“My PhD research started with a question from my supervisor, Emile Voest. What if we could analyze the entire DNA of all patients with metastatic tumors? An increasing number of patients receive treatment based on their DNA profile, but not every patient has access to the same DNA test and resulting treatment options. The choice for whole genome sequencing strongly depends on the patient's tumor type, while more and more treatments focus on tumor profile. With this rapid growth of precision therapies, it's becoming more important than ever to offer every patient with metastases the same comprehensive DNA test. I investigated whether whole genome sequencing is feasible and desirable for all patients with metastatic cancer. And as it turns out, it is. Mapping the entire DNA profile is just as accurate and feasible to implement in daily practice, while providing much more information, including for future research. Tackling problems in such a creative way and finding solutions suits me well. I also try to establish a personal connection with all my patients. I am now training as a medical oncologist at the St. Antonius Hospital in Nieuwegein.”
Luuk will defend his thesis on April 25. Good luck, Luuk!
prof. dr. E.E. Voest & prof. dr. G.A. Meijer
K. Monkhorst