Specialization
Gynaecological oncology, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, fertility sparing treatment, immunotherapy
Focus of research
- Cervical cancer, with a special interest in lymph node metastases, surgical treatment, fertility sparing treatment and immunotherapy
- Ovarian cancer
- Trombosis in patients with gynaecological cancer
My main focus of research lies in the diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer, with the aim to improve treatment and quality of life. Identification of lymph node metastases is important, because they are a risk factor for recurrence. In the KWF funded project "Chasing nodes, saving lives?" we study several aspects of lymph node metastases, such as the role of different imaging techniques in the detection of lymph node metastases. In addition, we evaluate the best treatment options, when these metastases are present. In two other projects, the Durvit and the ITHACA trials, we administer peritumoral immunotherapy in patients with early stage cervical cancer to induce a tumor specific immune response. Additionally, we evaluate surgical treatment options in cervical cancer, such as radical hysterectomy and fertility sparing therapy. The ultimate goal of our research is to improve survival, while minimizing treatment-related toxicity, and thereby improving quality of life.