Research output per year
Research output per year
PROF.DR., (Principal Investigator)
Research activity per year
HPV-induced carcinogenesis
Research Background
Infections with high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are causative events for cervical cancer, and subgroups of other anogenital cancers. In the course of various projects, we are studying the impact of this finding at the level of cancer prevention, diagnostics, risk stratification, test of cure, and prophylactic vaccination.
Our research has further incorporated an important translational pipeline involving the discovery of (epi)genetic, molecular mechanisms driving carcinogenesis, and clinical validation of disease biomarkers that result therefrom.
Towards these goals we are analysing specimens of patients with anogenital (pre)malignant disease (e.g. cervix, vulva, penis and anus) using to genome-wide screens and candidate gene approaches to identify relevant cellular alterations. Using in vitro studies on HPV-transformed human keratinocytes we have demonstrated that progression of an hrHPV-infected cell to an immortal and subsequent invasive phenotype results from the accumulation of specific (epi)genetic alterations in the host cell genome. Functional data from these model systems are used to complement studies on clinical samples to select the most promising biomarkers for risk stratification of premalignant disease. The candidate markers that result from these studies are subsequently evaluated on clinical sample series in order to select the best classifier and test algorithm. Finally, candidates are clinically validated, amongst others for their value in primary cervical screening using both cervical scrapings and self-collected (cervico-)vaginal samples.
Aim of the research program
Methodology
Identification and functional characterization of oncogenic events as a basis for the discovery of new candidate biomarkers:
Verification and clinical validation of biomarkers:
Novel non-invasive cancer detection methods
For a number of non-HPV-induced cancers, such as endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, bladder cancer, lung cancer and colorectal cancer, molecular tests primarily based on DNA methylation are being developed to enable their (early) detection in urine. This line of research is conducted in close collaboration with the Depts of Gynaecology, Urology, Pulmonology and Surgery.
PhD, VU University
1 May 1993 → 20 Jun 1997
Award Date: 20 Jun 1997
Master, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
30 Sep 0001 → 19 Nov 1991
Award Date: 19 Nov 1991
Senior Scientific Officer, Self-screen B.V, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
1 May 2008 → 31 Dec 3999
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article* › Academic › peer-review
Research output: Contribution to Journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article* › Academic › peer-review
Research output: Contribution to Journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article* › Academic › peer-review