Five different departments participate in Lymphoma Research Groningen: Hematology, Imaging center, Pathology, Trial data center and Radiotherapy.
Hematology
The department of Hematology is specialized in the intensive and often complex treatment of the full spectrum of hematological diseases. The clinical ward can situate 30 patients and has 11 hematologists. Clinical trials are done in close collaboration with the Dutch foundation responsible for clinical studies in patients with hematologic malignancies. (“stichting Hemato-Oncologie voor Volwassenen Nederland” HOVON). In addition, clinical trials are done in collaboration with the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC), the department of Oncology and pharmaceutical partners. All clinical studies are supported by the trial data center.
The clinical ward focusing on lymphoma patients is specialized in the treatment of patients with Hodgkin disease, high-grade B-cell lymphomas with MYC rearrangements, relapsed indolent and aggressive lymphomas. The lymphoma team consists of 2 hematopathologists, 3 hematologists and 1 trial coordinator. Translational and clinical research projects are conducted together with Pathology, Imaging center and also with Genetics. The overall aim is to translate findings of basic and translational studies to clinical practice for patients suffering from lymphoma.
Imaging center
The Medical Imaging Center of the University Medical Center Groningen has a long history of research. Research studies focus on development of new tracers and tools for imaging of a wide variety of diseases. State-of-the-art imaging techniques (CT, MRI, PET/CT, SPECT/CT and PET/MRI) are tested and implemented into daily clinical practice. The imaging group consists of a radiologist, two nuclear medicine physicians and a PhD-student. In the field of hematology, our main research interest is studying the value of imaging modalities (both 18F-FDG PET/CT and contrast enhanced CT) in response evaluation of lymphoma and post-transplant lympho-proliferative disorder (PTLD) patients. Additional fields of interest are antibody-based imaging studies (for example anti-CD antibody imaging). These antibodies are used to determine the effectiveness of radionuclide-therapy and imaging of hormone receptor status.
Pathology
The lymphoma group of the department of Pathology has a longstanding interest in Hodgkin and B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The research topics cover the complete range from basic to translational research. Whenever possible these results are implemented in the clinic. We focus on both characteristics of the tumor cells and composition of the tumor microenvironment. This includes delineating oncogenic pathways, defining the role of noncoding RNAs, studying genetic susceptibility mechanisms and testing novel treatment options. In addition, we aim to identify and implement novel tissue and liquid biopsy biomarkers, including the use of cell free DNA. The research team consists of staff members with expertise in hematopathology, immunology and molecular biology. In addition, the team includes three postdocs, 10 PhD students and 4 technicians. There are close collaborations with the departments of Hematology, Epidemiology, Transplantation Immunology and Genetics. The overall aim is to understand the pathogenetic mechanisms of B-cell lymphoma and to use this knowledge in the clinic.
Trial data center
The Trial Data Center of the Hematology department of the UMCG supports the Hematology department in clinical trials and research. These clinical studies are carried out in collaboration with the HOVON, the pharmaceutical industry and other international research organizations. The data center also supports regional hospitals with their participation in HOVON studies. The focus of the trial data center is on myeloid, lymphoid, plasma cells, coagulation and stem cell transplantation.
The team consists of three trial coordinators, three data managers and two research assistants. These members are the experts in the field of ongoing studies within the department. All studies are done in close collaboration with hematologists, nurses and other supporting departments. This allows an effective and robust data management.
trialbureauhematologie@onco.umcg.nl
Radiotherapy
Will follow soon.