Think Pink Lux renews its support to LIH cancer research

CCP student receives the Marian Aldred Award

• Cytoskeleton and Cancer Progression
• Department of Cancer Research
• Donation

On March 12^th, Nil Karaarslan, Master’s student in the Cytoskeleton and Cancer Progression (CCP) group of the LIH Department of Cancer Research (DoCR), was awarded the ‘Marian Aldred Award’ by Think Pink Lux (TPL) in support of her innovative research on genetically engineered NK cells. The symbolic €30,000 cheque was presented to the recipient during a ceremony that took place at the premises of the LIH in the presence of Carrie Cannon, Director and founder of TPL, Freda Deed and Mandy Cameron from the TPL committee.

The grant will support Nil’s research project on the understanding of the function of CAR-NK cells, genetically engineered Natural Killer (NK) cells designed to specifically recognise tumour cells, particularly in breast cancer.

Tumour cells are able to reshape themselves in order to escape recognition and destruction by the immune system. Indeed, the CCP team previously brought forward an immune resistance mechanism whereby cancer cells can remodel their actin cytoskeleton upon contact with NK cells. To overcome this escape mechanism, new immunotherapy approaches are being developed, including CAR-NK cells.

In this context, Nil’s project has a twofold objective: determining whether actin cytoskeleton remodelling in cancer cells also affects the effectiveness of CAR-NK cells, and exploring how the stiffness of cancer cells influences CAR-NK cell activity.

“In essence, our work seeks to improve our understanding of CAR-NK cells, and particularly of whether cancer cells can also develop resistance mechanisms against these immunotherapies”, explains Nil. “By investigating the impact of structural and mechanical changes in the actin cytoskeleton of tumour cells, my project aims to contribute to the optimisation of immunotherapeutic strategies mediated by CAR-NK cells for breast cancer treatment”, she adds.

“We are delighted to be able to support once again a bright young scientist in this vital work, which will bring hope to many patients in Luxembourg and beyond”, says Ms Cannon.

We are extremely grateful to TPL for their repeated trust in our research, which has already enabled many of our promising young researchers to make a meaningful contribution to the development of novel breast cancer therapies

concludes Dr Clément Thomas, leader of the CCP group.

Find out more about Nil’s project in the dedicated video!