Specialization

Staffmember at the department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology

Focus of research

My research interest is focussed on improving outcomes and quality of life in patients with oesophageal adenocarcinoma, and to prevent patients from developing oesophageal adenocarcinoma. For this, I run the following research lines:

1. Improving management of patients with early oesophageal adenocarcinoma.
As interventional endoscopist I am constantly trying to find less invasive, more effective and safer methods to treat patients with early stages of oesophageal adenocarcinoma and precursor lesions. This ranges from studying new endoscopic techniques or devices, to evaluating new management strategies. By improving and expanding the endoscopic arsenal and by optimizing follow-up strategies in patients treated for oesophageal adenocarcinoma, I hope we can treat more patients endoscopically, and prevent unnessecary and more invasive therapy such as surgery.

2. Identification and validation of biomarkers, for risk stratification of patients with Barrett's oesophagus.

Barrett's oesophagus is the most important risk factor for oesophageal adenocarcinoma. Patients therefore undergo regular endoscopic surveillance with biopsies. However, this is not a cost-effective approach and endoscopies can be a great burden to patients. Using a large tissue bank with samples from patients surveyed for Barrett's oesophagus who did or did not progress to cancer, I try to find biomarkers that can be used to identify patients with increased risk for cancer who may benefit from prophylactic treatment. Patients with a very low risk of progressing to cancer may be reassured and may not require further surveillance.