Projects
In vivo and in vitro study on the development of resistance clones to targeted therapies in colorectal cancer in molecular subgroups. KU Leuven
The aim of this project is to achieve an efficient development of clones who are resistant to targeted therapies for the treatment of colorectal cancer in molecular subgroups, a studyiIn vivo and in vitro.
Metrology for emerging targeted alpha therapies KU Leuven
Targeted alpha therapy (TAT) is a rapidly growing cancer treatment modality, whereby alpha-emitting radiopharmaceuticals selectively target tumours whilst minimising the radiation to healthy tissues. Presently only 223RaCl2 has regulatory approval, but its success resulted in unprecedented levels of interest and investment in TAT for a variety of cancers. It is showing promising efficacy and increased survival in clinical trials; however, ...
Preclinical evaluation of targeted therapies in endometrial cancer: use of primary in vitro and in vivo models. KU Leuven
Endometrial cancer is the most frequent malignancy of the female genital tract and the fourth most frequent cancer in women in the developed world. Treatment modalities for endometrial cancer include surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, but these are limited for primary advanced and recurrent disease leading to a poor overall survival of these patients. Development of new treatment strategies for endometrial cancer is therefore warranted. ...
Reduction of chemotherapy driven late adverse effects through targeted molecular therapies in high-risk pediatric cancers Ghent University
Treatment of cancer in children is one of the most remarkable successes in oncology with survival rates in paediatric leukaemia reaching 85% or more. These successes are mainly based on intensive chemotherapy schedules that come with the price of significant short and longMterm side effects, including organ damage, secondary cancers and social and psychological problems. Although symptomatic ...
Reduction of chemotherapy-related late-term effects via targeted molecular combination therapies at high risk forms of childhood cancer. KU Leuven
In collaboration with Ghent University, research is being conducted into a way to reduce the chemotherapy-related late-term effects via targeted molecular combination therapies for high-risk forms of childhood cancer.
Linking miRNA-based colorectal cancer subtypes to sensitivity to targeted therapies. KU Leuven
As the field of cancer therapy is moving more and more towards personalized medicine, there is an urgent need to classify colorectal cancers based on their biological mechanisms that drive them. In this project, we are aiming to use a recently discovered class of molecules, microRNAs (miRNAs) that are linked to the control of cancer cell growth. By profiling tumors based on the levels of these miRNAs, we are aiming to classify tumours into ...
Molecular profiling of clear-cell renal cell carcinoma and prediction of response to targeted therapies against the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor, immune checkpoint inhibitors and mTOR inhibitors in the metastatic setting. KU Leuven
Over the last 10 years, several new therapies became available for the treatment of metastaticclear-cell kidney tumors: blood vessel inhibitors, mTOR-inhibitors and new generation
immunotherapy. Although these therapies have globally improved therapeutic outcome, individual
patient responses are highly variable. There is an urgent need to know in advance which therapy
will be the best for each patient in order to improve ...
Discovery of therapeutic targets and precision therapies for Dravet syndrome using a zebrafish disease model KU Leuven
Despite the availability of numerous antiseizure medications, about 30% of epilepsy patients still suffer from seizures due to drug-resistant epilepsy. Hence, we need to think beyond symptomatic treatment and develop precision therapies (i.e., anti-epileptogenic therapies and disease-modifying agents) that target hub genes and key pathways within epileptogenesis, the gradual process by which a brain develops epilepsy. It is thus essential to ...
Development of gene and drug based therapies to target rare mutations causing severe cystic fibrosis. KU Leuven
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common life-threatening autosomal recessive disorder, which affects over 105,000 people worldwide. Progressive lung disease is the main cause of morbidity and mortality in people with CF (PwCF), although many organs are affected in CF. Symptoms arise because of an imbalance in ion and water homeostasis in the secretory epithelia of these organs. This is caused by mutations in the CF transmembrane conductance ...