The lab: Beets-Tan group
Lab's research themes:
The research ambition of the department is to establish and expand research lines in oncologic imaging and interventional oncology addressing various cancer types. The lines will follow the priorities of the research themes in our institute (personalised medicine, immunotherapy, image-guided treatment, and fundamental research). Hence, the research priorities of the institute and will focus on the following 6 main streams:
MRI and organ preservation
Multi-parametric imaging for personalized medicine and
image-guided treatment
Whole-body MRI
Artificial Intelligence
Radiomics and immunology
Interventional Oncology
Merits of the lab:
Our lab stands at the forefront of oncologic imaging, driven by an interdisciplinary team of experts who integrate clinical insights with advanced imaging technologies. With a deep commitment to personalized medicine, we emphasize translating imaging innovations into clinical practice, ensuring our research has real-world impact.
We also have a strong collaborative network, working with global institutions and leading clinical teams to ensure that our discoveries are not only innovative but also immediately applicable in clinical settings. Our ability to merge state-of-the-art technology with patient-centered care has positioned us as leaders in the field.
Why do we train medical doctors in our team?
Training medical doctors in our team is pivotal to bridging the gap between imaging research and clinical application. Medical doctors bring essential clinical insights that inform our imaging research, ensuring that our innovations are directly aligned with patient needs. By involving them in cutting-edge oncologic imaging research, we empower them to better understand the potential of imaging technologies in improving diagnosis, treatment, and personalized patient care. This integrated approach fosters a symbiotic relationship between research and practice, advancing both fields and enhancing patient outcomes.
The position
Meet Sajjad!
Biosketch
Sajjad studied medicine at Mashhad university of medical sciences in Iran between the years of 2014 and 2021. He did a number of clinical and research internships during his studies, and eventually found his passion in development of personalized medicine. To pursue his dream of moving from one-size-fits-all towards personalized medicine, he joined the Emerald program in the laboratory of Regina Beets-Tan at the Netherlands Cancer Institute in Amsterdam. He is currently doing clinical and translational research on imaging of cancer of unknown primary (CUP), and is looking for new imaging methods to solve the mystery of CUP.
University awarding the PhD
Sajjad is currently enrolled in the Maastricht University.
I decided to become a physician because…
Medicine has been my dream since I was a little child.
But also, I wanted to become a scientist because…
I love to improve and contribute to my field of interest.
What I am working on?
Imaging of Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP)
Why is this important to me as a medical doctor?
Cancers of unknown primary (CUP) are surprisingly common, and patients suffering from this disease can’t receive proper treatment, mostly because our knowledge of CUP is not sufficient. I strongly believe that we have to focus more and more on cancerology including CUP, and solve this long-existing problem once and for ever.
Who am I besides a future physician-scientist?
I am known as a fun and outgoing person among my friends. I love to travel, party and do lots of sports.
