Translational medical optics and photonics
Optics and photonics play a crucial role in modern medicine, revolutionizing diagnostics, treatment, and research. Their ability to manipulate and utilize light enables high-precision tools and techniques that improve patient care. The Translational Medical optics and Photonics group sets out to understand underlying mechanisms and to find the clinical value of light employing technologies developed in the biomedical optics group. The key areas where optics and photonics are essential are diagnostics, surgical solutions and therapeutics.
This involves imaging modalities like optical coherence tomography (OCT), confocal endo-microscopy, and fluorescence imaging, all providing detailed images of tissues and cells, aiding in early disease detection, treatment follow-up and surgical guidance. For the aforementioned technologies, we develop novel quantitative strategies to aid detection and differentiation of suspected lesions or to quantify physiological parameters to support surgery. This is either physics based, using light-tissue interaction theory or AI based strategies.
We also develop light based focal therapies such as fiber based laser ablation (FLA) which creates light induced thermal damage and photodynamic therapy (PDT) which combines photosensitizing drugs with specific wavelengths of light to treat cancer and other diseases. These therapeutic approaches are accompanied with advanced treatment planning and dosimetry algorithms. This is to aid
For all these novel technologies, pre-clinical and clinical evaluation studies are designed and executed by our group in single or multicenter studies to understand working mechanisms and to show safety, feasibility and clinical significance.
MEDPHOT: Image guided transperineal laser ablation of prostate cancer
The overall aim of this project is to create a personalized focal Trans-Perineal Laser Ablation (TPLA) platform allowing for highly accurate fiber-based ablation of prostatic lesions with increased treatment accuracy and reduced side-effects compared to conventional clinical treatments. Yet, the success of this approach depends on the spatial resolution of identifying target lesions which is currently around 5 mm. Therefore, we set the secondary, high-risk but potentially high gain objective to initiate the development of nano-particle based Photodynamic Therapy (PDT), which allows for localized delivery of therapeutic agents.
The project is subdivided into three Work Packages (WPs) focusing on the three key enabling technologies required for the development of the platform:
1) Development of a state-of-the-art laser ablation dosimetry platform for accurate TPLA treatment Planning (WP1, AUMC).
2) Development of an innovative MRI in-bore ready steerable treatment-delivery needle Platform (WP2, TU Delft)
3) Development of a novel targeted fluorescence-based Photo-Dynamic Therapy (PDT) up-conversion nanoparticle platform with the potential to increase focal ablation capabilities beyond the current modality (WP3, UvA).
Trial registrations:
https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03653117
https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05163197
https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04170478
BLOCT – optical coherence tomography to revolutionize bladder cancer imaging and diagnostics.
Although the histopathological result is currently regarded as the gold standard in bladder cancer diagnosis, there remains significant inter-observer variability, which may have a considerable impact on treatment decisions. Furthermore, the current time consuming diagnostic process places a substantial burden on bladder cancer patients and results in substantial healthcare costs.
We therefore developed a novel forward-looking OCT catheter which is interfaced with a 400 kHz A-line rate 1060 nm OCT system. The new OCT catheter incorporates a micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) mirror, which enables the generation of an image with a larger FOV than the catheter tip. The aim of the present study is to assess the feasibility of the newly developed MEMS-based OCT catheter and system in-vivo during cystoscopies.
Trial registration:
https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06679920
CLEVER –Needle based confocal laser endo-microscopy in lung cancer
The goal of this research project is in twofold: Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy (CLE) and polarization sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) applications in pulmonary diseases. The goals for CLE research are twofold:
1) Bronchoscopic and endosonographic real-time CLE detection of lung cancer (tumors and nodal metastases). The proposed CLE lung cancer criteria will be an AI based validated and automated recognition software for real-time CLE detection of tumor cells will be developed.
2) Targeted fluorescence labeling to optimize the sensitivity and specificity for tumor cell detection, identification and characterization, targeting specific antigens expressed at the surface of tumor cells will be explored. Microdoses of labelled immunotherapy antibodies (anti-PD1, anti-CTLA4) detected by CLE imaging will be used to acquire insights into the in vivo mechanism of action of these novel treatment modalities.
