The Cancer Biology theme comprises basic and translational molecular research to better understand the origin and underlying mechanisms of malignancy.
Know your enemy. Understanding cancer biology is the first step to a cure.

About this Theme

We develop and exploit state-of-the-art experimental cancer models as well as patient materials to explore novel strategies for targeted cancer therapy and prevention.

A multidisciplinary group of scientists within Cancer Center Amsterdam (CCA) is involved in research within the Cancer Biology theme, covering a wide range of topics including genomics, tumor heterogeneity, exome biology, gene regulation and signaling pathways. Pioneering advancements are being made on stem cell biology, DNA replication, cancer cell communication and the cancer micro-environment.

Key strengths

Cancer Biology is one of the largest research themes of the Cancer Center Amsterdam, and the fundamental research within this theme has close ties to the clinic. High level research is enhanced through multidisciplinary interactions, and with many national and international collaborations. We strive to translate our research results into new solutions with real societal impact through the Cancer Center Amsterdam’s valorization activities.

Research lines

Research lines of the Cancer Biology theme include:

  • Cancer stem cells and cell plasticity
  • Cancer heterogeneity and evolutionary dynamics
  • Cell death evasion
  • Radiobiology and DNA replication
  • Oncogenic pathway signaling
  • Cancer cell metabolism
  • Vesicle and exome biology in cancer
  • Migration, invasion and metastasis
  • Therapy resistance
  • Tumor microenvironment

Theme Leader

Theme Committee

Principal Investigators

  • Prof. Frédéric Amant
  • Prof. Johannes Berkhof
  • Prof. Victor van Beusechem
  • Dr. Maarten Bijlsma
  • Prof. Jaap Bonjer
  • Prof. Martine Chamuleau
  • Dr. Josephine Dorsman
  • Prof. Eric Eldering
  • Dr. Elisa Giovannetti
  • Prof. Nicole van Grieken
  • Prof. Tanja de Gruijl
  • Dr. Jeroen Guikema
  • Prof. Gerald de Haan
  • Dr. Daniëlle Heideman
  • Dr. Jarom Heijmans
  • Dr. Esther Hulleman
  • Prof. Daphne de Jong
  • Prof. Gertjan Kaspers
  • Prof. Arnon Kater
  • Dr. Jan Koster
  • Dr. Job de Lange
  • Prof. René Leemans
  • Dr. Nicolas Leveille
  • Prof. Arjan van de Loosdrecht
  • Prof. Reina Mebius
  • Prof. Jan Paul Medema
  • Dr. Rienk Nieuwland
  • Dr. David Noske
  • Dr. Daniela Oprea-Lager
  • Dr. Michiel Pegtel
  • Dr. Linda Smit
  • Dr. Marcel Spaargaren
  • Dr. Arnold Spek
  • Prof. Lukas Stalpers
  • Prof. Renske Steenbergen
  • Dr. Victor Thijssen
  • Dr. Gerben Vader
  • Prof. Henk Verheul
  • Prof. Louis Vermeulen
  • Prof. Marc van de Vijver
  • Dr. Sandra van Vliet
  • Prof. Pieter Wesseling
  • Prof. Mark van de Wiel
  • Prof. Bauke Ylstra