The awarded Oncode Investigators are Reuven Agami (Netherlands Cancer Institute), Sebastiaan van Heesch (Princess Máxima Center), Puck Knipscheer (Hubrecht Institute) and Madelon Maurice (UMC Utrecht). Together, they are involved in three of the five newly funded global Cancer Grand Challenges teams, underscoring the prominent role of Oncode Institute within the international oncology research landscape.
Cancer Grand Challenges is a global research initiative co-founded by Cancer Research UK and the National Cancer Institute based in the US. The initiative supports interdisciplinary teams with up to $25 million over approximately five years. This year, five new teams were selected worldwide, representing a total investment of up to $125 million.
Unlocking the cancer dark proteome – Team ILLUMINE
Oncode Investigator Reuven Agami (Netherlands Cancer Institute) leads Team ILLUMINE, which also includes Oncode Investigator Sebastiaan van Heesch (Princess Máxima Center). The team investigates the so-called dark proteome: previously unknown proteins produced by cancer cells that cannot be explained by known genes or DNA mutations alone.
By systematically mapping and characterising these hidden proteins, the researchers aim to identify new tumour antigens and open up entirely new possibilities for immunotherapy, particularly for cancers that are currently difficult to treat. The project builds on earlier fundamental research supported by Oncode Institute and now receives a major international funding boost to drive this work forward.
Reuven Agami, lead of Team ILLUMINE and Oncode Investigator
“I am a scientist through and through. What excites me is the moment I see something unexpected and realize it might matter. With ILLUMINE, that kind of curiosity has grown into a global effort, and I am proud to be part of such a team of pioneering scientists”
Sebastiaan van Heesch, Team ILLUMINE and Oncode Investigator
"With ILLUMINE, we are exploring a hidden layer of cancer biology that has largely escaped detection until now. Cancer Grand Challenges has enabled us to assemble a global team whose expertise spans fundamental discovery to clinical reality, creating a truly integrated effort. This collaborative momentum gives us confidence that insights from the cancer dark proteome can ultimately translate into new therapeutic possibilities”.
Understanding mutational signatures – Team CAUSE
Oncode Investigator Puck Knipscheer (Hubrecht Institute) is part of Team CAUSE, led from the University of California San Diego. This team focuses on mutational signatures: distinct patterns of DNA damage found in cancer genomes that reflect past exposures and cellular processes.
Although nearly 100 mutational signatures have been identified, the causes of most remain unknown. By combining chemistry, genomics, artificial intelligence and epidemiology, Team CAUSE aims to uncover the origins of these signatures and translate this knowledge into better cancer prevention strategies and more informed treatment decisions.
Puck Knipscheer, Team CAUSE and Oncode Investigator
“We’re not going to prevent cancer in five years. But if we understand what causes the mutations that drive cancer, we create the foundation for prevention and for safer therapies in the future. Without that knowledge, 'we don't have a starting point to intervene”.
Reprogramming cancer cells – Team REWIRE-CAN
Oncode Investigator Madelon Maurice (UMC Utrecht) contributes to Team REWIRE-CAN, led from University College London. This team addresses therapy resistance in colorectal cancer by developing new strategies to reprogramme cancer cell signaling networks.
Rather than simply blocking oncogenic signals, the researchers aim to push cancer cells out of their finely balanced ‘Goldilocks’ state into more vulnerable conditions that can be effectively targeted with treatment.
These awards demonstrate the exceptional effort and impact of Oncode Institute investigators and the societal value of sustained investment in fundamental cancer research. Crucially, the new funding enables the next steps in translating fundamental discoveries into clinical applications that can ultimately benefit patients.
Madelon Maurice, Team REWIRE-CAN and Oncode Investigator at UMC Utrecht
“Our team will challenge one of the core assumptions of cancer therapy. Instead of blocking oncogenic signalling, we are asking whether we can push it beyond what cancer cells can tolerate to overcome resistance to current therapies. What excites me most is the truly interdisciplinary nature of this effort. Bringing together basic scientists, clinicians, drug developers and patients gives us a real chance to rethink how we treat advanced colorectal cancer.”
Cancer Grand Challenges funding partners
ILLUMINE is funded by Cancer Research UK, the National Cancer Institute, Cancer Research Institute and KiKa (Children Cancer Free Foundation) through Cancer Grand Challenges.
CAUSE is funded by Cancer Research UK, the National Cancer Institute and KWF Dutch Cancer Society through Cancer Grand Challenges.
REWIRE-CAN is funded by Cancer Research UK, the National Cancer Institute, the Bowelbabe Fund for Cancer Research UK and Yosemite (oncology-focused venture firm) through Cancer Grand Challenges.