Cancer Center Amsterdam

Gynaecological cancer encompasses malignancies originating in the uterus, ovaries, cervix, vulva, and vagina. Amsterdam UMC serves as a tertiary referral center for all women diagnosed with gynaecological malignancies. Our research group is committed to advancing diagnostics, treatment, follow-up, and supportive care for these patients. Our ultimate goal is to provide every woman with gynaecological cancer with the most appropriate treatment and care, tailored to her individual situation, preferences, and needs. We aim to improve survival, while minimizing treatment-related toxicity thereby enhancing quality of life.

We are engaged in the development of novel diagnostic tools and deliver high-standard surgical treatment, using minimally invasive techniques when appropriate. Our team also has extensive experience in fertility-sparing treatment. Additionally, multiple research projects focus on improving risk stratification for patients with premalignant ano-genital diseases (cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia (CIN), vulvar intra-epithelial neoplasia (VIN), anal intra-epithelial neoplasia (AIN)) through the use of molecular biomarkers, enabling more personalized treatment approaches.

Research lines

Our research lines focus on the following topics:

Cancer biology and immunology

• Application of local immunotherapy in cervical and vulvar cancer (Tanja de Gruijl, Stijn Mom, Jacqueline Tromp)
• Use of hyperthermia in cervical and ovarian cancer (Arlene Oei, Lukas Stalpers, Colette van den Broek, Stijn Mom, Mignon van Gent)
• Insights into the biology of gynecological cancer development using organoid cultures to improve diagnostics and treatment (Renske Steenbergen, Arlene Oei, Stijn Mom)

Imaging and Biomarkers

• Development of novel early detection biomarkers for ano-genital (pre)cancers detectable in cervico-vaginal, vulvar, anal and urine samples (Renske Steenbergen, Maaike Bleeker, Jenneke Kasius, Stijn Mom, Guus Fons, Ming Tjiong)
• Gynaecological cancer biobank studies (Mignon van Gent, Marc van de Vijver, Frederike Dijk, Malou Snijders, Stijn Mom)

Treatment and quality of life

• Improvement of diagnosis, treatment and follow up in cervical cancer (Lukas Stalpers, Judit Adam, Maaike Bleeker, Stijn Mom)
• Improvement of follow up care in gynaecological oncology (Annemijn Aarts)
• The clinical use of patient reported outcome measures (Annemijn Aarts, Luc van Lonkhuijzen)
• Use of artificial intelligence in cervical cancer (Luc van Lonkhuijzen)
• Late effects after cancer treatment (Luc van Lonkhuijzen, Colette van den Broek)
• Improvement of diagnosis of uterine sarcomas (Jenneke Kasius, Annemijn Aarts, Donner)
• Risk stratification and treatment of endometrial cancer patients (Jenneke Kasius, Jasper Vleugels)
• Fertility sparing treatment of gynaecological cancers (Annemijn Aarts, Stijn Mom, Jenneke Kasius)
• Health-related quality of life of adolescent and young adults (AYA’s) with cancer (Jacqueline Tromp, Jasper Vleugels, Stijn Mom)

Patient communication and shared decision making

• Patient communication and shared decision making in gynaecological and rare cancers (Annemijn Aarts, Marij Hillen, Lia van Zuylen)
• Improvement of quality care for socially disadvantaged patients and patients with low health literacy (Annemijn Aarts, Guus Fons, Luc van Lonkhuijzen)

