"The body’s ability to absorb oral medicine can vary greatly between patients. That’s why we need to measure drug levels in the blood. This allows for dose adjustments to improve effectiveness or reduce side effects. Until recently, patients had to come to the hospital for a blood draw from a vein in their arm. As an alternative, we can offer a finger-prick test at home. A small sponge on a stick absorbs a drop of blood, which can then be sent in for analysis. I researched whether this alternative is sufficient, and as it turns out, it is—although the results aren’t perfectly interchangeable.
I also asked participants which method they preferred. Many appreciated not having to go to the hospital for a blood draw. However, some wanted as few reminders of their illness in their home, while others were afraid of needles. It was truly remarkable to see how positive and cooperative these patients were!
I now have a completely different job. Shortly after my thesis defense, I will start working at the Netherlands Forensic Institute in The Hague as a trainee forensic toxicologist."
Marinda Meertens will defend her thesis on Tuesday, March 18.
Research at the Netherlands Cancer Institute is financially supported by KWF Dutch Cancer Society.
prof. dr. A.D.R. Huitema & prof. dr. J.H. Beijnen
N. Steeghs & dr. H. Rosing