Professor Secures Second Major Grant for Cancer Cell Migration Research
Eindhoven, Tuesday, 5 August 2025.
Professor Jaap den Toonder has been awarded over €3 million to study cancer cell migration, aiming to stop cancer spread by understanding how cells pass through blood vessel walls.
Innovative Approach to Combat Cancer
Professor Jaap den Toonder at the Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) has made significant strides in cancer research. The professor has been awarded his second prestigious ERC Advanced Grant, valued at over €3 million, to support his innovative study on cancer cell migration. This study focuses on the process of intravasation, where cancer cells enter the bloodstream, leading to metastasis—the spread of cancer to new areas in the body. The ultimate goal is to develop a method to control this process, potentially halting cancer progression by preventing cells from breaching blood vessel walls [1][2].
Microfluidic Techniques and Their Role
The research will employ cutting-edge technology, particularly focusing on microfluidic systems to simulate the physical conditions of blood vessels. Professor den Toonder’s proposed ‘cancer-on-a-chip’ model aims to offer a controlled environment where the mechanical properties influencing cancer cell behavior during intravasation can be studied closely. Understanding the interaction between cancer cell stiffness, blood flow, and vessel geometry will enable the creation of an ‘intravasation phase diagram.’ This diagram is expected to reveal critical factors and thresholds that influence the ability of cancer cells to migrate through blood vessels [1][3].
Potential Impact on Cancer Treatment
The implications of this research are monumental for oncology. By halting cancer cell intravasation, this study could lead to breakthroughs in preventing metastasis—the most lethal feature of cancer. This innovative approach provides new insights into cancer biology and could pave the way for novel therapies that target the structural and functional dynamics of cancer cell movement, potentially improving patient survival rates significantly [1][3].
TU/e’s Role in Global Health Advancements
This achievement highlights the Eindhoven University of Technology’s commitment to addressing global health challenges through advanced research and innovation. With Professor den Toonder’s work, TU/e reinforces its status as a leader in academic research focused on life-saving breakthroughs. The project not only advances cancer research knowledge but also enhances the university’s international reputation as a hub for cutting-edge biomedical engineering and technological advancements [2].