What happens with the proceeds of De 538 Ochtendrun

During the third edition of De 538 Ochtendrun at the Olympic Stadium, nearly 800 participants ran 5.38 kilometers together for the Princess Máxima Center. The event raised over €2.2 million. 

Thanks to this contribution, the Princess Máxima Center can invest in three innovative technologies that enable faster and more accurate identification of tumor types. Another part of the funds will be used for a study aimed at replacing part of chemotherapy with immunotherapy in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. 

This contributes to higher survival rates, fewer side effects, and a better quality of life for children with cancer. 

Digital tumor tissue scanner 

A fluorescent digital tumor tissue scanner can visualize multiple characteristics of a tumor at the same time. Currently, we stain a thin slice of tumor tissue to reveal one specific characteristic. 

The new scanner changes this completely. It allows us to automatically scan up to 60 tumor tissue samples at once. This enables us to much faster and more accurately determine which tumor characteristics belong to which tumor type. It speeds up diagnosis and helps select the most appropriate treatment for each child. 

AI software program 

The digital scanner is connected to smart AI software that automatically recognizes different cell types in tumor tissue. Researchers can also easily add new functionalities to the software, tailored to specific tumor types and characteristics. 

It works according to a so-called click-and-build principle: researchers can easily build analyses from modular components, similar to building blocks. Existing modules (such as identifying cell nuclei or tumor cells) can be expanded for new tumor characteristics or therapies. This user-friendly software is already successfully used by other clinical partners of the Máxima Center. 

Fast 3D microscope 

With the 3D microscope, we can visualize cells and organoids (mini-tumors grown in the lab) faster and in greater detail. This microscope produces sharp 3D images without requiring additional laboratory space. It helps researchers better understand how tumors behave and how treatments affect them. 

A study into immunotherapy treatment 

A fourth important focus is immunotherapy. These treatments use the body’s own immune system to attack cancer cells. 

New forms of immunotherapy, such as CAR T-cell therapy, show promising results in various types of childhood cancer. At the same time, more research is needed to better understand which children benefit most, at what point in treatment, and how these therapies can be further improved. 

Part of the proceeds from De 538 Ochtendrun will be used for a study aimed at replacing part of chemotherapy with immunotherapy in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. 

We are deeply grateful to Radio 538, Jeroen van Veen, our ambassadors, listeners, donors, and partner companies. Thanks to this support, the Princess Máxima Center Foundation can continue to invest in innovations that help accelerate our mission: to cure every child with cancer, with optimal quality of life.