???????? ?????? ?????????????????????? ????????????????????: Adriaan de Bru?ne!

Adriaan de Bru?ne had been a professor at Maastricht University for four years when he made the move to Venlo’s Vie Curi institute in 2009. Having studied pathology at UM he joined the staff of the pathology department and completed his thesis in Maastricht before heading to Boston for further research. Upon his return to the Netherlands, his attention turned to colorectal cancer in the epigenetic field. In recent years, that focus has narrowed more on molecular analysis and biomarkers. He continues to work closely with GROW on the field of research that has the potential to improve so many different parts of cancer protocols for all patients.

“Basically, what biomarkers tell us, is aspects of a tumour which can be detected in bodily fluids, this will tell you that somebody has cancer, on the one hand and the other hand, it can also be in some cases of value for prediction of sensitivity to therapy or predicting the prognosis of the patient.”

?The intriguing nature of the digestive tract and the fact that it is almost as complex as the brain sparked Adriaan’s interest many years ago. Inspired by his professor who had an interest in endocrine and digestive tract pathology, his work involved cooperation with the surgeons at that time and the collaborative side to the field clicked with his personality. Adriaan’s specialty as a pathologist could actually end up being a second calling.

“What is it about the digestive tract? I find the pathology interesting. Actually, I've often enough considered, I like being a pathologist, but if I will have to start again, I probably will become a gastroenterologist. It’s an important field, in our daily practice as pathologists, because most pathology laboratories, they have lots of diagnostic procedures on the digestive tract.”

?Adriaan’s goals for his chosen specialty are all about increasing the level of collaboration that he so very much enjoys. Moving towards a more frequent application of digital pathology – the use of digitised specimen slides, virtual microscopy and thereafter AI and Machine Learning – means that pathologists can converse and consult with colleagues across the country and across the world. We will then see the pathology field conduct more efficient and effective diagnoses, prognosis and prediction of diseases.

“If you correctly implement digital pathology, then you can become specialised in your daily activities again. Another goal is to work together in other fields as well. Such as the molecular fields, we don't have our molecular lab in Venlo and Maastricht does that for us. So that's an important area, which is very rapidly developing.”

Within those goals also hides a challenge. For many in the medical profession the concept of AI and Machine Learning can rouse feelings of redundancy, however with change comes opportunity.

“In the development of techniques, and in the diagnostic fields, Artificial Intelligence would be really something which will develop our field. You need less pathologies at certain points, but you still need pathology. Pathology has some very old-fashioned sides to it, but it is modernising and it is still rather core business for further creations. However, we should modernise in certain aspects, and that is the challenge which we are facing now.”

Taking time in his work schedule to work out, run, to travel with his wife when he can and of course to catch up with his three adult children who are now all living in Amsterdam. However like many experts at the top of their field Adriaan’s life has been very much occupied by work, and admittedly his work is his hobby and his interest. An interest from which many patients have benefited and will continue to do so as Adriaan continues his work.