Aside from our own research lines, we also participate in large (inter)national trials focusing on innovative treatment strategies, such as the LANCE trial (laparoscopic versus laparotomic debulking surgery in ovarian cancer), the SENTIX trial (sentinel lymph node procedure in cervical cancer), the NEOCON trial (neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by fertility sparing treatment in cervical cancer), the OVHIPEC2 study (primary debulking with or without HIPEC in ovarian cancer), the EMBRACE II study (Prospective study on image-guided radiotherapy and MRI image guided adaptive brachytherapy in locally advanced cervix cancer), the RAINBO (Refining adjuvant treatment in endometrial cancer based on molecular features) study, the EMBRACE High-risk study (Immunotherapy with chemoradiotherapy in high risk cervical cancer), the REWIND study (Retrospective analysis of real world results of chemoradiotherapy with image-guided adaptive brachytherapy in locally advanced cervical cancer), the PROMISE study (Prospective analysis of real world results of chemoradiotherapy with image-guided adaptive brachytherapy in locally advanced cervical cancer), and the EMBRAVE study (Prospective study on image-guided radiotherapy and MRI image guided adaptive brachytherapy in vagina cancer).

Chairs

Guus Fons, Luc van Lonkhuijzen, Renske Steenbergen and Stijn Mom

Group members

Gynaecology
Annemijn Aarts
Guus Fons
Mignon van Gent
Jenneke Kasius
Luc van Lonkhuijzen
Stijn Mom
Ming Tjiong
Ko van der Velden

Radiotherapy
Colette van den Broek
Katharina Brück
Karel Hinnen
Bradley Pieters
Lukas Stalpers
Arlene Oei
Seth Fobian

Medical oncology
Jacqueline Tromp
Jasper Vleugels
Lia van Zuylen
Tanja de Gruijl

Pathology
Maaike Bleeker
Donner
Malou Snijders
Marc vd Vijver
Frederike Dijk
Renske Steenbergen

Radiology and nuclear medicine
Judit Adam
Sabrine Kol
Banafsche Mearadji
Ruth Smit
Anje Spijkerboer
Jaap Stoker
Jan Hein van Waesberghe
Shandra Bipat

Medical psychology
Marij Hillen

PhD students
Lizet Brenkman
Mila Griffioen
Marlou Heeling
Janna Laan
Annick Nouwens
Flavia Runello
Mirte Schaafsma
Dachel Seeratan
Marije Strikwerda
Sanne Veltman
Esther Vermaas
Feline Voss
Dominique de Vries
Dune Wouters
Hein Zelisse

Key publications

1.Aarts, J. W. M., S.J. Oudbier, M. van Muilekom, J. Tromp, M. Smeulers, L.R.C.W. van Lonkhuijzen. Towards personalized follow up care in ovarian cancer using online remote PROMs monitoring: a study protocol of a feasibility trial. Submitted.

2.Aarts, J. W. M., L. C. Burg, J. C. Kasius, H. Groenewoud, A. A. Kraayenbrink, P. Stalmeier, and P. L. M. Zusterzeel. "Patients' and Gynecologists' Views on Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping in Low- and Intermediate-Risk Endometrial Cancer: A Dutch Vignette Study." Int J Gynecol Cancer 30, no. 6 (Jun 2020): 813-18. https://dx.doi.org/10.1136/ijgc-2019-001138.

3.Adam, J. A., E. Poel, B. L. F. van Eck Smit, C. H. Mom, L. J. A. Stalpers, J. J. Laan, E. Kidd, J. Stoker, and S. Bipat. "[(18)F]Fdg-Pet/Ct-Based Risk Stratification in Women with Locally Advanced Uterine Cervical Cancer." BMC Cancer 24, no. 1 (Apr 23 2024): 513. https://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12885-024-12232-7.

4.Dickhoff LRM, Scholman RJ, Barten DLJ, Kerkhof EM, Roorda JJ, Bouter A, Velema LA,
Stalpers LJA, Pieters BR, Bosman PAN, Alderliesten T. Keeping your best options
open with AI-based treatment planning in prostate and cervix brachytherapy.
Brachytherapy. 2024 Mar-Apr;23(2):188-198. doi: 10.1016/j.brachy.2023.10.005.
Epub 2024 Feb 1. Erratum in: Brachytherapy. 2025 Jan-Feb;24(1):197. doi:
10.1016/j.brachy.2024.11.009. PMID: 38296658.

