Projects
Influence of microbiota on intestinal stem cell behaviour and differentiation in inflammatory bowel diseases. KU Leuven
Ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD) are the two major forms of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), which are chronic and progressive diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. The exact cause is unknown, but it has been suggested that the diseases result from an abnormal immune response towards environmental factors, such as the microbiota, in a genetically predisposed person. Current therapies aim to stop this inflammatory cascade. ...
The effect of pelvic floor muscle training on bowel symptoms after low anterior resection for colorectal cancer KU Leuven
Colorectal cancer is a serious heath problem in industrialized countries. Worldwide it is the second most common cancer in women and the third in men. Approximately 35% of these tumors originated in the rectum. There are several treatment strategies for rectal cancer, depending on the location and the stage of the tumor. Since amny years, low anterior resection (LAR) of the rectum with total mesorectal excision (TME) is the gold standard for ...
Towards the development of a personalized care pathway for patients with bowel symptoms after treatment for rectal cancer through precision medicine (TREATABLE Trial) KU Leuven
Colorectal cancer is the 2nd and 3rd most common cancer in respectively women and men, of which about 40% is located in the rectum. The gold standard treatment for rectal cancer (RC) is a low anterior resection, combined with chemoradiotherapy. However, this treatment will negatively impact different aspects of bowel function and the patients’ quality of life. These bowel symptoms often remain prevalent, even at 12 months after RC treatment. ...
Understanding the mechanism and optimizing the outcome of dietary therapy in Irritable bowel syndrome KU Leuven
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common functional gastrointestinal disorders, defined according to the Rome IV criteria. IBS is characterized by symptoms of recurrent abdominal pain associated with an altered defecation pattern such as pain related to defecation, change in the frequency of stool and/or change in the form of stool. The underlying pathophysiological mechanisms are still only partially understood. The majority ...
The role of innate immunity in chronic intestinal inflammation and fibrosis: towards a cure for Inflammatory Bowel Disease? KU Leuven
The inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), are chronic relapsing and remitting inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, presenting mostly in young adults (peak age of onset 15-30 years). The clinical course of IBD is highly heterogeneous and until now unpredictable. Due to recurrent flares, interspaced with periods of remission, cumulative remodeling of the gut wall occurs and this ...
Towards personalized caRE pAThwAys for BoweL symptoms in rectal cancer patients through precision mEdicine (TREATABLE-trial). KU Leuven
Monocyte-derived macrophages as crucial players in the resolution of inflammation and tissue repair in Inflammatory Bowel Disease KU Leuven
Background. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract leading to debilitating symptoms. No resolutive therapies are available for IBD, resulting into an invaluable impact on the emotional, financial and social state of the patients and their families. Although over the last few decades most of the studies on IBD have looked into abnormal adaptive immunity, the focus has recently ...
The effect of pelvic floor muscle training on bowel symptoms after low anterior resection for rectal cancer. KU Leuven
Since several years, low anterior resection, with total mesorectal excision and preservation of the autonomic nerves of the pelvis has become the gold standard for rectal cancer surgery. However, this surgery affects bowel function in 60-90% of patients. These symptoms are referred to as the ‘low anterior resection syndrome’ and are associated with a large negative impact on quality of life. Currently, patients only receive some ...
Research on new mechanisms underlying visceral hypersensitivity in irritable bowel syndrome KU Leuven
With a prevalence of 4-10%, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is currently one of the most frequently occurring gastrointestinal (GI) disorders worldwide. Effective treatment options for IBS patients are lacking, which is mainly attributed by a poor understanding of the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. In this project, I aim to further unravel the mechanisms that underly aberrant pain signaling and visceral hypersensitivity in IBS. ...