Pulmonologist-oncologist Wouter van Geffen has been appointed Professor of Pulmonary Medicine, with a special focus on thoracic oncology, at Radboud University Medical Center and Radboud University. He also serves as Head of the Department of Pulmonary Diseases. Through his research, Van Geffen aims to optimize the diagnosis and treatment of patients with lung cancer, both in the Netherlands and internationally.
Lung cancer affects more than 14,000 individuals each year in the Netherlands, making it one of the most common and most serious forms of cancer. Diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in lung cancer are evolving rapidly, offering significant opportunities for improving patient outcomes. Van Geffen’s work focuses on advancing diagnostics, personalized care, more efficient treatments, and palliative care, with a strong emphasis on patient-centered practice. As he states: ‘It is not only about prolonging life, but also about maintaining quality of life. Every patient deserves an approach tailored to their individual needs.’
Diagnostics
Improving diagnostic pathways is a key priority for Van Geffen. His research addresses how lung cancer can be detected earlier and what is required to achieve this across different healthcare systems. In the Netherlands and across Europe, he is involved in initiatives aimed at accelerating early detection. The targeted use of imaging and other diagnostic tools in high-risk populations can facilitate diagnosis at earlier, more treatable stages.
In countries such as Indonesia, where Van Geffen is also actively engaged in research, the challenges are even greater. Patients often present at advanced stages due to limited diagnostic infrastructure and lower awareness. These settings provide valuable insights into how early detection strategies can be implemented under resource-constrained conditions. According to Van Geffen: ‘The lessons we learn there are also highly relevant for clinical practice in the Netherlands.’
Treatment
Van Geffen also aims to improve lung cancer treatment. Therapeutic options have expanded considerably in recent years, ranging from targeted therapies based on genetic profiles to immunotherapy. A central question is how to optimally deploy these treatments for individual patients. By leveraging existing data more effectively and integrating innovative approaches, his research seeks to further personalize treatment strategies. Importantly, this includes not only treatment efficacy but also quality of life: therapies that extend survival should minimize impact on patients’ daily functioning.
Career
Wouter van Geffen studied Medicine in Groningen, where he subsequently specialized in Pulmonary Medicine with a focus on thoracic oncology at the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG). He also completed a fellowship at the Royal Brompton Hospital in London. In 2018, he obtained his PhD from the University of Groningen. Between 2016 and 2025, Van Geffen worked as a pulmonologist at the Frisius Medical Center in Leeuwarden, where he developed the lung oncology center into an accredited top clinical center offering comprehensive care and participating in international research.
He also served as a training program director in Pulmonary Medicine and was responsible for national education and training within the Netherlands Society of Physicians for Pulmonary Diseases and Tuberculosis (NVALT). In parallel, he established a long-term collaboration with Universitas Indonesia and Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital in Jakarta. In October 2025, he joined Radboud University Medical Center as Head of the Department of Pulmonary Diseases. His appointment as Professor will take effect on July 1, 2026.
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