5.Fobian S.F., Mei X., Crezee J., Snoek B.C., Steenbergen R.D.M., Hu J., Ten Hagen T.L.M., Vermeulen L., Stalpers L.J.A., Oei A.L. "Increased human papillomavirus viral load is correlated to higher severity of cervical disease and poorer clinical outcome: A systematic review. J Med Virol (Jun 2024). https://doi.org/10.1002/jmv.29741

6.Hollis, R. L., J. P. Thomson, J. van Baal, N. Ilenkovan, M. Churchman, K. van de Vijver, F. Dijk, A. M. Meynert, C. Bartos, T. Rye, I. Croy, P. Diana, M. van Gent, H. Creedon, R. Nirsimloo, C. Lok, C. Gourley, and C. S. Herrington. "Distinct Histopathological Features Are Associated with Molecular Subtypes and Outcome in Low Grade Serous Ovarian Carcinoma." Sci Rep 13, no. 1 (May 11 2023): 7681. https://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-34627-5.

7.Kasius, J. C., J. M. A. Pijnenborg, K. Lindemann, D. Forsse, J. van Zwol, G. B. Kristensen, C. Krakstad, H. M. J. Werner, and F. Amant. "Risk Stratification of Endometrial Cancer Patients: Figo Stage, Biomarkers and Molecular Classification." Cancers (Basel) 13, no. 22 (Nov 22 2021). https://dx.doi.org/10.3390/cancers13225848.

8.Nuijens A.C., Oei A.L. Franken N.A.P. Rasch C.R.N., Stalpers L.J.A. "Towards Personalized Radiotherapy in Pelvic Cancer: Patient-Related Risk Factors for Late Radiation Toxicity." Curr Oncol. no. 1 (Jan 2025). https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol32010047

9.Oei A.L., Kok H.P., Oei S.B., Horsman M.R., Stalpers L.J.A., Franken N.A.P., Crezee J. "Molecular and biological radiothale of hyperthermia as radio- and chemosensitizer." Adv Drug Deliv Rev. Volumes 162-164 (2020):84-97. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addr.2020.01.003

10.Oei AL, Van Leeuwen CM, Ten Cate R, Rodermond HM, Buist MR, Stalpers LJA, Crezee J, Kok HP, Medema JP, Franken NAP “ Hyperthermie selectively targets human papillomavirus in cervical tumors via p53-dependent apoptosis.” Cancer Res. (2015). 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-15-0816

11.Olthof, E. P., H. Wenzel, J. van der Velden, A. M. Spijkerboer, R. Bekkers, J. J. Beltman, H. W. Nijman, B. Slangen, R. Smolders, N. van Trommel, P. L. M. Zusterzeel, R. Zweemer, L. J. A. Stalpers, M. van der Aa, and C. H. Mom. "Treatment of Bulky Lymph Nodes in Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer: Boosting Versus Debulking." Int J Gynecol Cancer 32, no. 7 (Jul 4 2022): 861-68. https://dx.doi.org/10.1136/ijgc-2022-003357.

12.Pötter R, Tanderup K, Schmid MP, Jürgenliemk-Schulz I, Haie-Meder C, Fokdal
LU, Sturdza AE, Hoskin P, Mahantshetty U, Segedin B, Bruheim K, Huang F, Rai B,
Cooper R, van der Steen-Banasik E, Van Limbergen E, Pieters BR, Tan LT, Nout RA,
De Leeuw AAC, Ristl R, Petric P, Nesvacil N, Kirchheiner K, Kirisits C,
Lindegaard JC; EMBRACE Collaborative Group. MRI-guided adaptive brachytherapy in
locally advanced cervical cancer (EMBRACE-I): a multicentre prospective cohort
study. Lancet Oncol. 2021 Apr;22(4):538-547. doi: 10.1016/S1470-2045(20)30753-1.
PMID: 33794207.

