University Of Antwerp

At the University Of Antwerp, clinical research in oncology focuses on advanced cancers, especially non-small cell lung cancer and colorectal cancer. These studies are designed to test new treatment combinations, compare them with standard care, and better understand how to improve tumor control in difficult-to-treat disease.

• Advanced and metastatic NSCLC with novel immunotherapy combinations
• Unresectable or metastatic colorectal cancer with new therapy strategies
• Evaluation of treatment response and disease control in solid tumors

The overall goal is to expand effective options for patients with aggressive cancers while refining how well current and emerging treatments work.

A major part of the site’s research addresses high-risk neuroblastoma, a serious childhood cancer. The trials explore ways to improve survival after initial treatment by combining chemotherapy, high-dose treatment approaches, radiotherapy, and added immunotherapy for patients who need stronger disease control.

• High-risk neuroblastoma in children and adolescents
• Testing intensified treatment approaches after initial response
• Adding chemoimmunotherapy for patients with residual disease

These studies aim to improve long-term outcomes and reduce the risk of relapse in a vulnerable pediatric population.

The site also studies digestive system diseases, including Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and complications of liver cirrhosis. Research here focuses on improving symptom control, preventing complications, and assessing whether new therapies can better support patients with chronic inflammatory or liver-related conditions.

• Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
• Alcoholic liver cirrhosis with prevention of hepatic encephalopathy
• Testing treatment effectiveness and patient safety in chronic gastrointestinal disease

This line of research supports better management of long-term digestive and liver disorders through more effective and better-tolerated care.

Clinical studies at University Of Antwerp include work on rare conditions such as Fabry disease. These trials are centered on evaluating whether new enzyme-based treatments can safely improve disease control and offer meaningful benefit for adults living with this inherited disorder.

• Fabry disease in adults
• Assessing safety, tolerability, and ongoing treatment benefit
• Supporting research in congenital and hereditary diseases

The research aims to improve care for patients with uncommon genetic diseases that often require specialized long-term treatment.

A strong research theme at the site is virus diseases and respiratory tract diseases, especially studies of influenza, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus, and human metapneumovirus. Much of this work evaluates vaccines and immune responses, with the aim of improving prevention in adults, older adults, and other at-risk groups.

• Influenza prevention and immune response studies
• RSV and hMPV vaccine research in older adults
• COVID-19 vaccine-related innate immune response studies

This research helps determine how well vaccines protect against common and emerging respiratory infections and how the immune system responds over time.

The site contributes to studies in immune system processes and pregnancy-related health, including research on vaccination during pregnancy and prevention of neonatal infections. These trials examine immune responses in mothers and the potential benefit of maternal vaccination for protecting newborns.

• Pertussis vaccination in pregnancy
• Prevention of group B streptococcus infection
• Evaluating maternal and neonatal immune responses

The focus is on improving protection for both pregnant women and infants through better understanding of vaccine timing and immune response.

In addition to respiratory infections, the University Of Antwerp is involved in research on broader infectious disease prevention, including yellow fever, rabies, and avian influenza. These studies are designed to assess vaccine safety, immune response, and protection against serious infections.

• Yellow fever and rabies vaccine research
• Avian influenza and other zoonotic infection prevention
• Testing immune response and vaccine acceptability in healthy adults

This work supports preparedness against infectious threats by improving preventive strategies and understanding how the body responds to vaccination.