This research focuses on understanding and improving immunotherapy for certain inherited cancer syndromes caused by DNA repair defects. Normally, our cells repair DNA errors through proteins made by MMR genes. However, when these genes are mutated, the repair process fails, leading to cancer. Syndromes like Lynch Syndrome (LS) and Constitutional Mismatch Repair Deficiency (CMMRD) are linked to these mutations and significantly increase cancer risk.
The study explores using dendritic cell (DC) vaccines, which train the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells early. A trial with LS patients showed the vaccine was safe and could induce immune responses that prevent cancer development. The research also identifies potential treatments for those who don't respond to vaccination and highlights the differences in immune responses between LS and CMMRD patients. Overall, this work aims to enhance preventive strategies and immunotherapy for people with these high-risk genetic conditions.
Asima Abidi obtained her Master’s degree in Cancer Immunology and Biotechnology, with Distinction, at the University of Nottingham, England in 2018. In 2019 she started her PhD research as part of Tumor Immunology group at RIMLS, Radboudumc. Currently, she works as a postdoc in a joint project between the departments of Data Science and Medical Oncology at Radboudumc.