Dr. M. Nielsen

I am a clinical geneticist and researcher at the Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) and Groene Hart Hospital. In 2006, I began my clinical genetics training at the LUMC and received my diploma in 2012. I currently lead the expertise center for hereditary colorectal cancer and polyposis at the LUMC and am involved in the national and international guidelines for these syndromes. Our department sees approximately 200 to 300 patients with or suspected of having a hereditary form of colorectal cancer and polyposis. In 2016, I launched an expertise center for BAP1 tumor predisposition syndrome in collaboration with the ophthalmology and dermatology departments (currently, more than 100 patients visit this center annually).

In 2011, I obtained my doctorate in medicine. The title of my dissertation was "Molecular aspects of MUTYH- and APC-associated polyposis." In 2012, I received a personal grant from the Dutch Cancer Society (KWF Kankerbestrijding) and several other grants (also in collaboration with other research groups) from the Dutch Gastroenterology Foundation and the Dutch Cancer Society, allowing me to continue my research alongside my clinical work. My research focuses primarily on identifying cancer risks, the necessary screenings, and the starting age. I also investigate whether tumors have a different DNA profile compared to the general population and whether this impacts the expected prognosis or treatment.