New LUMC research highlights the potential of cancer medicines
For patients with advanced cancer, standard treatments may no longer be effective. Research by Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) shows that off-label medicines may offer a potential alternative. These are medicines that have already been approved but are used to treat a condition other than the one for which they were originally developed. By using these existing medicines in a new way, a larger group of patients may still have a chance of receiving treatment.
The research
Participants in the DRUP study, a large-scale trial involving several hospitals including LUMC, were given existing cancer drugs that were originally intended for a different type of cancer. In doing so, the doctors took into account not only the type of cancer, but also the tumour’s DNA profile. Based on this, drugs were selected that might also be effective against the same genetic abnormality, regardless of the type of cancer.
Potential for new treatments
Over the past ten years, more than 1,600 patients with advanced cancer have been given the opportunity to receive treatment in this way. However, researchers stress that off-label treatments cannot be used randomly, but should, for the time being, be used primarily for research within a European framework. This allows results to be properly evaluated and used to incorporate them into standard care in the future.
The role of the LUMC
Hans Gelderblom, a medical oncologist and professor, was one of the three principal investigators and follow-up projects. In addition to participating in the DRUP study, LUMC is also the coordinator of the European PCM4EU project. This project aims to make personalised cancer treatments more widely available in Europe through, among other things, the sharing of knowledge, improved access to genetic diagnostics and implementation within the healthcare system.
