In 2020, I earned my master’s degree in Technical Medicine in Enschede. During this time, I also obtained a certification as a radiation protection expert (level 3) as part of the Technical Medicine Master program: Medical Imaging and Interventions. I pursued my scientific career as a PhD student at the Department of Surgery, Division of Thoracic Surgery, Zuyderland Medical Center. My research focused on several improvements in the perioperative care of minimally invasive lung cancer surgery: the single-incision surgical technique, preoperative three-dimensional lung reconstructions, and postoperative chest tube management advances. On February 10, 2025, I have successfully defended my thesis titled The Next Steps Forward in Progressive Surgical Lung Cancer Care at the University of Maastricht.
While awaiting the defense of my doctoral dissertation, I began working as a postdoctoral researcher in the division of Clinical Research at Maastro in August 2024. My current research contributes to two of Maastro’s strategic spearheads: the advancement of personalized combination therapies involving radiation and systemic treatments, as well as the development of brachytherapy into a recognized European center of expertise. Focusing on personalized medicine in prostate cancer treatment, we use blood-based and tissue culture analyses to identify reliable prognostic and predictive molecular and histopathological biomarkers that can predict prostate cancer survival and patient-specific responsiveness to prostate cancer drugs or radiation – or a combination of both. In addition, by analyzing and reporting outcomes (salvage) brachytherapy and exploring ways to expand its indications, we aim to further strengthen Maastro’s role as expertise center in this field at international level. Our overarching goal is to provide the most effective oncological treatment for the individual patient with minimal side effects.