Research assignment of Prof. dr. Tim Lammens, framing the ongoing clinical-translational research at the Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation

Our goal is to contribute to increase the cure rates of pediatric cancer and decrease the therapy-related late effects within survivors. 

We are keeping our focus on various pediatric cancer types i.e. pre-B ALL, JMML, AML and neuroblastoma. Our research key areas within the specific focus include: i) working on cancer predisposition by identifying new oncogenes and tumor suppressors and defining their mechanisms of action in families with multiple affected children and immunodeficient children which are prone to develop cancer; ii) preclinical evaluation of new treatments; iii) establishing strategies to develop highly specific personalized drug therapies, iv) offering real-time monitoring of therapeutic drug levels during treatment of childhood cancer, in order to ensure efficacy of therapy and identify genetic factors influencing toxicity. and vi) actively participating to a diverse array of clinical trials.

These studies are carried out by employing genome-wide screening techniques at the DNA level (array CGH, whole genome and candidate gene DNA sequencing) as well as at the RNA level (gene expression and microRNA profiling). In addition, we employ high- end flow sorting and single-cell transcriptomics. Therapeutic asparaginase-monitoring is performed using spectrophotometry, with a quality assurance system in place. In addition, biobanking within national and international clinical trials is a core activity.

Importantly, the optimal translation of the fundamental and applied research into children benefit (short-and long-term) is a major aspect throughout all our research lines