As of January 1, Prof. Dr. Maaike Bleeker has been appointed Professor of Gynaecopathology at Amsterdam UMC - Cancer Center Amsterdam. "This appointment strengthens my position and provides an opportunity to further enhance research, education, and clinical care," she says.
Academic and clinical career
Bleeker holds degrees in both medicine and biomedical sciences from the University of Amsterdam and completed her PhD at VUMC. Since 2009, she has worked as a pathologist at Amsterdam UMC, where she combines patient care with scientific research. She is actively involved in national and international boards and guideline committees, playing a key role in gynaecopathology at Amsterdam UMC.
Biomarkers and early cancer risk
Her research focuses on identifying biomarkers that help predict cancer risk in early-stage lesions of the anogenital tract, including vulvar, cervical, and endometrial cancers. Together with Renske Steenbergen, she leads the HPV+ group, investigating both HPV-related and HPV-independent abnormalities. "What drives me is translating research into practice, addressing disease mechanisms, and enhancing patient care," she explains.
Diagnostic innovation and New WHO Classification
A key aspect of Bleeker’s work has been her research on biomarkers in the precursor lesions of vulvar cancer, which has contributed to the new WHO classification for vulvar precancer. Her team initially started on biomarker research in vulvar cancer biopsies, and in the future, they plan to extend this work to vulvar smears. "Vulvar conditions are often stigmatized, leading to late diagnoses and unnecessary delay. Raising awareness and improving care for these conditions is an important part of my research work," she says.
In addition to her work on the WHO classification, Bleeker is involved in several major studies, including the SOLUTION studies (non-invasive samples in anogenital (pre)cancer), the VENUS Study (precursor lesions of vulvar cancer), VULVA-Screen (risk assessment in lichen sclerosus patients), and the Finder Study (development of urine tests for endometrial cancer detection).
Future directions in Gynaecopathology
Reflecting on her appointment, Bleeker says: "While this strengthens my position, I remain committed to my ongoing involvement at various levels. This appointment offers a unique opportunity to drive further innovation in gynaecopathology, particularly in improving early detection and prevention of vulvar cancer. My focus will continue to be on bridging the gap between research and clinical practice, while expanding biomarker-based diagnostics and improving early detection and prevention across gynaecological conditions.
We congratulate Maaike Bleeker on her appointment and look forward to her continued contributions to science and to the care of women with gynaecological conditions!