Astrid van Halteren

Astrid van Halteren is a biomedical researcher and SMBWO-accredited immunology specialist at Erasmus MC, Department of Internal Medicine, Section Clinical Immunology & Allergology. She is also a co-Principal Investigator at the Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology since September 2019, reflecting her significant role in pediatric oncology research.

• PhD, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (1996)

Her research centers on immuno-hemato-oncology, with a focus on diseases of the hematopoietic system, particularly histiocytic neoplasms such as Langerhans cell histiocytosis and indeterminate dendritic cell histiocytosis, as well as complications of stem cell transplantation including Graft-versus-Host Disease. Trained in both academic and biotech environments, her work bridges basic science and clinical translation. She is an active PhD supervisor and lecturer, contributing significantly to education and project leadership in immunology and oncology.

The recent publications highlight a strong trend in molecular characterization of rare histiocytic disorders, particularly through genetic fusions (e.g., ETV3::NCOA2, CLTC::SYK), mutations (BRAF, CSF1R), and MAPK pathway activation. These studies combine histopathology, genomics, and clinical data to improve diagnosis and targeted therapy, often published in high-impact journals such as Blood and Clinical Immunology.

While no specific awards are listed in the provided text, her sustained publication record in top-tier journals and leadership in multi-institutional collaborations indicate recognition in the field.

Astrid van Halteren supervises PhD students and leads research projects, though specific names of advisees are not provided. She is involved in collaborative research networks, particularly with the Princess Máxima Center, suggesting active grant involvement and team-based science.

Her work is embedded in a strong research environment focused on rare immune-mediated and hematopoietic cancers, with emphasis on molecular diagnostics and translational applications. The collaborative nature of her publications suggests leadership in multidisciplinary teams spanning pathology, oncology, and immunology.