13.Rake, E. A., I. C. H. Box, D. Dreesens, M. J. Meinders, J. A. M. Kremer, J. W. M. Aarts, and G. Elwyn. "Bringing Personal Perspective Elicitation to the Heart of Shared Decision-Making: A Scoping Review." Patient Educ Couns 105, no. 9 (Sep 2022): 2860-70. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.pec.2022.05.009.

14.Rotman, J., C. H. Mom, E. S. Jordanova, T. D. de Gruijl, and G. G. Kenter. "'Durvit': A Phase-I Trial of Single Low-Dose Durvalumab (Medi4736) Intratumourally Injected in Cervical Cancer: Safety, Toxicity and Effect on the Primary Tumour- and Lymph Node Microenvironment." BMC Cancer 18, no. 1 (Sep 12 2018): 888. https://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12885-018-4764-0.

15.Schaafsma, M., R. van den Helder, C. H. Mom, R. D. M. Steenbergen, M. C. G. Bleeker, and N. E. van Trommel. "Recurrent Cervical Cancer Detection Using DNA Methylation Markers in Self-Collected Samples from Home." Int J Cancer 156, no. 3 (Feb 1 2025): 659-67. https://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ijc.35143.

16.Schuurman, T. N., M. Schaafsma, K. H. To, V. M. J. Verhoef, K. Sikorska, A. G. Siebers, H. H. B. Wenzel, M. C. G. Bleeker, E. M. Roes, R. P. Zweemer, P. J. de Vos van Steenwijk, R. Yigit, J. J. Beltman, P. L. M. Zusterzeel, C. A. R. Lok, R. L. M. Bekkers, C. H. Mom, and N. E. van Trommel. "Optimising Follow-up Strategy Based on Cytology and Human Papillomavirus after Fertility-Sparing Surgery for Early Stage Cervical Cancer: A Nationwide, Population-Based, Retrospective Cohort Study." Lancet Oncol 24, no. 12 (Dec 2023): 1349-58. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/s1470-2045(23)00467-9.

17.Schubbe, D., R. W. Yen, C. H. Saunders, G. Elwyn, R. C. Forcino, A. J. O'Malley, M. C. Politi, J. Margenthaler, R. J. Volk, K. Sepucha, E. Ozanne, S. Percac-Lima, A. Bradley, C. Goodwin, M. van den Muijsenbergh, J. W. M. Aarts, P. Scalia, and M. A. Durand. "Implementation and Sustainability Factors of Two Early-Stage Breast Cancer Conversation Aids in Diverse Practices." Implement Sci 16, no. 1 (May 10 2021): 51. https://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s13012-021-01115-1.

18.Seeratan, D. D., R. G. van Schuylenburch, L.R.C.W. van Lonkhuijzen, and J. W. M. Aarts. "Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (Proms) to Personalise Follow-up Care of Ovarian Cancer: What Do Patients Think? A Qualitative Interview Study." Support Care Cancer 32, no. 4 (Mar 26 2024): 247. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00520-024-08436-z.

19.Thomson, J. P., R. L. Hollis, J. van Baal, N. Ilenkovan, M. Churchman, K. van de Vijver, F. Dijk, A. M. Meynert, C. Bartos, T. Rye, I. Croy, P. Diana, M. van Gent, H. Creedon, R. Nirsimloo, F. Nussey, C. Lok, C. S. Herrington, and C. Gourley. "Whole Exome Sequencing of Low Grade Serous Ovarian Carcinoma Identifies Genomic Events Associated with Clinical Outcome." Gynecol Oncol 174 (Jul 2023): 157-66. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ygyno.2023.04.011.

