The presence of lymph node (LN) metastases is a key factor for prognosis and therapy of prostate cancer. Improved and earlier detection of LN-metastases results in early and patient tailored treatment, with subsequent less side effects and increased chance for cure. However, finding small LN metastases is a major challenge, for which at the Radboudumc two experimental techniques are available: PSMA-PET-CT and USPIO-enhanced MRI. In this project, we will bring these together, in addition to  an extensive examination of the prostate itself. With this we investigate the metastatic potential of the disease, diagnose the first small metastases, and follow up patients to validate our methods.
 

USPIO-enhanced MRI uses small iron-dextran particles, internalized by macrophages, to visualize nodal metastases. Local and regional MRI of the prostate will be performed at an ultra-high magnetic field strength of 7 Tesla, in which we pioneer together with our research team in Essen, Germany (prof. Harald Quick). We will implement new 7T MR hard- and software needed to perform iron-sensitive MRI of pelvic lymph nodes, and multi-parametric MRI and spectroscopy of the prostate itself.

This is a multi-disciplinary project, embedded in the department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, together with Urology (prof. Fred Witjes and dr. Michiel Sedelaar). Thus far, the in-vivo detection of 1 mm LN metastases of any imaging technique has not been described before. Our final aim is to enable 7T MRI-guided targeted therapy, thereby allowing personalized treatment of prostate cancer.
 

We are looking for an MD (Medicine or Technical medicine) to spend three or four years on (MR) imaging research of prostate cancer at ultra-high magnetic field strength. In the first year of this period the candidate can also be evaluated for a position as a resident at the Department of Radiology or Urology after this research period of three years.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Patient selection and recruitment;
• Actual measurements on volunteers and patients on 3 and 7 Tesla;
• Specimen measurements;
• Data analysis;
• Reporting in scientific journals, finishing with a PhD thesis.

We are looking for an enthusiastic candidate with an MD-degree ((Technical) Medicine). The multi-disciplinary character of the project requires a broad interest and good communication skills. You also recognise yourself in the Radboud way of working.                

Fixed-term contract: 3 or 4 years.

The salary will be in scale 10 or scale 10A Cao umc depending on experience. Scale 10A: max € 40814 gross per year at full employment (incl. vacation bonus and end of year payments) or scale 10: max € 44687 gross per year at full employment (incl. vacation bonus and end of year payments). 

Application
Applications should consist of an up-to-date CV (including publications) as well as a personal motivation letter and two letters of recommendation.

Information
Upon commencement of employment we require a certificate of conduct (Verklaring Omtrent het Gedrag, VOG) and there will be a screening based on the provided CV. Radboud university medical center’s HR Department will apply for this certificate on your behalf.

Read more about the Radboudumc employment conditions.

Radboudumc (university medical center)

Radboudumc strives to be a leading developer of sustainable, innovative and affordable healthcare to improve the health and wellbeing of people and society in the Netherlands and beyond. This is the core of our mission: To have a significant impact on healthcare. To get a better picture of what this entails, check out our strategy film.

Our key strength is medical life-sciences and clinical practice, with an impressive infrastructure comprising state-of-the-art technology platforms and (translational) research facilities. The Radboudumc is therefore uniquely positioned in the emerging Euregio and Dutch healthcare infrastructure to play a leading role in the new healthcare paradigm of prediction, prevention and personalised medicine.

The Radboudumc focuses on scientific health challenges of today, with an eye on emerging diseases of the future.

Read more about what it means to work at Radboudumc and how you can do your part.

https://www.radboudumc.nl/EN/Pages/default.aspx

Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine
The development and application of novel MR methods for the diagnosis, disease prediction and treatment monitoring of human cancers is a main research focus at our department. We are one of the leading groups in MR of prostate cancer, with many years of experience in this field (prof. Arend Heerschap, prof. Jelle O.Barentsz, dr. Tom Scheenen and dr. Jurgen Fütterer). This research is integrated with clinical examinations and other investigations of cancer cells or tissues to find the best solution for (bio-) medical questions. Our cancer research is translational: to support human studies with new perspectives and understanding, parallel MR investigations are performed in animal models.

The group is composed of senior researchers, Post-docs, PhD students and technical staff with clinical, biological, bio-chemical, bio-physical, engineering and technical backgrounds. We collaborate intensively with the departments of urology, pathology, radiotherapy, and internal medicine, and with many groups at national and international level (e.g. in EU and US). 

Since 2014 the Radboudumc is able to use an MRI contrast agent (Ferumoxtran-10, Ultrasmall SuperParamagnetic Iron Oxide particles) that enables visualization of cancer metastases in lymph nodes. We recently received funding to expand the existing team with Dr. Ir. Tom Scheenen as Principle Investigator.
 
Research facilities:
The Radboud University has the most extensive MR research equipment in the Netherlands. For biomedical applications various systems are available for imaging and spectroscopic purposes including two human 1.5T, two human 3T whole body MR systems and a human 7T whole body MR. High-resolution NMR machines up to 20 T are available at the science faculty. Pre-clinical MR equipment (7 and 11.7 Tesla) is installed in a dedicated animal imaging laboratory together with PET/CT, optical devices, and a setup for Dynamic Nuclear Polarization studies.