Albert Schweitzer Ziekenhuis

At Albert Schweitzer Ziekenhuis in Dordrecht, a major share of research focuses on blood cancers, especially multiple myeloma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, and related disorders. These studies are largely aimed at improving treatment effectiveness, deepening disease control, and finding better options for relapsed or hard-to-treat disease.

• Multiple myeloma and relapsed/refractory disease
• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia and small lymphocytic lymphoma
• Acute myeloid leukemia and high-risk myelodysplasia
• Other hematologic cancers such as lymphoma, polycythemia vera, and myelodysplastic syndrome

Research in this area often compares new combinations or maintenance approaches with current standard care to improve long-term outcomes and reduce the chance of disease return.

The site also conducts substantial studies in cardiovascular diseases and metabolic disorders, including hypertension, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, heart failure, obesity, and dyslipidemia. The overall goal is to test better ways to lower risk, protect organs, and improve long-term health.

• High cardiovascular risk, stroke prevention, and coronary disease
• Hypertension and resistant blood pressure control
• Obesity, mixed dyslipidemia, and related metabolic risk
• Kidney- and heart-protective treatment strategies

These trials frequently evaluate whether newer therapies can reduce major cardiovascular events or slow progression of disease in people with complex risk profiles.

Another important research theme at Albert Schweitzer Ziekenhuis is chronic kidney disease and related endocrine or metabolic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, proteinuria, and thyroid disorders. Studies in this field aim to slow kidney decline, improve symptom control, and support better management of long-term disease.

• Chronic kidney disease and high proteinuria
• Kidney disease linked to diabetes or hypertension
• Thyroid-related conditions such as Graves’ disease and hypothyroidism
• Metabolic outcomes related to obesity and diabetes care

Many of these trials are designed to determine whether new treatment combinations can better preserve kidney function and improve overall clinical outcomes.

Solid tumor research is also well represented, with studies in breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and rectal cancer. The focus is on improving survival, preventing recurrence, and refining treatment strategies for advanced or high-risk disease.

• Breast cancer, including metastatic and high-risk early disease
• Prostate cancer, including metastatic castration-resistant disease
• Non-small cell lung cancer and KRAS-mutated disease
• Colorectal and rectal cancer, including liver metastases

These trials commonly compare new targeted or combination approaches with established therapy to see whether patients can achieve longer disease control and better outcomes.

The research portfolio includes digestive system diseases, immune system diseases, and inflammatory disorders such as celiac disease, ulcerative colitis, and rheumatoid arthritis. The purpose of this work is to improve diagnosis, symptom relief, and disease control in conditions that can significantly affect daily life.

• Celiac disease and gluten-related intestinal injury
• Ulcerative colitis and other inflammatory bowel conditions
• Rheumatoid arthritis and immune-mediated inflammation
• Alcohol-related liver disease and related digestive disorders

Studies in this area often assess whether tailored treatment approaches can better match therapy to individual patient needs and improve quality of life.

Beyond disease-specific treatment studies, the site participates in research on diagnostic techniques, treatment optimization, and health care delivery. This includes work on improving how conditions are detected, how treatment response is measured, and how care can be made more effective and efficient.

• Diagnostic and therapeutic techniques in routine clinical practice
• Quality of life and patient-centered treatment decisions
• Health care organization and cost-effectiveness research
• Supportive care and treatment tailoring in chronic disease

These studies reflect a broad interest in making care more precise, practical, and responsive to patients living with long-term or complex illnesses.