Breaking Resistance, Shaping the Future | Editorial Board Voices (Episode 3)

Prof. Robert van Waardenburg Reflects on Mechanistic Science, Multi-Omics Verification, and the Future of Cancer Therapy Resistance

As part of Breaking Resistance, Shaping the Future, a scientific series celebrating the eighth anniversary of Cancer Drug Resistance (CDR), the journal is pleased to present the third episode of Editorial Board Voices, a new interview series spotlighting Editorial Board members and leading experts from around the world.

The third episode features Professor Robert van Waardenburg, a leading expert in molecular oncology and mechanistic biology.

In this engaging conversation, Prof. van Waardenburg discusses current clinical considerations in oncology, focusing on the absolute necessity of uncovering the deep molecular mechanisms of drug resistance rather than dismissing them as incremental science. He shares his perspectives on how advanced laboratory workflows, including cryo-EM and spatial multiplex microscopy, can be utilized to better map the tumor ecosystem. Additionally, Prof. van Waardenburg explores the common pitfalls of over-relying on single-omic data and outlines his thoughts on ensuring data reproducibility to bridge the gap between bench and clinic.

Watch the Full Interview

Interview Highlights

• Current clinical obstacles and observations in cancer therapy resistance
• The critical importance of understanding full mechanistic pathways from A to B
• The application of cryo-EM, spatial multiplex microscopy, and immune therapies
• Scepticism towards single-omic data (RNA-seq vs. DNA-seq) without proteomic validation
• The relevance of multi-method data reproducibility in translational medicine
• Prof. van Waardenburg's thoughts on using clinical imaging tools like PET scans to validate lab findings

Key Takeaways

Moving Beyond "Incremental Science" to Uncover Mechanisms

Prof. van Waardenburg discusses the ongoing challenges that tumor resistance presents in clinical settings. He notes that mechanistic studies are frequently dismissed as incremental science, yet he strongly asserts that understanding the underlying biological mechanism is just as crucial as knowing how a system transitions from state A to B.

Analyzing the Tumor Ecosystem with Advanced Technologies

The conversation touches upon the evolving methods used to map the tumor microenvironment. Prof. van Waardenburg highlights cutting-edge technologies - such as cryo-EM for capturing protein dynamics, spatial multiplex microscopy for preserving structural architectures, and novel immune therapies - as exciting areas of interest that help researchers examine the complex architecture of resistance.

Supporting Data Reproducibility for Clinical Translation

Prof. van Waardenburg reflects on the shared goals within the scientific community and the journal. He warns against relying solely on RNA-seq or DNA-seq without checking the actual protein level (via Western blot or IHC). He underscores the value of cross-method verification, expressing that only when data shows reproducible evidence can we successfully translate those findings into the clinic and accurately evaluate them via clinical PET scans.

This interview marks the third episode of the Editorial Board Voices series. Stay tuned for upcoming conversations with Editorial Board members and leading experts as we continue to explore the theme Breaking Resistance, Shaping the Future.

Editor: Stella Jin
Language Editor: Amir Khan
Production Editor: Xingyue Luo
Respectfully Submitted by the Editorial Office of Cancer Drug Resistance