The right dose is crucial when delivering radiotherapy. While sufficient radiation needs to reach the tumor, the surrounding healthy organs shouldn’t be exposed to too much. We can measure the delivered radiation with great precision nowadays, and compare it to the originally planned dose. I used computer algorithms to improve the accuracy of these measurements even further. Thanks to these precise measurements, physicians can adjust their treatment plans as needed. I also studied the potential errors that can arise due to changes to the patient’s anatomical data between the CT scan and the actual radiation treatment. A full bladder, stomach, or sudden weight loss can affect the tumor’s position. I had already published several research papers, but never considered pursuing a PhD. I hope that doing this at the age of 51 will inspire others to do the same. I combine my work at the NKI with basketball coaching at the highest level in the Netherlands. I try to help the young athletes I coach to reach their full potential."
Igor Olaciregui will defend his thesis on March 11. Good luck, Igor!
Research at the Netherlands Cancer Institute is financially supported by KWF Dutch Cancer Society.
prof. dr. ir. J.J. (Jan-Jakob) Sonke
ir. A. (Anton) Mans and dr. B.J. (Ben) Mijnheer (in memoriam)