Some of the most innovative technologies to profile cancer- and immune cells at the single cell level were used for the first time in the context of clinical trials. Specifically, tumor biopsies from patients receiving immunotherapy were collected and analysed, before and during treatment as well as at disease progression. These dynamic maps of the changes in the tumor and the immune system during treatment lead to valuable insights in the drivers of treatment response and resistance. A potential biomarker was identified in breast- and skin cancer, and a promising therapeutic target in skin cancer.

The resulting data, including tissue samples collected during the project, were collated into an extensive database and biobank to facilitate future research. Multiple efforts were set up to share data with the scientific community and boost future research. 

Multiple results were patented, and various academic and industrial collaborations were initiated. Additional clinical studies were set up to validate the results in the same or other cancer types. Here, patients will have access to unique treatment combinations, benefitting both the patients and the researchers. The treatment course of few specific patients was directly adapted based on the research data of this project. To clinically validate the identified potential biomarkers in breast- and skin cancer, another Grand Challenges project was started 

The valuable project outcomes witness the mutual added value of structural collaborations with clinicians. Such collaborations not only to boost the critical mass aimed for (e.g. sampling), but also take the research from bench to bedside and back. During the project, a minisympoisum was organised to catalyse more follow-on initiatives and future collaborations.