Prinses Máxima Center Enhances Pediatric Oncology Through Callisto™ Implementation

Introduction

The Prinses Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology has made significant strides in enhancing its genomic workflows through the acquisition of Volta Labs' Callisto™ platform. This initiative aims to streamline sample preparation across various genomic processes while providing robust support for sequencing platforms from both Illumina and Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT).

The Need for Advanced Genomic Solutions

As the largest pediatric cancer center in Europe, the Prinses Máxima Center is dedicated to merging care with pioneering research to enhance outcomes for children facing cancer. The implementation of the Callisto™ platform is pivotal in achieving these objectives by improving the efficiency and reproducibility of genomic workflows. With this technology, laboratory staff will benefit from reduced time commitments while enhancing their output quality.

Empowering Faster Diagnoses

Bastiaan Tops, who heads the pediatric cancer pathology lab at the center, emphasized that the full automation offered by Callisto™ will standardize whole-genome sequencing for all pediatric patients. Furthermore, it will facilitate the rapid adoption of ONT sequencing, allowing for quicker diagnostic results. By simplifying intricate sequencing workflows, the team can prioritize their primary goal: delivering better outcomes for children diagnosed with cancer.

Streamlining Genomic Processes

The Callisto™ platform excels in automating extraction, library preparation, and target enrichment within a compact and user-friendly system. Its flexible design enables clinical and research labs to optimize multiple sequencing applications across various platforms without requiring specialized technical expertise. This ease of use is particularly beneficial in a clinical setting where time and accuracy are critical for patient care.

A Vision for the Future

Udayan Umpathi, CEO of Volta Labs, expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with the Prinses Máxima Center. He noted that witnessing how the center employs advanced genomic technologies as standards for treating pediatric cancer patients is inspiring. Working together, they are committed to further developing the technologies that expedite getting insights to these patients more quickly.

Addressing Global Demand for Automation

The integration of Callisto™ at the Prinses Máxima Center highlights the increasing global demand for automation solutions aimed at improving the efficiency, accuracy, and scalability of next-generation sequencing (NGS) processes. As medical research and diagnostics continue to evolve, such innovations are vital in ensuring that healthcare providers can meet the complex needs of their patients effectively.

About the Prinses Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology

Located in Utrecht, the Netherlands, the Prinses Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology combines the best available care with scientific research directed at treating children with cancer. The center maintains a strong focus on innovation, teamwork, and excellence, striving to cure every child afflicted with cancer and to enhance their quality of life.

About Volta Labs

Volta Labs is at the forefront of genomic applications, centered on developing an advanced digital fluidics platform to maximize the performance and scalability of genomic sample preparation while ensuring unparalleled consistency. More information on their offerings can be found at www.voltalabs.com.

Conclusion

In summary, the introduction of Callisto™ at the Prinses Máxima Center signifies a significant advancement in pediatric oncology. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, the center is well on its way to optimizing its lab operations, and ultimately, the care it provides to young cancer patients.