Nienke Hoekstra

About

Nienke Hoekstra is a leading researcher in radiation oncology, specializing in the optimization of breast cancer radiotherapy to minimize long-term risks. Her primary research areas include secondary cancer risk assessment, treatment planning for early-stage breast cancer, and the refinement of adjuvant radiotherapy techniques. Hoekstra’s major contribution lies in quantifying and mitigating the risk of radiation-induced secondary lung cancer (SLC) in breast cancer patients, particularly those with early-stage disease. Her most cited work, "Estimation of Annual Secondary Lung Cancer Deaths Using Various Adjuvant Breast Radiotherapy Techniques for Early-Stage Cancers" (2021, 16 citations), demonstrates that SLC risks can offset the benefits of radiotherapy after 25–30 years, highlighting the need for technique optimization. In her 2020 study on accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI), she showed that reducing lung dose significantly lowers SLC risk, offering a pathway to safer treatment. With a total of 23 citations across her top papers, Hoekstra’s work has direct clinical impact, guiding radiation oncologists toward lung-sparing techniques that improve long-term survival outcomes. Her research is essential for balancing local control with late toxicity, making her a key voice in personalized, risk-adapted breast cancer care.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

Top Papers

1. 1
   Estimation of Annual Secondary Lung Cancer Deaths Using Various Adjuvant Breast Radiotherapy Techniques for Early-Stage Cancers

   16 citations · 2021
2. 2
   Reducing the Risk of Secondary Lung Cancer in Treatment Planning of Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation

   7 citations · 2020

Key Collaborators

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