Adrenocortical carcinoma : a study on epidemiology diagnostics and treatment of a rare endocrine malignancy

Research output: ThesisDoctoral ThesisInternal

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Abstract

The adrenal gland is an important hormone-producing organ which, like any other organ, can develop cancer. Adrenal gland cancer is rare, with only twenty new cases being diagnosed in the Netherlands each year. The disease is generally quite aggressive in nature. This dissertation describes the prevalence of this disease and the survival rate among adults and children in the Netherlands. It also examines a diagnostic tool that uses a urine test to distinguish between benign and malignant tumours in the adrenal gland. Finally, this dissertation contains studies on the properties of mitotane, the only registered medication for adrenal gland cancer, with the aim of finding a more efficient and individualised dosage system for this medicine.
Original languageEnglish
QualificationDoctor of Philosophy
Awarding Institution
  • Maastricht University
Supervisors/Advisors
  • Haak, Harm, Supervisor
  • Kerstens, M.N., Co-Supervisor, External person
Award date12 Nov 2015
Place of PublicationMaastricht
Publisher
Print ISBNs9789090292649
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2015

Keywords

  • cancer
  • adrenal gland
  • diagnostics
  • treatment

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