Cancer

We focus on evaluating new methods for early detection of cancer, in order to improve survival and quality of life, in an optimal balance between benefit,  potential harm and costs. We develop and evaluate personalized cancer screening strategies based on a person’s risk factors, and investigate whether, and to what extent, there is a delay in the diagnosis of different cancer types in primary and secondary care, and how this can be improved. 
We also develop and evaluate biomarker-based models for accurate cancer diagnosis,  prognosis and therapy response. These markers include emerging imaging technologies (e.g. molecular imaging), omics-based tests and organoids. In this field, we’re also involved in smaller, early phase translational studies, with clinicians and basic researchers. These are highly innovative studies with high potential for medical innovation.

Together with the Department of Imaging and Cancer and other clinical departments we’re involved in setting up cancer patient cohorts. These large groups of patients provide a wealth of information about disease progression and serve as a framework for simultaneous testing of different interventions using the so-called Trials within Cohorts(TwiCs) design. In close collaboration with the Methodology Research Program of the Julius Center, we address statistical and ethical challenges of this and other alternative trial designs.

Nearly as important as therapy, is survivorship care – what happens during and after cancer treatment? Patients need support in personalized treatment choices, and optimal guidance during treatment to cope with its impact. They benefit from an individualized long-term plan that helps them monitor and maintain their health, along with potential late effects that may arise. To this end, we’re investigating how lifestyle (interventions) can reduce side effects of treatment and improve prognosis, self-empowerment and quality of life. Together with regional partners in primary and secondary care, we develop new models of collaborative cancer care during treatment and follow-up, aiming to optimize quality of life and shared decision making.

For patients with cancer who are in the last phase of life we map the symptomatology and investigate the required interventions and the optimal professional involvement in palliative care. Together with the other clinical departments we are involved in regional and national collaborative programs on palliative care.

Coordinator of the research program: Prof. Dr Carla van Gils.
Senior researchers of the program: Frederieke van der Baan, Marije Bakker, Sjoerd Elias, Carla van Gils, Everlien de Graaf, Charles Helsper, Marijke Kars, Anne May, Evelyn Monninkhof, Petra Peeters, Saskia Teunissen and Niek de Wit. 

Studies and cohorts of the research program Cancer