Dannis van Vuurden

I am a pediatric oncologist and researcher at the Princess Máxima Center in Utrecht, specialized in treating and studying brain tumors in children. My goal is to improve treatment options and increase both survival and quality of life for children with brain tumors.

In my work, I combine clinical experience with scientific research. Two important areas of focus are:

• Gaining a better understanding of how medicines work in the bodies of children, so treatments can become more effective and safer.

• Developing immunotherapies that help the immune system fight tumors.

Since 2018, I have led a research group of more than twelve researchers. Together, we work to speed up the process of turning laboratory research into new treatments for children.

Our main research projects include:

• IMMUNOFIRE: Aiming to activate the immune system around the tumor, so the immune system can fight the tumor more effectively.

• FUMES: An innovative technique that uses targeted sound waves to temporarily open the blood–brain barrier, allowing medicines to reach the tumor more easily.

• INCITE (VIDI): Research into new treatment approaches that support the immune system in fighting brain tumors.

• Dutch Neuro-Focused Ultrasound Consortium (DNFC): A collaboration focused on improving drug delivery in brain tumors using focused ultrasound.

All these projects help develop treatments that are more effective and have fewer harmful side effects, with the ultimate goal of helping children recover with the best possible quality of life.

Work experience

• 2018–present: Pediatric oncologist, Princess Máxima Center, Utrecht

• 2006–2018: Pediatrician and (neuro-)oncologist, VUmc, Amsterdam

BIG registration

79053540601