20.van den Berg, K., A. Knegt, G. Fons, C. A. R. Lok, and J. W. M. Aarts. "Patients' Preferences, Experiences and Expectations with Wait Time until Surgery in Gynaecological Oncology: A Mixed-Methods Study in Two Gynaecological Oncological Centres in the Netherlands." BMJ Open 14, no. 8 (Aug 17 2024): e085932. https://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2024-085932.

21.van den Helder, R., R. D. M. Steenbergen, A. P. van Splunter, C. H. Mom, M. Y. Tjiong, I. Martin, F. M. F. Rosier-van Dunné, I. A. M. van der Avoort, M. C. G. Bleeker, and N. E. van Trommel. "HPV and DNA Methylation Testing in Urine for Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia and Cervical Cancer Detection." Clin Cancer Res 28, no. 10 (May 13 2022): 2061-68. https://dx.doi.org/10.1158/1078-0432.Ccr-21-3710.

22.van den Helder, R., B. M. M. Wever, N. E. van Trommel, A. P. van Splunter, C. H. Mom, J. C. Kasius, M. C. G. Bleeker, and R. D. M. Steenbergen. "Non-Invasive Detection of Endometrial Cancer by DNA Methylation Analysis in Urine." Clin Epigenetics 12, no. 1 (Nov 3 2020): 165. https://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s13148-020-00958-7.

23.Voss, F. O., Fons, G., Bruggink, A. H., Wenzel, H. H. B., Berkhof, J., van Beurden, M., and Bleeker, M. C. G. (2025) Prevalence and impact of vulvar lesions diagnosed prior to vulvar squamous cell carcinoma: A population-based cohort study, Gynecol Oncol 192, 163-170.

24.Voss, FO, Berkhof, J, Duin, S, Fons, G, van Beurden, M, Steenbergen, RDM & Bleeker, MCG (2024), 'DNA Methylation and P53 Immunohistochemistry as Prognostic Biomarkers for Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus', Modern pathology, vol. 37, no. 9

25.Vrede, S. W., J. C. Kasius, J. Bulten, S. Teerenstra, J. Huvila, E. Colas, A. Gil-Moreno, D. Boll, M. C. Vos, A. M. van Altena, J. Asberger, S. Sweegers, W. J. van Weelden, L. J. M. van der Putten, F. Amant, N. C. M. Visser, M.P.L.M. Snijders, H. V. N. Küsters-Vandevelde, R. Kruitwagen, X. Matias-Guiu, V. Weinberger, C. Reijnen, and J. M. A. Pijnenborg. "Relevance of Molecular Profiling in Patients with Low-Grade Endometrial Cancer." JAMA Netw Open 5, no. 12 (Dec 1 2022): e2247372. https://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.47372.

26.Wever, B. M. M., M. Schaafsma, M. C. G. Bleeker, Y. van den Burgt, R. van den Helder, C. A. R. Lok, F. Dijk, Y. van der Pol, F. Mouliere, N. Moldovan, N. E. van Trommel, and R. D. M. Steenbergen. "Molecular Analysis for Ovarian Cancer Detection in Patient-Friendly Samples." Commun Med (Lond) 4, no. 1 (May 16 2024): 88. https://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s43856-024-00517-8.

27.Zelisse, H. S., S. de Ridder, M.D.J.M. van Gent, C. H. Mom, G. B. A. Wisman, E. M. Roes, A. K. L. Reyners, J. M. Piek, G. M. Nieuwenhuyzen-de Boer, C. A. R. Lok, C. D. de Kroon, L. F. S. Kooreman, M. J. Janssen, M. P. Jansen, H. M. Horlings, M. Collee, A. Broeks, I. A. Boere, J. Bart, A. M. van Altena, M. Heeling, I. M. Stoter, Q. J. Voorham, M. J. van de Vijver, F. Dijk, J. A. M. Belien, and Consortium Archipelago of Ovarian Cancer Research. "The Information Technology (It) Infrastructure of the Multicenter Archipelago of Ovarian Cancer Research Biobank: A Potential Blueprint for Other Biobanks." Biopreserv Biobank (Apr 29 2024). https://dx.doi.org/10.1089/bio.2023.0118.

