Ahold Delhaize N : contributes to new innovative treatments at the Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology

Zaandam, 23 December 2021 - Ahold Delhaize is proud to support the Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology in the development of a new Cellular Therapy Facility. The mission of the Princess Máxima Center is to cure every child with cancer, with optimal quality of life. In order to realize this mission, all knowledge and expertise in the field of pediatric oncological care and research is brought together in the Máxima. In 2022 the Princess Máxima Centre will start building the Cellular Therapy Facility; a dust-free room with specialist equipment where these medicines can be produced and where research into new treatments can be carried out. Ahold Delhaize is honored to contribute to this facility.

Support

Every year, around 600 children are diagnosed with cancer and sadly enough still 1 in 4 children dies from this disease. All children with cancer from throughout the Netherlands are treated in the Máxima research hospital. Partly thanks to the support of partners and donors, the Máxima can invest in advanced research, important facilities and new treatment methods.

Immunotherapy

One of the Máxima's spearheads is the development of immunotherapy as a new treatment for children with cancer. Immunotherapy aims to stimulate children's immune systems to recognize and destroy cancer cells. The immune system works in a much more targeted way than chemotherapy, for example, so that healthy cells are less damaged. This ensures fewer side effects or adverse effects of the treatment in the long run. In addition, the cells of the immune system have a unique property: a memory that lasts for years and sometimes for life, allowing them to react quickly to returning cancer cells. This method has already been used successfully with adults, but its application to children is more complex.

Frans Muller, CEO Ahold Delhaize: "Everyone, regardless of whether you have personally been affected by this horrid disease, knows how important investing in research is. To develop medication, or, in this case, the development of immunotherapy. With our strong roots in local communities, we feel greatly connected to the wellbeing of families. I am grateful that our company can contribute to this new facility, and look forward to the good it will bring to children and their families."

Alexander Eggermont, CSO Princess Máxima Center: "To achieve our mission and make progress in researching the best treatments for children with cancer, we depend on partners and sponsors. We are therefore incredibly grateful for the donation from Ahold Delhaize."