Gastrointestinal

Our multi-disciplinary approach

We discuss all patients in the Gastrointestinal Program in a weekly multi-disciplinary team meeting, including specialists from the departments of gastroenterology, radiology, medical oncology, surgery, radiotherapy, nuclear medicine and pathology. The team determines the best treatment options for each patient and initiates further examinations if required prior to the start of treatment.

We use all available imaging modalities to ensure an optimal treatment (CT, MRI, PET). These images are fused with the CT-scan used for treatment planning, to determine the exact location and shape of the tumor and surrounding healthy tissues. We have the most modern radiotherapy treatment techniques at our disposal, such as IMRT and VMAT for our photon radiotherapy treatments. In the near future we may be able to offer proton therapy as well. 

Click here for more information about our treatment techniques.

Proton therapy

As of January 2018 we offer proton therapy for selected indications. Proton therapy is not yet available for patients within the Gastrointestinal Program. In the near future we may offer this treatment to selected patients.

Standard follow-up program

To continuously improve our quality of care and the treatment quality we have a standard follow-up program for all our patients treated curatively for esophageal cancer. The program gathers information about the tumor and treatment as well as data regarding the treatment outcome and the quality of life of our patients. We contact you at preset intervals to complete questionnaires.

Van den Bergh, MD, PhD

Specialization:
Gastrointestinal tumors
Pituitary tumors
Urological tumors

A.H. Boer, MD

Specialisatie:
Gastrointestinal tumors
Urological tumors

M. Dieters, MD

Specialization:
Gastrointestinal tumors

C.T. Muijs, MD, PhD

Specialization:
Gastrointestinal tumors

V.E.M. Mul, MD

Specialization:
Gastrointestinal tumors
Palliation

A.G.H. Niezink, MD

Specialization:
Gastrointestinal tumors

Dr. S. van der Veen

Specialisatie:
Gastrointestinal tumors

The Gastrointestinal Program participates in the following clinical trials and studies:

CARD study (Inclusion of patients is closed)
This study researches pro-BNP as a surrogate marker for radiation-induced cardiac toxicity. Blood samples will be collected prior to, during and after your radiotherapy treatment. The data collected remains blinded for the patient. 

REACT study (Inclusion of patients is closed)
Motion of the tumor and surrounding tissues is monitored and the possible consequences for proton therapy are determined. The study involves an additional CT-scan each week of treatment, and additional checks at each treatment fraction.

PRIDE study
This study investigates the added value of PET-CT and MRI imaging in the prediction of a complete response (no more visible tumor) to neoadjuvant chemoradiation (nCRT). Data collection involves three additional MRI scans (prior to treatment, two weeks into treatment and pre-operative) and one additional PET-CT scan two weeks after the start of treatment. An additional endoscopy procedure will be performed just prior to your operation to evaluate tumor response.

BROTHER studie
This study investigates the feasibility of using breathing techniques for the radiotherapy treatment of esophageal carcinoma.