Trial registrations:
https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06079970
https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02689050
https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06505642
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Postdocs

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Prospective Analysis of Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy for Assessment of the Resection Bed for Bladder Tumor
de Ruiter, B. M., Freund, J. E., Dilara Savci-Heijink, C., van Hattum, J. W., Remmelink, M. J., de Reijke, T. M., Baard, J., Kamphuis, G. M., de Bruin, D. M. & Oddens, J. R., Jan 2025, In: European Urology Open Science. 71, p. 57-62 6 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
Advanced optical imaging techniques for bladder cancer detection and diagnosis: a systematic review
Remmelink, M. J., Rip, Y., Nieuwenhuijzen, J. A., Ket, J. C. F., Oddens, J. R., de Reijke, T. M. & de Bruin, D. M., Dec 2024, In: BJU international. 134, 6, p. 890-905 16 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › Academic › peer-review
Grading urothelial carcinoma with probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy during flexible cystoscopy
de Ruiter, B.-M., Freund, J. E., Savci-Heijnink, C. D., van Hattum, J. W., de Reijke, T. M., Baard, J., Kamphuis, G. M., de Bruin, D. M. & Oddens, J. R., 1 Dec 2024, In: World journal of urology. 42, 1, 450.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
Intra-Operative Tumour Detection and Staging in Pancreatic Cancer Surgery: An Integrative Review of Current Standards and Future Directions
Kotb, A., Hafeji, Z., Jesry, F., Lintern, N., Pathak, S., Smith, A. M., Lutchman, K. R. D., de Bruin, D. M., Hurks, R., Heger, M. & Khaled, Y. S., 1 Nov 2024, In: Cancers. 16, 22, 3803.Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › Academic › peer-review
Outcomes of CEM43 in Predicting Thermal Damage Induced by Focal Laser Ablation in Controlled Ex Vivo Experiments: A Comparison to Histology and MRI
de Bie, K. C. C., van Kollenburg, R. A. A., van Riel, L. A. M. J. G., Almasian, M., Freund, J. E., Bloemen, P. R., Zweije, R., Crezee, J., Coolen, B. F., Strijkers, G. J., de Reijke, T. M., Oddens, J. R., van Leeuwen, A. G. J. M. & de Bruin, D. M., 1 Oct 2024, In: Lasers in surgery and medicine. 56, 8, p. 723-733 11 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
All-reflective tethered capsule endoscope for multimodal optical coherence tomography in the esophagus
Attendu, X., Bloemen, P. R., Kind, N. H., Faber, D. J., de Bruin, D. M., Boudoux, C. & van Leeuwen, T. G., 1 Sept 2024, In: Journal of biomedical optics. 29, 9, 096003.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
Bronchoscopy with and without needle-based confocal laser endomicroscopy for peripheral lung nodule diagnosis: protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial (CLEVER trial)
van Heumen, S., Kramer, T., Korevaar, D. A., Gompelmann, D., Bal, C., Hetzel, J., Jahn, K., Poletti, V., Ravaglia, C., Sadoughi, A., Stratakos, G., Bakiri, K., Koukaki, E., Anagnostopoulos, N., Votruba, J., Šestáková, Z., Heuvelmans, M. A., Daniels, J. M. A., de Bruin, D. M. & Bonta, P. I. & 1 others, , 4 Jul 2024, In: BMJ open. 14, 7, p. e081148 e081148.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
Quantification of fluorescence angiography for visceral perfusion assessment: measuring agreement between two software algorithms
Nijssen, D. J., Joosten, J. J., Osterkamp, J., van den Elzen, R. M., de Bruin, D. M., Svendsen, M. B. S., Dalsgaard, M. W., Gisbertz, S. S., Hompes, R., Achiam, M. P. & van Berge Henegouwen, M. I., 1 May 2024, In: Surgical endoscopy. 38, 5, p. 2805-2816 12 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
Heavy as a rock or light as dust: a comparison between the perceived workload for extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy, ureterorenoscopy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy
Henderickx, M. M., Hendriks, N., Bouma-Houwert, A. C., Baard, J., Kamphuis, G. M., Schuil, H. W., Beerlage, H. P. & de Bruin, D. M., 2024, In: Central European journal of urology. 77, 1, p. 129-135 7 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
Development and clinical implementation of real-time decision support tools for ICU discharge
