“Initially I studied physics and chemistry, but I kept getting more interested in the complex science of the human body. I was introduced to cancer research during my master’s studies in bioinformatics in Amsterdam, which immediately captivated me. For my PhD research, I studied urothelial carcinoma, a type of bladder cancer with a poor prognosis. A previous trial showed that half of these patients benefit from preoperative treatment with checkpoint inhibitors, a type of immunotherapy. But not everybody responds to it. Usually tumors with more mutations indicate a better response in the patient. But we didn’t observe that. This led me to examine the tumor environment. It turns out to be a good sign when T cells and macrophages are found near the tumor. This knowledge can help us better predict whether treatment will be effective. The environment is also important in real life: I worked hard towards diversity and inclusion at the Netherlands Cancer Institute. I felt like life in Amsterdam set me free. I turned from a shy person into someone who loves talking.”
Alberto Gil Jiménez will defend his thesis on November 19.
Research at the Netherlands Cancer Institute is financially supported by KWF Dutch Cancer Society.
prof. dr. L.F.A. Wessels
M.S. van der Heijden & dr. D.J. Vis