We received two grant from the Dutch Cancer Society to study:
Lithium for the prevention of polyps
Louis Vermeulen, together with co-applicants Sanne van Neerven and Evelien Dekker, will investigate whether it is possible to prevent polyp formation in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Preliminary research showed that lithium effectively disrupts polyp formation. Lithium is a cheap drug that is often prescribed for patients with schizophrenia. In an exploratory study, Vermeulen will examine whether lithium is effective in preventing polyps in a small group of FAP patients.
Treatment of metastases to the peritoneum
In a project led by Maarten Bijlsma, the Vermeulen lab is researching treatment options for peritoneal metastases. The team, together with the lab of Onno Kranenburg (UMC Utrecht) examines the molecular properties of these tumors to identify (combinations of) drugs that are effective against them. If successful in the laboratory, the tailored treatment will be tested in future clinical trials.
For more information visit the site of Amsterdam UMC: https://www.amsterdamumc.org/research/institutes/cancer-center-amsterdam/news/-5.5-million-for-cancer-research-by-amsterdam-umc-from-dutch-cancer-society-.htm