Advanced imaging and artificial intelligence (AI) in neuro-oncology
Role: principal investigator
This research line comprises multiple projects at Erasmus MC (some in collaboration with LUMC, TU Delft, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Radboudumc Nijmegen, AmsterdamUMC) aimed at the development and implementation of novel imaging and image analysis techniques of brain tumours. The work is a result of close collaboration with the Biomedical Imaging Group Rotterdam (BIGR) led by prof. Stefan Klein, the MRI physics group led by prof. Juan Hernandez-Tamames, and clinical partners within the Brain Tumour Centre of the Erasmus MC Cancer Institute (Neuro-oncology, Neurosurgery, Neuropathology, Radiation therapy). Together we assess imaging phenotypes of glioma genotypes by developing AI (iGENE & iGENE2.0 study, vascular signature mapping), and develop and validate advanced imaging techniques such as chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) imaging and combined PET-MRI imaging. Clinical translation and utility are important aspects of both AI and advanced image acquisition assessment.
Funding: ZonMW, KWF Dutch Cancer Society, NWO-TTW, The Brain Tumour Charity, Stichting Semmy, Varian, Daniel den Hoed Stichting, Convergence, NWO-Mosaic.
Core researchers involved: at Erasmus MC - Prof. Stefan Klein, Assist. Prof. Esther Warnert, Assist. Prof. Sophie Veldhuijzen van Zanten, Dr. Astrid van der Veldt, Assist. Prof. Marjolein Geurts, Dr. Eelke Bos, Dr. Niek Maas, Assist. Prof. Dirk Poot, Dr. Pieter Kruizinga, Krishnapriya Venugopal (PhD student), Sophie Derks (PhD student), Juancito van Leeuwen (PhD student), Bas Dille (PhD student), Karen van der Werff (PhD student), Laura Kemper (PhD student), Ikenna Asuzu (PhD student), Dr. Tareq Abdel Alim (post-doc), Ahmad Alafandi (PhD student), Patrick Tang (PhD student); at TUDelft - Assoc. Prof. Frans Vos, Chih-Hsien Tseng (PhD student); at LUMC - Prof. Matthias van Osch, Danielle van Dorth (PhD student); at Erasmus University Rotterdam: Assist. Prof. Brenda Leeneman; at Radboudumc Nijmegen: Prof. Geert Litjens; at AmsterdamUMC: Assist. Prof. Sebastian van der Voort, Dr. Vera Keil.
PERISCOPE: the clinical value of perfusion MRI in primary and secondary brain tumour surveillance
Role: principal investigator
In this Dutch nation-wide multicentre study data are collected both prospectively and retrospectively on brain tumour patient aiming to assess the clinical value of perfusion MRI in their management. Fifteen centres are currently involved, and data of over 1,000 patients have thus far been collected.
Funding: ZonMW Leading the Change
Core researchers involved: Assoc. Prof. Anouk van der Hoorn (UMCG), Asst. Prof. Brenda Leeneman (EUR), Seamus Kent (PhD student), Dr. Wouter Teunissen.
Sustainable neuro-imaging in oncology
Role: principal and co-investigator
Funding: TKI-LSH
The use of contrast-agents is commonplace in imaging for neuro-oncology, but environmental concerns together with the advancement of imaging techniques require a re-assessment of current practices. We investigate whether follow-up of untreated meningeoma can be performed without contrast-agent administration and what the value of contrast-agent administration is in long-term survivors of glioma. Additionally, we investigate new MRI techniques for their potential to replace contrast-enhanced techniques.
Core researchers involved: Dr. Eelke Bos, Saan Salih (MSc student), Dr. Vera Keil (AmsterdamUMC), Dr. Matthijs van der Meulen (LUMC), Noemi Sgamberulli (PhD student), Prof. Juan Hernandez-Tamames.
Cancer Diagnostics 3.0: big data science of in & ex vivo imaging
Role: scientific lead
This is one of thirteen scientific programmes within the medical-technological research environment of the ‘Medical Delta’. The ultimate aim is to provide cancer diagnosis without the need for invasive procedures such as biopsy through advanced imaging and image analysis techniques. The current focus is on brain tumours.
Funding: Medical Delta, NWO-TTW
Core researchers involved: Prof. Matthias van Osch (LUMC, co-lead), Assoc. Prof. Jeroen Kalkman (TU Delft, co-lead), Karin van Garderen (Erasmus MC, PhD student), Barbara Schmitz-Abecassis (LUMC, PhD student), Alim Yolalmaz (TU Delft, post-doc)
GLASS-NL: Glioma Longitudinal AnalySiS in the Netherlands
Role: work package lead (imaging)
GLASS-NL constitutes the Dutch section of the global GLASS consortium which comprises a multidisciplinary group of glioma researchers aiming to understand glioma tumour evolution and expose therapeutic vulnerabilities. First results on longitudinal trajectories of diffuse glioma were recently published in Nature. The Dutch section focuses on IDH mutant astrocytoma, and imaging is used to determine radiogenomic tumour features longitudinally, with a view to non-invasively diagnose changes in tumour genetics allowing for early and targeted therapeutic intervention.
Funding: KWF Dutch Cancer Society
Core researchers involved: Prof. Pieter Wesseling (Amsterdam UMC, PI), Prof. Martin van den Bent (Erasmus MC), Assoc. Prof. Pim French (Erasmus MC), Prof. Max Kros (Erasmus MC), Assist. Prof. Bart Westerman (Amsterdam UMC), Dr. Mathilde Kouwenhoven (Amsterdam UMC), Prof. Roel Verhaak (The Jackson Laboratory), Wies Vallentgoed (Erasmus MC, PhD student), Karin van Garderen (Erasmus MC, PhD student)