Recently, urologist trainee at St. Antonius Hospital Joris Heetman received his PhD for his research into new, refined ways to detect prostate cancer. One of the topics in his PhD research was the question of whether the PSMA PET/CT scan can find more aggressive prostate cancer cells. Tumor cells that are not found with an MRI or biopsy.
The PSMA PET/CT scan uses a radioactive substance that attaches to tumor tissue. During his research, Heetman managed to discover aggressive tumor cells in one in eleven (9%) of patients in this way. The PhD student concluded therefore, research with a PSMA PET/CT scan is valuable. Further research is required to determine the added value exactly. The costs of the research and radiation must be taken into account.
Detecting ‘hidden’ tumor tissue
In any case, Heetman’s research shows that the PSMA PET/CT scan method has proven to be possible to find tumors that would otherwise go unnoticed and may only be visible at a later stage, when the cancer is more advanced.
In his research, the PhD candidate also states that urologists can do more with data from blood tests and biopsies. Before this, he conducted research into calculation models, so-called nomograms, that can be used to predict the chance that a tumor will spread beyond the prostate. This information is valuable to spare the nerves around the prostate during surgery and thus reduce the risk of unpleasant side effects of treatment – such as incontinence and erection problems.
Research and new techniques
At St. Antonius Hospital, urologists have access to advanced equipment for the treatment and research of prostate cancer. Specialists are also conducting more and more scientific research into better diagnosis and treatment methods. The hospital has become one of the most progressive centers in the Netherlands in the field of prostate cancer care. “When I started in 2021, there were two researchers in Urology, now that number has more than doubled,” said Heetman.
This summer, the Prostate Cancer Center of St. Antonius Hospital introduced two new techniques that are used during operations to remove the prostate. A urethral lengthening technique and the so-called ‘hood’ technique, in which connective tissue around the prostate is left intact. Operations in which the surgeons are assisted by a Da Vinci surgical robot. These new techniques ensure that patients become fully continent again more quickly after surgery and can get an erection again sooner.
Double aging
This expertise and new diagnostic and treatment techniques are increasingly needed. Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer in men, with 13,500 new diagnoses and approximately 3,000 deaths every year. More than one and a half times as much as at the end of the last century. The so-called double aging population is largely responsible for this. There are more and more elderly people, who are also getting older. In proportion to the aging population, the IKNL has calculated that the number of deaths from prostate cancer has halved since the end of the last century.
Revolutionizing Prostate Cancer Detection: Joris Heetman’s Groundbreaking Research
Well, well, well! Would you look at that! A urologist trainee, Joris Heetman, popping the cork on a PhD all about prostate cancer detection! Now, if that doesn’t make you want to do a little jig… or cringe in discomfort, I don’t know what will!
So, picture this: We’ve got these high-tech PSMA PET/CT scans going around like the celebrity of the diagnostic world. This scan attaches a radioactive substance to tumor tissue. It’s like a ‘Where’s Wally?’ but for aggressive cancer cells! And get this—Heetman managed to uncover those sneaky little devils in about 9% of patients—one in eleven! You know, the ones typically playing hide and seek with MRI and biopsy results.
Detecting ‘Hidden’ Tumor Tissue
It seems Heetman’s research is showing that the PSMA PET/CT scan could become the Sherlock Holmes of prostate cancer detection—turning over every stone to find what’s there, lurking quietly, waiting to ambush unsuspecting patients down the line!
But there’s a catch! As with any great treasure hunt, you gotta think about the cost of the equipment and the radioactive jiggery-pokery involved. It’s not just a game of fetch—you’re talking serious moolah and safety checks here!
But, fear not, dear reader! Heetman has also said that urologists can jazz up their game with data from blood tests and biopsies. He conducted his previous research using what he calls nomograms—sort of a statistical G.P.S. for predicting tumor spread. This piece of magic can help surgeons spare vital nerves and reduce nasty side effects like, ahem, incontinence and… let’s just say “performance issues”.
Research and New Techniques
At St. Antonius Hospital, Heetman has become part of a burgeoning troop of urologists wielding advanced technology in the field of prostate cancer. In a short time since 2021, the number of researchers in Urology has more than doubled! That’s right, they aren’t just playing hopscotch—they’re diving deep into scientific waters, my friend!