Thoral, P., de Hond, A., Sauer, C., de Bruin, D., Fornasa, M., Arbous, S., Cinà, G. & Elbers, P., 2024, In: Journal of critical care. 81, p. 154558 1 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
Contrast-enhanced Ultrasound Imaging Following Transperineal Laser Ablation for Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms
van Kollenburg, R. A. A., van Riel, L. A. M. J. G., Oddens, J. R., de Reijke, T. M., van Leeuwen, T. G. & de Bruin, D. M., 2024, (Accepted/In press) In: Urology.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
Transperineal laser ablation as treatment for benign prostatic obstruction: Safety, feasibility and functional outcomes—A pilot study
van Kollenburg, R., van Riel, L., Bloemen, P., de Reijke, T., Beerlage, H., de Bruin, D. & Oddens, J., 1 Jan 2024, In: BJUI Compass. 5, 1, p. 52-59 8 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
Needle-based confocal laser endomicroscopy for real-time granuloma detection
Kramer, T., Wijmans, L., van Heumen, S., Bansal, S., Jeannerat, D., Manley, C., de Bruin, M., Bonta, P. I. & Annema, J. T., Oct 2023, In: Respirology (Carlton, Vic.). 28, 10, p. 934-941 8 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
Perfusion assessment by fluorescence time curves in esophagectomy with gastric conduit reconstruction: a prospective clinical study
Joosten, J. J., Slooter, M. D., van den Elzen, R. M., Bloemen, P. R., Gisbertz, S. S., Eshuis, W. J., Daams, F., de Bruin, D. M. & van Berge Henegouwen, M. I., Aug 2023, In: Surgical endoscopy. 37, 8, p. 6343-6352 10 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
Reliable Visualization of the Treatment Effect of Transperineal Focal Laser Ablation in Prostate Cancer Patients by Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Contrast-enhanced Ultrasound Imaging
van Riel, L. A. M. J. G., van Kollenburg, R. A. A., Freund, J. E., Almasian, M., Jager, A., Engelbrecht, M. R. W., Smit, R. S., Bekers, E., Nieuwenhuijzen, J. A., van Leeuwen, P. J., van der Poel, H., de Reijke, T. M., Beerlage, H. P., Oddens, J. R. & de Bruin, D. M., 1 Aug 2023, In: European Urology Open Science. 54, p. 72-79 8 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
Novel minimally invasive treatments for lower urinary tract symptoms: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
van Kollenburg, R. A. A., van Riel, L. A. M. J. G., de Bruin, D. M., de Rijke, T. M., Oddens, J. R. & de Reijke, T. M., 1 Jul 2023, In: International Braz J Urol. 49, 4, p. 411-427 17 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › Academic › peer-review
Understanding fluorescence time curves during ileal pouch-anal anastomosis with or without vascular ligation
Joosten, J. J., Slooter, M. D., van den Elzen, R. M., Bloemen, P. R., Laméris, W., de Bruin, D. M., Bemelman, W. A. & Hompes, R., Jul 2023, In: Surgical endoscopy. 37, 7, p. 5086-5093 8 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
Investigating and Compensating for Periphery-Center Effect among Commercial Near Infrared Imaging Systems Using an Indocyanine Green Phantom
Joosten, J. J., Bloemen, P. R., van den Elzen, R. M., Dalli, J., Cahill, R. A., van Berge Henegouwen, M. I., Hompes, R. & de Bruin, D. M., 1 Feb 2023, In: Applied Sciences (Switzerland). 13, 4, 2042.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
Ex-vivo OCT on human bladder tissue after radical cystectomy with a newly designed MEMS based forward looking OCT probe
Remmelink, M. J., Rip, Y., Bloemen, P. R., van den Elzen, R. M., Oddens, J. R., Nieuwenhuijzen, J. A., van der Voorn, J. P., van Leeuwen, T. G., de Reijke, T. M. & de Bruin, D. M., 2023, European Conference on Biomedical Optics, ECBO 2023: Diagnostics and Therapeutics III. Optical Society of America, Vol. 12627. 126271Q. (European Conference on Biomedical Optics, ECBO 2023).Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution › Academic › peer-review
Bronchoscopic Journey of in vivo Real-Time Microscopic Imaging in ILD: A Case Series
Wijmans, L., Kalverda, K., de Bruin, D., Brinkman, P., van den Berk, I., Roelofs, J. J. T. H., Jonkers, R., Bonta, P. I. & Annema, J., 1 Nov 2022, In: Respiration; international review of thoracic diseases. 101, 11, p. 1006-1014 9 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Academic › peer-review