Cardiovascular & Vascular Health

The research program at Noordwest Ziekenhuisgroep Stichting focuses on preventing heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral arterial disease by testing innovative anti‑inflammatory and lipid‑lowering strategies.

  • Evaluation of ziltivekimab to reduce major adverse cardiovascular events after acute myocardial infarction.
  • Assessment of inclisiran for lowering LDL‑cholesterol and preventing cardiovascular death in patients with established atherosclerotic disease.
  • Comparison of aspirin‑free versus aspirin‑plus‑ticagrelor regimens after primary PCI in STEMI patients.
  • Study of evolocumab on coronary heart disease outcomes in high‑risk individuals without prior MI or stroke.
  • Investigation of dapagliflozin combined with baxdrostat on kidney function and heart failure in chronic kidney disease.

These trials aim to improve survival and quality of life for patients with cardiovascular disease across the Netherlands.

Oncology & Cancer Therapeutics

A broad spectrum of cancer studies is underway, targeting solid tumours, hematologic malignancies, and rare cancers to enhance survival and assess novel combination regimens.

  • Phase III comparison of docetaxel with docetaxel plus Radium‑223 in metastatic castration‑resistant prostate cancer.
  • Investigation of atezolizumab after chemoradiotherapy for limited‑stage small‑cell lung cancer.
  • Neoadjuvant trial of FOLFIRINOX versus gemcitabine‑based chemoradiotherapy in borderline resectable pancreatic cancer.
  • Evaluation of teclistamab with lenalidomide versus lenalidomide alone as maintenance after autologous stem cell transplant in multiple myeloma.
  • Study of dual HER2‑blockade with trastuzumab and pertuzumab in resectable HER2‑positive esophageal adenocarcinoma.

The oncology portfolio reflects a commitment to advancing precision medicine and improving outcomes for patients with diverse cancer types.

Rheumatology & Immune‑Mediated Diseases

Leveraging its rheumatology expertise, the centre evaluates new biologics and targeted therapies for inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.

  • Non‑inferiority trial of rituximab versus ocrelizumab in relapsing multiple sclerosis.
  • Study of personalized B‑cell‑tailored ocrelizumab dosing schedules for multiple sclerosis disease control.
  • Assessment of itepekimab in reducing pulmonary exacerbations in non‑cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis.
  • Evaluation of colchicine for preventing knee or hip replacement in osteoarthritis patients.
  • Investigation of clindamycin monotherapy versus rifampicin‑based combination for prosthetic joint infection.

These investigations seek to expand therapeutic options and reduce disease‑related disability for patients with rheumatic and immune disorders.

Metabolic, Liver & Kidney Research

Trials address metabolic syndrome, obesity, non‑alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and chronic kidney disease, focusing on disease modification and organ protection.

  • Semaglutide study to improve liver histology and reduce clinical events in patients with NASH and fibrosis.
  • Retatrutide trial evaluating cardiovascular and renal outcomes in adults with obesity.
  • Combination of baxdrostat and dapagliflozin versus dapagliflozin alone for slowing CKD progression.
  • Investigation of obeticetrapib plus ezetimibe on coronary plaque volume in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
  • Study of lifestyle‑focused progesterone therapy to prevent preterm birth in women with placenta previa (highlighting metabolic‑related pregnancy complications).

The metabolic research agenda aims to curb the growing burden of chronic liver and kidney disease through innovative pharmacologic approaches.

Respiratory & Infectious Disease Studies

A series of investigations target chronic lung conditions, acute infections, and vaccine strategies to improve respiratory health.

  • Proof‑of‑concept trial of itepekimab for reducing exacerbations in non‑cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis.
  • Aspirin adjunct trial to lower acute coronary events in patients hospitalized for community‑acquired pneumonia or influenza.
  • Platform trial evaluating multiple interventions on 90‑day mortality in hospitalized acute respiratory tract infection patients.
  • Study of non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drug (colchicine) impact on knee and hip osteoarthritis progression.
  • Evaluation of a non‑valent HPV vaccine for preventing recurrence of vulvar high‑grade squamous intraepithelial lesions.

These projects aim to reduce morbidity from respiratory diseases and enhance preventive care through vaccination and targeted therapies.

Neurology & Cerebrovascular Research

Neurological trials explore interventions for stroke, aneurysmal disease, and neurodegenerative disorders, emphasizing functional recovery and disease modification.

  • FDY‑5301 study assessing cardiovascular mortality and heart‑failure events after anterior STEMI treated with primary PCI.
  • Trial of low‑dose weekly cisplatin to improve compliance in head‑and‑neck squamous cell carcinoma patients with low skeletal muscle mass.
  • Investigation of tocilizumab as a stromal‑targeting agent to boost chemoradiotherapy efficacy in esophageal adenocarcinoma.
  • Assessment of personalized dosing of ocrelizumab for multiple sclerosis disease activity suppression.
  • Study of anticoagulation strategies (NOACs versus no anticoagulation) on stroke and vascular mortality in atrial fibrillation patients.

The neurological portfolio supports the development of therapies that aim to preserve brain function and reduce vascular complications.