Credit: TPL/LIH

Think Pink Luxembourg (TPL) asbl recently presented a cheque for €60,000 for the Marian Aldred Award to Dr Clément Thomas and his doctoral student Wanxin Huang at the Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH).

This grant supports research into tumour-immune interactions, aiming to uncover innovative approaches for cancer immunotherapies.

On 21 November 2024, Dr Thomas and Wanxin Huang, a PhD student at the University of Luxembourg's Faculty of Science, Technology, and Medicine (FSTM), received the award. Wanxin Huang, who earned her Master's degree from Tongji University, is part of the doctoral training unit CANBIO2, funded by the Luxembourg National Research Fund (FNR) and dedicated to advancing cancer research in Luxembourg.

Her PhD research focuses on the immunological synapse - the dynamic interface between cytotoxic lymphocytes and tumour cells. Under Dr Thomas' supervision, her work investigates how tumour cells evade immune attacks, with the goal of enhancing immune cell-mediated tumour elimination.

"This generous support enables us to deepen our understanding of tumour immune evasion," said Dr Thomas, Group Leader of the Cytoskeleton and Cancer Progression (CCP) group at LIH. "Our research aims to develop strategies to weaken tumour defences and restore the immune system’s ability to fight cancer."

Think Pink Luxembourg highlighted the importance of supporting local research. "We are delighted to empower young researchers like Wanxin Huang and we are extremely grateful to all our donors and sponsors who enable us to continue with Marian's award," said Carrie Cannon, Director of TPL. "2023 and 2024 have been extraordinary years for us, with successful events, such as the Girls on Fire cycle tour in September 2023 and Race For The Cure in both years, where we were able to raise funds for crucial cancer research. We are also excited to see the evolving research landscape in Luxembourg, especially the patient-centered approach at the Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), which resonates deeply with the TPL community."

The Marian Aldred Award, named after a founding member of Think Pink Luxembourg, has supported cancer research since 2012. It reflects the organisation's mission to advance understanding and care for cancers affecting women.

The amount granted this year was significantly higher (double the amount) than in previous years.