28.Zelisse, H. S., F. Dijk, M.D.J.M. van Gent, G. K. J. Hooijer, C. H. Mom, M. J. van de Vijver, and M. L. H. Snijders. "Improving Histotyping Precision: The Impact of Immunohistochemical Algorithms on Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Classification." Hum Pathol 151 (Sep 2024): 105631. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.humpath.2024.105631.

29.Zelisse, H. S., R. A. Hwan, M. J. van de Vijver, F. Dijk, C. H. Mom, G. K. J. Hooijer, M.D.J.M. van Gent, and M. L. H. Snijders. "Evaluation of the Prognostic Potential of Histopathological Subtyping in High-Grade Serous Ovarian Carcinoma." Virchows Arch (Apr 16 2024). https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00428-024-03807-7.

30.Zelisse, H. S., Y. van der Pol, F. Mouliere, F. Dijk, J. B. G. Halfwerk, B. Mearadji, L. F. M. Beenen, R. J. Reinten, S.A.G.M. Cillessen, G. K. J. Hooijer, M. L. H. Snijders, M. J. van de Vijver, M.D.J.M. van Gent, and C. H. Mom. "Improving Cell-Free DNA Detection in Advanced-Stage High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer Using Combined Tp53 Mutational Status and Copy Number Changes." Pathol Res Pract 272 (May 31 2025): 156038. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.prp.2025.156038.

31.Zelisse, H. S., M.D.J.M. van Gent, C. H. Mom, S. de Ridder, M. L. H. Snijders, M. Heeling, M. Stoter, A. Broeks, H. M. Horlings, C. A. R. Lok, S. L. Bosch, J. M. Piek, J. Bart, A. K. L. Reyners, G. B. A. Wisman, R. Yigit, I. A. Boere, M. Collee, F. H. Groenendijk, Mphm Jansen, E. M. Roes, W. Hofhuis, K. J. Hoogduin, L. S. M. Alcala, H. P. M. Smedts, A. C. F. Makkus, G. M. Nieuwenhuyzen-de Boer, N. van Es, Pmlh Vencken, A. M. van Altena, M. Simons, H. M. Hazelbag, M. J. Kagie, R. Aliredjo, T. J. J. Bonestroo, T. Bosse, C. D. de Kroon, M. Brinkhuis, M. J. Janssen, N. C. Koster, A. J. Kruse, C. G. Gerestein, T. G. N. Jonges, R. P. Zweemer, L. F. S. Kooreman, S. Lambrechts, I. M. W. Ebisch, I. M. de Kievit van der Heijden, Q. J. Voorham, M. A. van der Aa, J. A. M. Belien, M. J. van de Vijver, F. Dijk, and Consortium Archipelago of Ovarian Cancer Research. "Evaluation of the Recently Established Dutch Nationwide Archipelago of Ovarian Cancer Research Biobank." Ann Diagn Pathol 74 (Feb 2025): 152411. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.anndiagpath.2024.152411.

32.Zelisse, Hein S., Malou L. H. Snijders, Floris H. Groenendijk, Johannes B. G. Halfwerk, Gerrit K. J. Hooijer, Willemien J. van Driel, Alicia León-Castillo, Christianne A. R. Lok, Loes F. S. Kooreman, Sandrina Lambrechts, Eva-Maria Roes, Roy J. Reinten, Marlou Heeling, Noah J. Sandel, Ronald van Marion, Frederike Dijk, Marc J. van de Vijver, Constantijne H. Mom, and Mignon D. J. M. van Gent. "The Prognostic Potential of Molecular Subtypes Including Estrogen Receptor Status in Endometrioid Ovarian Cancer." Gynecologic Oncology 196 (2025/05/01/ 2025): 137-45. https://dx.doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ygyno.2025.03.050.