Sander Rensen

Sander Rensen is a cell biologist and SMBWO registered immunologist by training and applies this background in translational research in his position of Associate Professor at the Department of Surgery at Maastricht University. His studies focus on the disturbances of metabolism in cancer cachexia, a multifactorial syndrome characterized by weight loss and systemic inflammation that has a major negative impact on the survival of cancer patients. Clinical observations and samples from patients with different types of cancer form the basis for mechanistic studies using innovative 3D organoid culture systems. His specific research aims are to identify tumor-derived mediators responsible for tissue loss and dysfunction in cachexia, characterize the immune system in patients with cachexia, explain the link between cancer cachexia and chemotherapy resistance, develop better ways of assessing cachexia severity using connected devices and wearables, and understand the role of body composition alterations in cachexia.