This summer alone, Heetman’s Prostate Cancer Center introduced nifty new techniques in surgeries. We’re talking about urethral lengthening techniques and the fancy ‘hood’ technique that ensures surgeons keep important connective tissues intact. It’s like giving your prostate the royal treatment, folks! Patients can recover more quickly, regaining full control and functionality. Now, if only the same could be said for some of my previous relationships!
Double Aging
Now let’s talk numbers, shall we? Prostate cancer is a rampant foe that has become the biggest menace among male cancer forms. A staggering 13,500 new diagnoses annually, and approximately 3,000 fatalities? Yikes! But here’s a twist: thanks to a ‘double aging’ population—more old folks living longer—this cancer is on the rise, and they need innovative techniques like those being spearheaded by Heetman!
And yet, despite the rising figures, the IKNL (that’s like the cancer police of the Netherlands) has calculated that the death toll from prostate cancer has actually halved since the end of the last century. So it seems we’re making progress, folks!
In conclusion, as we give a cheeky nod to Heetman and the brilliant team at St. Antonius Hospital, let’s remember the importance of innovation in the face of cancer. We might even keep our pants dry while we’re at it! Cheers to groundbreaking research and smarter diagnostic techniques—because staying one step ahead of a killer is much more fun than playing catch-up!
Cancer treatment. With the number of researchers in Urology doubling since he started in 2021, it’s clear that something important is happening. Let’s talk more about it.
**Interview with Joris Heetman, Urologist Trainee and PhD Graduate**
**Editor:** Congratulations on your PhD, Joris! Your research on the PSMA PET/CT scan sounds groundbreaking. Can you explain to our readers how this scan differs from traditional methods like MRI and biopsy?
**Joris Heetman:** Thank you! Absolutely. The PSMA PET/CT scan uses a radioactive substance that targets prostate-specific membrane antigens present on tumor cells. This enables us to detect aggressive cancer cells that are often overlooked or missed by standard MRI or biopsy methods. Essentially, it gives us a clearer and more comprehensive view of the cancer that may be hiding from traditional imaging.
**Editor:** You mentioned that you found aggressive tumor cells in 9% of the patients using this method. What does this finding mean for the future of prostate cancer treatment?
**Joris Heetman:** This finding is significant because it highlights the potential of PSMA PET/CT scans to uncover tumors that could grow and pose serious health risks if left undetected. The goal is to identify these aggressive cells early on, allowing for more timely and targeted treatments. However, further research is needed to fully understand the added value of this technique compared to existing methods.
**Editor:** You also brought up nomograms in your research. How do they contribute to the treatment process?
**Joris Heetman:** Nomograms are statistical tools that help predict the likelihood of cancer spread beyond the prostate based on various patient data, like blood tests and biopsy results. By using these predictions, we can tailor our surgical approaches, specifically to preserve important nerves around the prostate. This minimizes the risk of side effects, such as incontinence and erectile dysfunction, which can significantly affect a patient’s quality of life.
**Editor:** St. Antonius Hospital is clearly at the forefront of prostate cancer care. Can you tell us about some of the new techniques that you’ve introduced?
**Joris Heetman:** Absolutely! Recently, we’ve introduced new surgical techniques, including a urethral lengthening technique and the ”hood” technique, which protects surrounding connective tissue during prostate removal. Additionally, we use the Da Vinci surgical robot to assist in these procedures, promoting quicker recovery times and improving outcomes in terms of continence and erectile function post-surgery.
**Editor:** Given the growing incidence of prostate cancer, why is there an urgent need for advancements in detection and treatment?
**Joris Heetman:** Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, with rising diagnosis rates, partly due to our aging population. As men live longer, the incidence of prostate cancer is increasing, which underscores the importance of developing innovative detection and treatment strategies. Our research and new techniques are intended to keep up with these increasing numbers and improve patient outcomes.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Joris. It’s exciting to see how your work is pushing the boundaries of prostate cancer care!
**Joris Heetman:** Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting time in our field, and I’m hopeful about the advancements we can achieve for patients.
**Editor:** Stay tuned, readers, as we continue to follow Joris Heetman and the evolving landscape of prostate cancer research at St. Antonius Hospital.
