Survival of childhood cancer has improved importantly. Despite this success, childhood cancer survivors (CCS) have an increased risk of serious cardiac diseases as result of cardiotoxic cancer treatment. These cardiac diseases are related to increased morbidity and non-cancer mortality. As part of the Dutch LATER study in approximately 1400 CCS en 250 siblings clinical and cardiac assessments (blood samples, electrocardiography, echocardiography) was performed between 2016 and 2020. The goals of my PhD are to identify new risk factors and to provide extended evidence for recommendation on cardiotoxicity surveillance. My projects focus on electrocardiography as detection method, iron overload and guideline development.
Currently, I coordinate the development of an international clinical practice guideline for the drug dexrazoxane within the international Guideline Harmonization Group (ighg.org). Dexrazoxane may have a protective effect on the heart during treatment with anthracyclines. It focuses on the use of dexrazoxane during anthracycline treatment in children, young adults and adolescents based on the available literature.
Side activities: part of the committee responsible for scientific internships of students within Group Kremer.
Supervisor(s): L.C.M. Kremer, A.M.C. Mavinkurve-Groothuis, E.A.M. Feijen, L. Kapusta
News:
New guideline for medication against heart damage in children with cancer
Publications:
de Baat et al. Hartschade als een laat effect van de behandeling van kinderkanker. NTvO, May 2020.
Leerink JM, Baat ECd, Feijen EAM, Bellersen L, Dalen ECv, Grotenhuis HB, Kapusta L, Kok WEM, Loonen J, Pal HJHvd, Pluijm SMF, Teske AJ, Mavinkurve-Groothuis AMC, Merkx R and Kremer LCM. Cardiac Disease in Childhood Cancer Survivors. JACC: CardioOncology. 2020;2:363-378.