PhD defence Davy Mathijs Johannes Creemers
Supervisor: Prof. dr. J.W.A. Burger
Co-supervisor: Prof. dr. H.J.T. Rutten, Dr. J. Nederend
Keywords: Rectal cancer, Local recurrence, Surgery, Oncology
"Advancing Care in Locally Recurrent Rectal Cancer"
Rectal cancer, along with colon cancer, is one of the most common forms of cancer worldwide. Advances in treatment have greatly improved the chances of cure for patients with rectal cancer. However, in some patients the disease recurs in the pelvis. This locally recurrent rectal cancer is difficult to diagnose and treat and can have a major impact on patients’ lives.
This thesis investigates how the care of patients with locally recurrent rectal cancer has developed over the past decades and how it can be improved further. It examines how recurrent disease can be detected and accurately mapped, which treatments are available, and what their long-term results are. The thesis also explores how care can be further standardised and supported by evidence.
The research highlights the importance of specialised, multidisciplinary care. By improving diagnosis and treatment and concentrating care in expert centres, doctors can better determine which treatment is most appropriate for each individual patient. The ultimate goal is to improve survival while preserving patients’ quality of life.
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