for prostate and bladder cancer. More than three years ago, we began studying the effectiveness of reoviruses against these cancers in close collaboration with Professor Rob Hoeben’s group at Leiden University Medical Centre. We grow small pieces of tumour tissue outside the body and expose them to the viruses. Through the OVIT consortium, we share our findings with research groups studying pancreatic cancer. Our project showed that the Jin-3 reovirus is particularly effective at killing tumour cells. We also found that tumour tissue from one patient can respond much better to a particular virus than tissue from another. This led to the Strati-Vir follow-up study, a collaboration between Leiden University Medical Centre, Erasmus MC and the Princess Máxima Centre. We use a toolbox of active oncolytic viruses to determine which virus is most suitable for each patient. We consider not only the type of tumour cell, but also the individual characteristics of the patient’s tumour. In other words, we stratify both patients and viruses—hence the name Strati-Vir."
Huge insight
Dr Van der Pluijm’s Strati-Vir project ran until 2024. The researchers examined the molecular characteristics of different tumours and how these determine whether a virus can attack the cancer cells. They captured this information in clear, practical models that can help improve the effectiveness of viro-immunotherapy. Gabri says: "Researchers in the Urology department at Leiden University Medical Centre work closely with colleagues there and at Erasmus MC. My Erasmus MC colleague Dr Martine Lamfers, from the Neurosurgery department, has already carried out pioneering work on brain tumours. Together, we aim to match viruses with individual patient tumours. How sensitive is each type of tumour to a particular virus? Does it work for a given patient, and why? This is complex because tumours vary enormously in their genetic make-up and each patient’s immune system can respond differently. We therefore need a system that can predict which virus will have the greatest effect. That will also benefit people with pancreatic cancer. The OVIT team’s greatest strength is that we support and learn from one another. Specialists in oncology, virology, tumour biology and immunology pool their knowledge, giving us valuable new insights into cancer treatment."
Support from the Foundation
Gabri van der Pluijm also supports the fight against cancer outside the laboratory. He says: "I joined the OVIT research team for The Dutch 750, a cycling tour that raised money for Support Casper and Make-A-Wish Netherlands. I was on the starting line several times before we finally set off: the event was postponed three times because of COVID-19. When it eventually took place, we cycled through pouring rain and still had a fantastic day. I enjoy taking part, but I also believe it is important to support Support Casper. The OVIT team’s work would not be possible without the foundation. Thanks to the long-standing commitment led by Professor Casper van Eijck and the generosity of donors, our research has continuity—essential for work that requires both time and substantial funding. It is inspiring to see everyone in the OVIT team share developments that could improve pancreatic cancer treatment. Our collaboration is becoming ever closer and continues to produce new insights. Strati-Vir can provide a strong foundation for future clinical studies and may ultimately allow us to treat patients with viruses tailored to their particular cancer. That is what we are working towards: curing cancer or, at the very least, treating it far more effectively."