February 19, 2023 – 8:41 AM
Radiate patients with cancer less often, but with high doses in order to significantly improve the quality of the treatment. That is what Prof. Coen Hurkmans of the Catharina Hospital wants to achieve, now that he has been appointed as professor of Clinical Physics/Radiation Therapy at Eindhoven University of Technology.
With radiation data from a great many patients, his department of Clinical Physics has already succeeded in automatically creating a model for patients with breast cancer. A model that can process specific characteristics for each patient, resulting in an individual radiation plan. The studies he is starting are aimed at further improving radiation treatment using MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and artificial intelligence, among other things.
Coen Hurkmans: “The knife cuts both ways. By further automating the preparation, the radiation itself and the control, radiotherapists and lab technicians work more efficiently. This saves us costs. In addition, the quality of the treatment improves. Whereas fifteen years ago we irradiated a patient with prostate cancer 35 times with a low dose, now – for some patients – a treatment of 5 high dose irradiations is sufficient.”
The working method with the model is now being used for some of the patients with breast cancer. It is expected that models will be available for all patient groups in five years’ time. Applying artificial intelligence in the clinic, Catharina Hospital and TU/e are leading the way nationally and internationally.
Innovative technology quickly in the clinic
The added value of the collaboration between the Catharina Hospital and TU/e is that innovative technology can be quickly applied in the hospital. Hurkmans: “Our Department of Clinical Physics conducts research and stimulates the implementation of innovations. Such an acceleration to improve care fits within the policy of the Catharina Hospital.”
The professorship of Coen Hurkmans strengthens the collaboration between the Catharina Hospital and TU/e. A total of seven medical specialists from the hospital now work as professors at TU/e. A total of 17 professors work at the Catharina Hospital.
Even more accurate irradiation
Until now, CT images, a type of three-dimensional X-ray images, have been used for imaging. It mainly distinguishes bones from soft tissues. MRI images show more different soft tissues, making organs more visible. “This allows us to irradiate more precisely,” says Hurkmans.
“We do applied scientific research. This is how you learn to understand new technologies. In addition, you keep the path short to application in the clinic,” he adds. In addition to PhD candidates, the Catharina Hospital also offers places for master’s students and engineering doctors, students in further education after a technical master’s degree. Eleven clinical physicists work at the Catharina Hospital, eight of whom are specialized in radiotherapy.
Source: Catharina Hospital
Editorial Medicalfacts/ Janine Budding
I studied physiotherapy and Health Care business administration. I am also a registered independent client support worker and informal care broker. I have a lot of experience in various positions in healthcare, the social domain and the medical, pharmaceutical industry, nationally and internationally. And have broad medical knowledge of most healthcare specialties. And of the care laws from which the care is regulated and financed. Every year I attend most of the leading medical conferences in Europe and America to keep my knowledge up-to-date and to keep up with the latest developments and innovations. Currently I am doing a Masters in Applied Psychology.
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