Meet the team: Radboud University Medical Center (Radboudumc)
“We are highly enthusiastic about this international collaboration, through which we aim to contribute to the investigation of potential treatment options for individuals with endometriosis. Our ultimate goal is to empower individuals and, in doing so, improve quality of life for those living with this debilitating disease.”
In another instalment of our Team Spotlight series, we are introducing you to the team at Radboud University Medical Center (Radboudumc), the Netherlands. They share an introduction to their team, their role in the EUmetriosis project, and their hopes for the future for those with endometriosis.
The team at Radboudumc is a diverse group of researchers from different backgrounds, combining expertise in gynaecology, nutrition, psychology, and immunology. For the EUmetriosis project, the team is looking at the effects of an anti-inflammatory diet and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) on pain symptoms, quality of life, the microbiome, and inflammatory markers in individuals with endometriosis. They aim to investigate the effect of these interventions, and will work together with other collaborators in the EUmetriosis project to investigate the physiological mechanisms associated with these interventions.
The team has experience conducting clinical research in the field of diet and CBT interventions among individuals with endometriosis. The team includes both clinicians and laboratory staff, enabling close collaboration and a strong connection between clinical and fundamental research.
L-R Prof. Annemiek Nap, Emma Huijs, Loutje van der Sman
Project lead Annemiek Nap shares,
“For me it is very important to increase awareness about endometriosis and to gain more knowledge about possible treatment options for those with the disease. My goal is to empower those with endometriosis and help them with self-management of the disease. Personally, I am very happy with the international collaboration within this project as we can learn from the individual international members from different European countries and make each other stronger. This will help even more to raise awareness about endometriosis.
I hope that our involvement in this project will enhance the international collaboration. Emma’s and Loutje’s enthusiasm are very stimulating within the international team. Moreover, our involvement will help to gain more knowledge about the effect of lifestyle intervention for endometriosis, and the biological mechanisms behind this effect. Finally, we hope to add knowledge in the field of the microbiome in endometriosis, which is very complex.”
Emma Huijs is a dietitian and PhD candidate with a special interest in women’s health, endometriosis, and gut health. Her research focusses on the impact of an anti-inflammatory diet intervention and CBT on endometriosis-related pain symptoms, health-related quality of life, and inflammatory markers. She says,
“I am motivated to contribute to this international project in collaboration with diverse disciplines. It is a honor to work with this team on developing innovative approaches to improve the care of individuals with endometriosis. What I particularly appreciate about this project is the holistic approach, which prominently incorporates the patient’s perspective.
Furthermore, from my professional experience as a dietitian, I find it especially rewarding to explore how lifestyle changes, such as dietary adjustments may potentially alleviate symptoms associated with this chronic disease. Contributing to improved quality of life.”
Loutje van der Sman is a PhD candidate at the Radboud University Medical Center. Her primary focus is laboratory work, where she analyses various components of the immune system in samples from individuals with endometriosis before and after anti-inflammatory diet intervention and/or CBT. She shares,
“I am highly motivated to be involved in this project because it offers the unique opportunity to be part of a multidisciplinary, international team. The prospect of collaborating with experts from different backgrounds is incredibly exciting to me, as it allows for diverse perspectives and innovative solutions to emerge. Personally and professionally, I am eager to apply my knowledge of immunology to the research on endometriosis. I believe this approach could provide valuable insights into the immune system’s role in this condition, which remains underexplored.
I am deeply passionate about the fact that endometriosis has not received enough attention in terms of research. It is a condition that affects millions worldwide, yet still lacks a comprehensive understanding and effective treatments. I am excited by the scope of this project, which brings together researchers from multiple countries, combines different areas of expertise, and applies cutting-edge techniques to finally conduct large-scale research into endometriosis. I truly believe that this collaboration has the potential to make a significant impact in improving the lives of individuals suffering from endometriosis.”