Each year, many children with cancer undergo surgery. For some tumors, it is difficult to precisely remove the tumor without damaging healthy tissue. This is especially true for sarcomas, which can develop in bones, connective tissue, and muscles.
A detailed 3D model
Van der Steeg is investigating how surgical navigation can help with this. Before the operation, a detailed 3D model of the tumor is made. During the operation, this 3D model is projected onto the child using navigation, precisely at the location of the tumor, even if it is not yet fully visible. This allows the surgeon to see exactly where the tumor is and which organs are nearby. This makes it easier and faster to find and remove the tumor.
“We expect that this navigation technique will improve the results of difficult operations on sarcomas,” says Van der Steeg. “The operation becomes faster, easier, and safer. As a result, children with cancer have less chance of complications and a faster recovery. This improves their quality of life.”
Earlier this month, technical physician Matthijs Fitski obtained his PhD on 3D models for kidney tumors. Van der Steeg explains: “Matthijs' research also involves navigation and mapping the tumor, but with a different technology. Here it involves sarcomas, and we use electromagnetic radiation to determine the position of the tumor. The concept is the same, namely that 3D models provide better insight into the location of the tumor and its relationship with the surrounding area.”
Response to the grant
Van der Steeg is very happy with the grant: “This is fantastic! It is wonderful that our desire to continuously improve surgery for children with cancer is supported by organizations like KWF. With this grant, we can gradually introduce the new technique in children. The technique was originally developed for adults at the Antoni van Leeuwenhoek. Together with them, we adapt the technique to make it safe and effective for use in children. If the results are good, we want to use this technique as standard and share it with international colleagues.”