The proverb “Paths are made by walking” reminds us that action is the catalyst for progress and transformation. The same holds true in research — developing groundbreaking therapies often requires stepping off the beaten track. Thanks to the generous support of our donors, neurosurgeon Dr. Jorn Fierstra is doing just that. In his innovative study, Dr. Fierstra is exploring new ways to combat one of the deadliest forms of cancer: glioblastoma.
Dr. Fierstra, what exactly are you researching?
My research team is developing innovative imaging methods to enhance the detection of malignant brain tumors and improve treatment outcomes for affected patients. We are particularly focused on glioblastoma, the most aggressive brain tumor, which often affects younger individuals. Unfortunately, current MRI imaging struggles to visualize glioblastoma effectively, significantly limiting treatment planning and monitoring. Enhanced imaging is therefore crucial.
Why is your research project particularly innovative?
Tumor hypoxia is a key characteristic of glioblastoma, meaning certain tumor areas receive less oxygen. This lack of oxygen makes the tumor more aggressive and harder to treat, as many therapies are less effective in low-oxygen conditions. We leverage this critical feature by using hypoxia as an MRI contrast agent, enabling us to visualize previously hidden tumor regions and map tissue hypoxia and hypoxia hotspots in glioblastoma.
What are the specific benefits for patients?
An improved MRI technique provides more precise imaging of glioblastoma, leading to significantly better treatment planning and therapy monitoring. It also enables earlier detection of potential relapses. Our research thus contributes to improving the prognosis for patients with glioblastoma.
Project number: KFS-5983-08-2023
