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The Radboudumc Academic Medical Network is investing in regional collaboration in the areas of optimization of emergency care for the elderly thanks to smart score application, improvement of endometrial cancer diagnostics using AI, and insight into muscle mass change when using weight-loss medication. Joint research projects, in which researchers from Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Jeroen Bosch Hospital and Rijnstate collaborate with researchers from Radboudumc, will receive a total of 840,000 euros.
The Radboudumc Academic Medical Network is an initiative to strengthen ties between Radboudumc and Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Jeroen Bosch Hospital, Rijnstate and Sint Maartenskliniek. The hospitals have a regional joint ambition in the field of research: Innovation and person-centered network care.
To achieve this ambition, the hospitals are investing in research projects in which researchers from CWZ, JBZ, Rijnstate and SMK work together with researchers from Radboudumc. The Sint Maartenskliniek has decided not to participate in this round. After the success of previous years, three Junior Researchers places have been awarded this year.
Celebratory
Researchers from Radboudumc and PhD holders from the collaborating hospitals were invited to submit a project proposal. A review committee consisting of representatives from CWZ, JBZ, Rijnstate, and Radboudumc evaluated the project proposals based on criteria such as their societal relevance, alignment with the shared strategy, and scientific quality.
During the celebratory event at the Radboudumc Experience Center on July 3rd, one Junior Researcher position per collaborating partner was awarded, each amounting to €280,000,- for a period of four years. These are the three awarded projects:
Tailored ambulance care for the elderly: appropriate help through smart risk stratification
Radboudumc: Tijn Kool
CWZ: Jorgos Alexandridis
The goal of this project is to investigate whether ambulance personnel can better assess whether an elderly patient actually needs to go to the hospital by determining abnormalities in vital signs on the spot. Performing these measurements directly on the patient could potentially prevent unnecessary ambulance trips and emergency room visits.
Based on findings in a small-scale study in England, the researchers expect that this approach could lead to a significant reduction in hospital visits in the elderly without compromising patient safety. This not only helps prevent risks such as delirium or hospital-acquired infections, but also helps reduce pressure on the emergency room and reduce healthcare costs.
Enhancing ENDOmetrial biopsy Artificial Intelligence assisted Diagnosis
Radboudumc: Francesco Ciompi
JBZ: Louis van der Putten
Each year, more than 2,000 endometrial biopsies are examined at Radboudumc and the JBZ. These tissue samples from the uterine lining are used to detect (pre)stages of uterine cancer. After a diagnosis is made, pathologists not only determine the type of abnormality but also provide advice on the most appropriate treatment. The choice of hospital—Radboudumc or JBZ—depends on the specific care needs of the patient.
Although genetic testing can offer valuable insights into the progression of endometrial cancer, these techniques are expensive and often unnecessary for low-risk cases. To address this, researchers have developed an innovative tool: ENDO-AID. This artificial intelligence system analyzes biopsy samples and distinguishes between harmless polyps and (pre)malignant changes.
ENDO-AID supports pathologists by reliably identifying benign abnormalities, assists clinicians in predicting disease progression in complex cases, and classifies cancer types more accurately. This leads to better-informed treatment decisions and a surgical approach tailored to each individual patient.
Effects of weight-loss medication on muscle mass
Radboudumc: Maria Hopman
Rijstate: Eric Hazebroek
In this project, researchers at Rijnstate and Radboudumc are working together to see what influence new weight-loss medications (GLP-1 receptor agonists), such as Ozempic, have on the ratio of fat to muscle mass. Until now, the main focus of research has been on losing fat, but little is known about what happens to muscle mass.
Therefore, this study will look not only at fat loss, but also at how muscle mass changes - both during and after treatment with GLP-1 receptor agonists. In addition, a pilot study is being conducted in which participants do strength training and receive protein supplements, to investigate whether that helps to better maintain muscle mass during treatment.
With this study, the researchers expect to contribute to improving sustainable obesity treatments with minimal reduction in muscle mass.
