NWO Grants for Medical Delta Researchers

A research consortium involving several researchers from the Medical Delta scientific program UltraHB: Ultrafast ultrasound for the heart and brain, has received a significant grant from the NWO Open Technology Program. The research project 'Capaflexus' aims to develop new flexible, wearable echo probes and the accompanying algorithms to monitor patients' heart conditions over extended periods.

A total of six application-oriented research projects have received funding. Besides Capaflexus, another project has been awarded funding to investigate the irradiation of tumors using very high-energy electrons, a new form of radiation therapy for cancer patients. Several scientists involved in Medical Delta research are participating in this project as well.

Ultrasound Echography for Monitoring Heart Failure

The awarded Capaflexus project focuses on monitoring heart failure and aligns with the Medical Delta UltraHB program. Dr. Annemien van den Bosch (Erasmus MC), one of the scientific leaders of the UltraHB program, along with consortium members Dr. Ir. Rik Vos (Erasmus MC, TU Delft) and Dr. Ir. Martin Verweij (TU Delft, also the main applicant of Capaflexus), are involved in Capaflexus.

In the Capaflexus project, TU Delft and Erasmus MC are collaborating to develop a new ultrasound concept for monitoring patients with heart failure. Two PhD candidates will work on the technical development and clinical application of a flexible ultrasound transducer and associated imaging techniques. The research aims to result in a type of sticker that can be worn on the chest by the patient for extended periods. This allows heart function to be monitored over time outside the clinic, enabling more accurate predictions of heart failure progression and timely adjustments to medication.

Irradiation of Tumors with Very High-Energy Electrons

Irradiation of tumors with very high-energy electrons is a new form of radiation therapy for cancer patients. Compared to conventional radiation therapy with photons, this can lead to a substantial reduction in side effects from radiation. Additionally, it may be possible to curatively irradiate tumors that are currently difficult to treat, such as those located close to a nerve.

The project 'Exploration and Optimization of Very High-Energy Electron Beam Therapy' has received over €1 million to investigate how this technique can be best utilized, which tumor groups it is most effective for, and the technical requirements for the yet-to-be-built radiation equipment. Various researchers from Erasmus MC and TU Delft, also involved in Medical Delta research, will participate in this project.

See also
NWO grant for new radiotherapy to reduce side effects and improve cure rates (tudelft.nl)

Over €1 million for new form of radiation - Amazing Erasmus MC

Radiation therapy research gets a €1 million boost - IO (innovationorigins.com)