Precision diagnostics and targeted cancer care

This research line focuses on developing personalised diagnostic and therapeutic strategies by integrating molecular profiling, advanced imaging, and artificial intelligence. By combining these approaches, LCRC aims to generate patient-specific insights that improve cancer diagnosis, treatment selection, and long-term outcomes.

Why it matters

Cancer and many other complex diseases show large variability between patients, making standardised treatments less effective for some individuals. Advances in molecular diagnostics, imaging technologies, and genomic analysis enable clinicians to better understand these differences and tailor treatments accordingly.

By translating precision medicine approaches into clinical practice, LCRC research contributes to earlier diagnosis, more targeted therapies, and safer, more effective treatment strategies.

Ongoing PhD Projects

Pharmacogenomics and whole-genome sequencing

Sven van der Maas (LCRC PhD – UHasselt/Jessa & VITO)

This PhD explores how whole-genome sequencing can be used to generate pharmacogenomic profiles that predict how patients respond to medications. By analysing genomic data from cancer patients, the project aims to support more personalised drug selection and dosing while reducing adverse drug reactions. The research also investigates how pharmacogenomic information can be integrated into electronic health records to support clinical decision-making.

Promotor: prof. dr. Pieter-Jan Volders (UHasselt)

Co-promotor: dr. Gökhan Ertaylan (VITO), prof. dr. Brigitte Maes (UHasselt)

Biomarker-based diagnostics for lung cancer 

Jill Meynen (LCRC PhD – UHasselt/ZOL)

This PhD investigates how metabolic biomarkers can improve the diagnostic accuracy of PET-CT imaging in patients with solitary pulmonary nodules. The project evaluates whether plasma glutamate levels can help distinguish malignant from benign lung lesions, potentially enabling faster diagnosis while reducing unnecessary surgery and follow-up imaging.

Promotor: prof. dr. Liesbet Mesotten (UHasselt)

Co-promotor: prof. dr. Elien Derveaux (UHasselt), prof. dr. Wouter Marchal (UHasselt)

Support 

This research is partially supported by the Oncology Research fund of UHasselt. The fund contributes to advancing patient-centered care and enhancing the quality of life for individuals living with cancer.