dr. J.M. (Janine) Simons MD, PhD

Profession

I am a radiation oncologist and clinical researcher at Erasmus MC with a strong focus on personalized breast cancer care. My research aims to optimize treatment strategies by balancing oncological safety with quality of life and shared decision-making, ensuring that patients receive treatment that is both effective and appropriate for their individual situation.

Research interest

My work focuses on treatment de-escalation and personalization, particularly in axillary management, radiotherapy, and breast reconstruction. I lead and collaborate on national and international research projects, including the ZonMw-funded CONRAD study, and supervise several PhD candidates. In addition, I contribute to global health initiatives aimed at improving access to high-quality radiotherapy in low- and middle-income countries.

My research focuses on personalized treatment strategies for breast cancer, with particular expertise in axillary management after neoadjuvant systemic therapy, radiotherapy in combination with breast reconstruction, quality of life and shared decision-making. My work includes nationally funded projects and combines clinical research, real-world data analyses, prospective multicenter studies, and guideline implementation to optimize treatment selection and reduce both overtreatment and undertreatment. I am also actively involved in global oncology initiatives aimed at improving radiotherapy access and delivery in low- and middle-income countries.

I obtained my medical degree from VU University Medical Center Amsterdam in 2014 and completed my PhD at Maastricht University in 2019 with the thesis “Toward de-escalation of axillary management after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer”. My doctoral research focused on less invasive axillary staging procedures and axillary management in patients with node-positive breast cancer.

Following clinical experience in surgery and medical oncology, I completed my residency in radiation oncology at Erasmus MC and have worked as a radiation oncologist since 2025. Throughout my career, I have combined clinical practice with research focused on treatment personalization, breast cancer care optimization, and implementation of practice-changing evidence.

Other positions:

• Member, Landelijk Platform Radiotherapie Mammacarcinoom (LPRM), Dutch Society for Radiation Oncology.
• Member, Dutch Breast Cancer Radiotherapy-research Team (DBRT).
• Member, Erasmus MC E-world committee for global health collaborations.
• Member, CURE (Consortium for Universal Radiotherapy Excellence).
• Former member, Education Committee, Dutch Society for Radiation Oncology (2021-2024).

 

NCBI

PURE

ORCID

ResearchGate

• Co-promotor and supervisor of multiple PhD candidates at Erasmus University and Maastricht University.
• Lecturer in multidisciplinary oncology education programmes for residents.
• Lecturer of international educational content on breast cancer radiotherapy, specifically on ultra-hypofractionated radiotherapy.
• Lecturer for radiotherapy assistant training programmes.

• Principal Investigator of the ZonMw-funded CONRAD study
• Co-PI of a ZonMw implementation project on SOUND and INSEMA trial implementation
• Co-PI of the KWF-funded REFINE study\
• Key investigator/post-doc and work package leader of the KWF-funded MINIMAX study
• Young Talent Award, Prins Bernhard Cultuurfonds (2018).