Research Areas

The structure of the research training in Butterfly rests upon five research areas developing complete translation from bench to bedside: (1) Brain Tumours, (2) Haematology Malignancies, (3) Solid Tumours, (4) Quality of Life, and (5) New Technologies.

These research areas are based on the M4C structure (Máxima Comprehensive Childhood Cancer Center) of the Princess Máxima Center. The M4C forms the biotope for clinical scientists, pediatric oncologists and other clinical specialists who are engaged in research. These professionals work continually on new treatment protocols and methods based on the latest studies and techniques. The partnership between scientific researchers and clinical specialists will inspire progress in the domains of largest clinical need and will stimulate advances in translational research. Parallel to the four clinical departments of the Princess Máxima Center, the M4C has four main programs: hemato-oncology, neuro-oncology, solid tumors and quality of life. So-called “cross-cutting horizon themes” strengthen the connection between care and research. The goal of the M4C programs is to allow (pre)clinical researchers and care professionals – doctors, nurses, paramedics and psychosocial staff – to work together intensively, so that we shape the most important translational themes in the Princess Máxima Center. The M4C aims to simplify and accelerate the translation of fundamental, preclinical and clinical research, carried out by ourselves and by others, to clinical practice, while this research generates ideas from patient care.