ERASMUS UROLOGY RESEARCH
Erasmus MC Urothelial Cancer Research Group
The Erasmus MC Urothelial Cancer Research Group is a research group associated with the Cancer Institute of the Erasmus University Medical Center in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Our main research goal is to explore the molecular mechanisms of urothelial cancer and to translate our findings into clinical practice for the improvement of patient centered care. The EUCRG team consists of specialists from a variety of backgrounds, including urology, pathology, biochemistry and bioinformatics. More importantly, we represent an enthusiastic team of scientists working as either PI’s, postdoctoral fellows, research technicians, PhD or master (MSc students). Please do not hesitate to contact us if you are interested in urothelial cancer research or more detailed information from our group.

Gene Expression Profiling
In recent years, gene expression profiling has revealed that Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer (MIBC) is a heterogeneous disease; like breast cancer, it can be stratified into different molecular subtypes. Read more

Digital Pathology
Diagnosis and prognosis of urothelial cancer are performed via assessment of specific tissue and cellular features by pathologists. Importantly, intra and inter variability of pathologists can affect diagnosis. There is a need to develop methods for reducing the inconsistency of pathologic assessment.

Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma
Our research on urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract (UTUC) mainly focusses on the bladder recurrences following surgery for this disease. Read more

Urine-based molecular assays
Hematuria (i.e. blood in urine) can be a sign of serious underlying disease (including malignancy) and is reason for referral to a urology clinic. Read more

Mechanisms of BCG resistance
Patients with high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer are treated with intravesical BCG immunotherapy, which facilitates removal of residual tumor cells after transurethral bladder tumor resection. Read more

Tumor Organoid Models
For primary diagnosis, bladder cancer patients are treated by surgical resection of the tumor and may require additional treatment depending on tumor stage. Read more
People

Ellen Zwarthoff
Professor

Joep J. de Jong
MD, PhD-candidate

Mathijs Scholtes MD
MD, PhD-candidate

Joost Boormans
Associate Professor

Christiaan de Jong
MD, PhD-candidate

Farbod Khoraminia
MSc, PhD-candidate

Tahlita Zuiverloon
Assistant Professor

Thomas van Doeveren
MD, PhD-candidate

Olga Pijpers
MD, PhD-candidate

Tokameh Mahmoudi
Assistant Professor

Vera Rutten
MD, PhD-candidate

Mitchel Olislager
PhD-candidate