IMAGINE: Image Guided Treatment for Cancer Patients

With an aging population, more and more people are being diagnosed with cancer. At the same time, fewer healthcare workers are available to provide care. This makes it crucial to develop new techniques that make healthcare more effective and, preferably, less burdensome for patients. Image-guided treatments for cancer patients can play a major role in this. For this reason, a large consortium led by UMC Utrecht has launched IMAGINE. The Hague University of Applied Sciences is participating through Research Group Oncological Care and Research Group Relational Care. With an investment of €54 million, IMAGINE is a world-leading innovation lab for image-guided interventions.

Image-Guided Treatment

Image-guided treatment is a method that allows patients to receive more targeted and less invasive care. Imaging technologies (such as MRI, CT, X-ray, and ultrasound) are used to map tumors with high precision during interventions.

With these new techniques, cancer patients can receive much more targeted radiation and require fewer sessions. This leads to significant health benefits for patients.

- Joke Korevaar, Professor in Oncological Care

Objective

To treat cancer patients faster and more effectively using the latest minimally invasive techniques.

Method

The study consists of many different components, employing a wide range of methodologies. Researchers from The Hague University of Applied Sciences will conduct interviews, organize focus groups, and speak with experts by experience to understand, for example, the impact of these new techniques on patients. They will also investigate what these innovations mean for healthcare professionals.

Expected Results

The ultimate goal is to significantly improve the lives and care of cancer patients.

Impact

The societal impact could be substantial. The role of the care provider will change, and responsibilities may shift between different healthcare professionals. Because patients can complete their treatment more quickly, they may recover faster and return to participating in society sooner.

Duration

The project started in June 2025 and will run until June 2035.

Team

• Yvonne van Zaalen
• Joke Korevaar

Collaboration

Within IMAGINE UMC Utrecht collaborates with Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Ziekenhuis/Nederlands Kanker Instituut, Catharina Ziekenhuis, Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI), Elekta,  Fontys Hogeschool, Hogeschool Utrecht, De Haagse Hogeschool, KALCIO Healthcare, Lygature, Philips, Radboud UMC, Technische Universiteit Eindhoven, Tesla Dynamic Coils, Universiteit Utrecht and Utrecht Inc.

Funding

This project is funded by NWO.

More Information

IMAGINE van start - UMC Utrecht 

Contact

Joke Korevaar ([email protected])