Lung cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Part I of this thesis confirms that electronic nose (eNose) analysis of exhaled breath could be used to improve the diagnosis of patients with lung cancer. Part II of this thesis shows that eNose analysis of exhaled breath and liquid biopsies could be used to improve the treatment of patients with lung cancer. Furthermore, Part II of this thesis demonstrates that optimizing dosing regimens of anti-cancer drugs using biomarkers could improve the treatment of patients with lung cancer, and that the use of biomarkers could additionally promote global access to healthcare and pursue financial sustainability of current healthcare systems. The concepts discussed in this thesis can be used to potentially improve patient outcomes across cancer types and diseases other than lung cancer as well.
Alessandra I.G. Buma (1997) obtained her medical degree in 2022 at the Radboud University after which she started her PhD at the Department of Respiratory Diseases at the Radboudumc. Currently, she has started her specialization in Respiratory Medicine and is working as a postdoctoral researcher at the Department of Respiratory Diseases at the Radboudumc.