Projects
Methods for developing and validating clinical risk prediction models with applications KU Leuven
Risk prediction models gain importance as clinical decision support tools. Nevertheless, prediction models do not find their way to everyday practice easily enough. Important factors are
simplicity, validity and robustness. This can be achieved by sensible model development leading to a limited set of predictors, a sufficiently large sample size and/or the use of penalization methods to prevent overfitting. However, variable selection ...
The role of ZEB transcription factors in malignant progression and therapy resistance in high grade serous ovarian cancer Ghent University
Epithelial ovarian cancer is the most lethal of all gynecologic malignancies. This poor prognosis is mainly due to a delayed diagnosis resulting in advanced stage of disease and frequent therapy-resistant relapses. We will address the role of the EMT (epithelial mesenchymal transition) inducing transcription factors ZEB1 and ZEB2 in tumor initiation, progression, metastasis and therapy-resistance in high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma.
Discovery, validation and improvement of non-invasive diagnostic models for endometriosis KU Leuven
Endometriosis is a benign, chronic, gynaecological disorder defined as the growth of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus. The disease is highly prevalent, affecting about 10% of women of reproductive age and up to 50% of women with pelvic pain and/or infertility. Understanding the pathogenesis of endometriosis and finding a non-invasive diagnosis have been identified as research priorities.
The most common theory on the origin of ...
Angiogenesis, neurogenesis and lymphangiogenesis in the early development of endometriosis using a menstruating mouse model KU Leuven
Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent gynecological disease, characterized by the growth of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus. The most common symptoms are dyspareunia (pain during sexual intercourse), dysmenorrhea (pain during menstruation), chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and chronic fatigue.
Sampson’s theory of retrograde menstruation is the most accepted theory to explain the pathogenesis of endometriosis, and ...
Ultrasound in female fertility investigation KU Leuven
Men and women who desire children aim for a healthy offspring. For a woman, this means an ovulation, successful conception and transport of the zygote along the fallopian tube, implantation in the endometrial cavity, progress of the pregnancy to viability and a safe delivery resulting in a live born child in good health and happy parents. A fertility investigation aims primarily at identifying factors that may affect the couple’s chances for ...
Sexual, psychological and relational functioning in women after surgical treatment for gynaecological cancer and breast cancer KU Leuven
IOTA-AI: AI-assisted automated detection of ovarian cancer on ultrasound imaging KU Leuven
Can weekly self-bandaging help to maintain the results of the intensive phase and be cost-effective in patients with lower limb lymphedema? (Maintenance-lymph-trial) KU Leuven
In lymphedema swelling appears as a consequence of lymphatic system insufficiency and disturbance of the lymphatic transport.[1] The International Society of Lymphology[1], the Dutch Guideline for lymphedema[2] and the International Lymphedema framework[3] state that decongestive lymphatic therapy (DLT) is the first choice of treatment for lymphedema. This conservative treatment consists of two phases. The aim of the first phase or intensive ...
Ovarian cancer organoids as a novel in vitro model to elucidate pathogenesis and providing a drug-screening platform KU Leuven
The female reproductive system is highly prone to diseases of which many aspects remain elusive. In this thesis, we focused on ovarian cancer (OC) and endometriosis, two major gynecological disorders. OC is the 5th most common cause of cancer in women and the most lethal gynecological malignancy worldwide, while endometriosis represents a highly burdening disease characterized by out-of the uterus (ectopic) presence of endometrial-like tissue ...