معرفی
Anouk Hiensch serves as an Assistant Professor at the University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU) within the Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, specializing in the Strategic Program Cancer. Her work bridges clinical exercise oncology and epidemiological research to develop evidence-based interventions for cancer patients.
Her academic foundation includes a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences followed by a Master of Science in Epidemiology earned with distinction. She completed her PhD (2017-2021) at UMCU's Julius Center investigating exercise effects in cancer patients and their physiological mechanisms.
Dr. Hiensch's research centers on elucidating the pathophysiological mechanisms through which exercise counteracts cancer treatment side effects, with emphasis on metastatic breast cancer populations. Her work integrates clinical trials with mechanistic studies to establish exercise as a targeted therapeutic strategy, examining outcomes across physical function, mental health, sexual health, and quality of life domains.
Her 2025 publications reveal a pronounced focus on metastatic breast cancer interventions, with recurring themes in remote exercise delivery feasibility, psychosocial symptom management, and patient-centered program design. The research consistently employs multinational trial frameworks addressing implementation challenges across diverse healthcare systems.
Dr. Hiensch directs significant research initiatives including the H2020-funded PREFERABLE trial and its Horizon Europe successor PREFERABLE-II as scientific coordinator. She additionally contributes to national trials PERFECT (completed), RADICES, and SICILY while securing competitive funding from the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) and Boost grant programs. Her team collaborates across European institutions to develop patient-facing resources including an exercise-oncology website for healthcare providers.
