Projects
Evaluating the potential of nanomaterials for IP administration of chemotherapeutics and nucleic acids / Nanomedicine: an integrative approach Ghent University
Using a step by step approach, we aim to compare injection and nebulization of chemotherapeutics and nanoparticles , by using an in-house developed model to test PIPAC in rats at clinically relevant conditions. In the first 3 years of the project, we focused on developing the nanoparticle formulation of cisplatin and the effect of nebulization on the stability of nucleic-acid containing nanoparticles. In the last year of the project, we will ...
Intraperitoneal nebulization of thermosensitive hydrogels for the controlled release of chemotherapeutics and biopharmaceuticals to treat peritoneal carcinomatosis Ghent University
Yearly, about 150000 people develop peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) in Europe alone. PC is characterized by the spread of numerous small tumor nodules in the peritoneal cavity. After initial surgery, where as many tumor nodules are removed as possible, the patients receive the intraperitoneal injection of chemotherapeutics such as cisplatin. The prognosis of this patients is however poor, with a median survival of 8 to 12 months. Currently, ...
High pressure intraperitoneal aerosolization of chemotherapeutics, nanoparticles and hydrogels to treat peritoneal carcinomatosis: effect on tumor penetration, biodistribution and anti-cancer activity. Ghent University
Yearly, about 150000 people develop peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) in Europe alone. PC is
characterized by the spread of numerous small tumor nodules in the peritoneal cavity. After initial
surgery, where as many tumor nodules are removed as possible, the patients receive the
intraperitoneal injection of chemotherapeutics such as cisplatin. The prognosis of this patients is
however poor, with a median survival of 8 to ...
Evaluation of microbubbles loaded with chemotherapeutics for ultrasound triggered treatment of pancreatic cancer. Ghent University
Drug-loaded microbubbles are under development to selectively deliver drugs in tissues exposed to ultrasound. In this project we aim to design chemotherapeutic loaded microbubbles and evaluate whether they can increase the chemosensitivity of pancreatic tumors after ultrasound treatment. Microbubble implosions might disrupt the dense tumor stroma and that this could improve the penetration of chemotherapeutics in the tumor stroma and reduce ...
The effects of the clinically applicable chemotherapeutics on the immunogenicity of melanoma cell death. KU Leuven
During carcinogenesis, cancer cells that are efficiently recognised by the immune system are removed, while the variants capable of evading host defence systems form an aggressive tumour. Currently, it is becoming widely accepted that an effective anticancer therapy should reverse the immunoevasive and immunosuppressive effects elicited by the cancer cells and activate anticancer immune responses that will efficiently eliminate cancerous ...
TUMOUR PROGRESSION OF CUTANEOUS SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA: RESPONSE TO CHEMOTHERAPEUTICS AND REGULATION OF THE EPITHELIAL-MESENCHYMAL TRANSITION PROCESS KU Leuven
Although most of the cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) can be cured, a subset of patients develops advanced disease, with high risk for metastasis. The induction of invasion and metastasis by epithelial-mesenchymal transition, as well as the failure to eliminate the (metastatic) cancer cells due to resistance to therapy plays a major role in the lethal outcome of advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. EMT and chemoresistance, 2 ...
Design and synthesis of metacaspase inhibitors as potential lead compounds for antiparasitic chemotherapeutics. University of Antwerp
The natural K, Fe, and Cu isotopic response to Pt-based chemotherapeutic drug resistance in ovarian cancer Ghent University
Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally and in the EU, and was responsible for an estimated one in six deaths in 2018. Early diagnosis plays an important role in determining cancer treatment outcomes, but the diagnosis of ovarian cancer poses significant challenges; the routine screening of asymptomatic average-risk women is not recommended by any professional society. Chemotherapy using Pt-based compounds (e.g. carboplatin, ...