Endocrine Effects of (treatment for) Neoplastic Disease
endocrinology, childhood cancer survivors, hypothalamus
Research aim
In our research program, we aim to preserve or restore the endocrine system in children with (neoplastic) disease enabling normal growth and development into adulthood, with special focus on the hypothalamus, the pituitary and the thyroid gland.
About us
Due to the improved survival of children with cancer, the acute and late effects of the tumor and treatmentare increasingly important. An intact endocrine system is mandatory for optimal development into adulthood. Endocrine adverse events occur in up to 60 % of childhood cancer survivors.
In tight collaboration with the Princess Maxima Center, our group focusses on the hypothalamic-pituitary region and the thyroid gland. We perform pre-clinical and clinical studies aiming to prevent or cure hypothalamic dysfunction. The main challenge in the field of the thyroid research is understanding the origin of secondary thyroid cancer and developing the appropriate treatment recommendations for sporadic primary thyroid cancer in childhood. For both aims, we have strong collaborations and leadership roles within Europe and the US, we build collaborative registries and perform collaborative research projects.
Plans for the future include in depth continuation of the current research, mainly in 4 domains: hypothalamic obesity following craniopharyngioma and other supra-sellar tumors, ROHHADNET syndrome, hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction during and after treatment for childhood cancer, thyroid carcinoma during childhood and thyroid dysfunction during and after treatment for childhood cancer.