Projects
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, ...
A multidisciplinary approach to overcome highly immunosuppressive ovarian cancer KU Leuven
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.
Homologous Recombination Deficiency (HRD) as predictive and prognostic genetic marker in ovarian cancer - Bridging the gap between ‘one-size-fits-all’ and a more personalised treatment approach KU Leuven
Taking ovarian cancer diagnosis to the next level: evaluation of the decision to operate, the added value of MRI and OMICS markers, and optimal integration to patient care pathways KU Leuven
Detection and validation of EV-associated molecular patterns to diagnose early stage ovarian cancer Ghent University
Early detection is key to reducing ovarian cancer-associated deaths. Tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (EV), nanometer-sized membrane vesicles which contain proteins, lipids, metabolites and nucleic acids, enter the systemic circulation. We analyze and validate the implementation of EV-associated molecular patterns from blood to detect early stage ovarian cancer.
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 ...
The use of a less toxic alternative asparaginase variant to treat metastatic breast cancer Ghent University
L-Asparaginase (ASNase) is a non-human enzyme that hydrolyses the amino acid asparagine (Asn) into aspartic acid and ammonia. It is used in the clinic as a cornerstone drug for the treatment of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Evidence is accumulating that ASNase may also have clinical potential for the treatment of certain aggressive solid cancer subtypes, including metastastic breast cancer. However, specifically in adult ...