Greek pioneer Maria Themeli’s fight for accessible cancer treatments

·

By Eleni Patsalides.

Dr Maria Themeli is a researcher at the Amsterdam Cancer Centre and is a frontrunner in the development of cancer immunotherapy. She has made vital contributions to the treatment of blood cancer with the patented production of CAR-T cells which feature an anticancer activity.

Born and raised in Patras, Dr Themeli studied at the Medical School of the University of Patras. Graduating at the top of her class in 2006, she completed her doctorate at the same university before moving to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre in New York City in 2014 for her postdoctoral work.

In 2015, Dr Themeli joined the VUmc Cancer Centre and was awarded the Marie Curie Scholarship from the European Union. In two short years, she was named “Woman of the Year” in the Netherlands.

“I believe that very soon we will have improved results for the treatment

Dr Themeli is considered an advocate for democratising access to effective cancer treatments.

In an interview with local media, Dr Themeli expressed how access to cancer treatments is not always easy “because cancer is an extremely variable disease,” but she believes a solution is possible.

“Our group, along with scientists from all over the world, is trying to find solutions to these problems, and I believe that very soon we will have improved results for the treatment with CAR-T and on other types of cancer,” she said.

Dr Themeli has spoken openly about how she believes everyone should have access, regardless of their financial standing, as healthcare should not be reserved for the wealthy.

When speaking about the vast discrepancy in access to treatments, Dr Themeli told The Greek Observer that ”there are difficulties because pharmaceutical companies interested in the production of CAR-T cells have given very high production cost, approximately 350,000 euros, when the production at academic level does not exceed 50,000 euros.”

“Providing an answer to even one question is the driving force”

Dr Themeli told Impactalk that she attributes her success to the support she received from her family during her career and that “it is important for the family to recognise the value of the search for knowledge and to strengthen this process.”

Whilst the journey for answers is long, Dr Themeli has said that “it is important to celebrate our goals.”

“Research consists of 90% failure and frustration and only 10% of moments of success. Providing an answer to even one question is the driving force,” she said.

Source: Ellines, Impactalk

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Dr Christos Theologos: ‘Dance keeps us bound to our roots, from Chios to Sydney’

As part of the Zeibekiko Festival Australia, respected folklorist Dr Christos Theologos will lead a series of lectures and workshops.

South Melbourne turns to supporters ahead of Australian Championship kick-off

The opening clash of the Australian Championship will be an event shaped by the voices of the fans themselves.

Low birth rates and ageing: The silent enemy of the Greek nation

From the late 1990s it had become clear to Greek demographers and social scientists that the number of births in Greece was falling.

Peta Trimis: The new star of Australian football with a Hellenic soul

At just 19 years old, Peta Trimis is already being hailed as one of the brightest young stars of Australian football.

A second chance at life: Angelo Alateras’ journey from mechanical heart to transplant hope

After years on life support, 80kgs lost, and 615 days of physio, Angelo finally received the gift of a new heart.

You May Also Like

‘We want justice’: Cypriot Australian youth share their thoughts on the Cyprus problem

The Greek Herald asked young Australians with Cypriot heritage what their thoughts are on the Cyprus problem.

Australian Government unveils $130 billion support package

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has pledged $130 billion over the next six months to help Australians who have found themselves out of work.

Summer wildfires plague Greece as firefighters battle high winds

Summer wildfires have plagued Greece this week with numerous new fires breaking out across the country in the last few hours.