Katholieke Universiteit te Leuven

The Gastroenterology department at Katholieke Universiteit te Leuven conducts studies aimed at improving treatment outcomes for patients with inflammatory bowel disease, liver cirrhosis, and colorectal conditions.

• Evaluation of novel agents for Crohn's disease activity reduction.
• Assessment of bowel preparation methods for elective colonoscopy.
• Investigations into therapies that prevent hepatic encephalopathy after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt placement.

Across 32 trials, more than 200 investigators collaborate to advance diagnostic and therapeutic techniques in gastroenterology.

A broad portfolio of cancer studies targets solid tumors, gynecologic malignancies, and head‑and‑neck cancers, focusing on novel targeted agents and combination regimens.

• Testing of ribociclib plus endocrine therapy in early‑stage HR‑positive, HER2‑negative breast cancer.
• Evaluation of luveltamab for advanced epithelial ovarian cancer expressing FOLR1.
• Comparison of immunotherapy versus standard care in metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
• Exploration of ultrasound‑mediated blood‑brain barrier opening in newly diagnosed glioblastoma.

The site leverages its academic setting to integrate cutting‑edge oncology research with patient‑centered care.

Research at the university includes trials for acute leukemias, multiple myeloma, and both B‑cell and T‑cell lymphomas, aiming to enhance survival and quality of life.

• Combination of venetoclax with standard induction for newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia.
• Subcutaneous daratumumab plus lenalidomide in frail patients with untreated multiple myeloma.
• Multi‑arm evaluation of bispecific antibodies, antibody‑drug conjugates, and CAR T‑cell therapy in relapsed/refractory B‑cell non‑Hodgkin lymphoma.
• Investigation of targeted agents for advanced T‑cell lymphomas, including cutaneous subtypes.

With more than 200 investigators, the program emphasizes personalized approaches for hematologic malignancies.

Trials address rare and progressive disorders such as motor neuron disease and DNA repair deficiencies, seeking disease‑modifying treatments.

• Assessment of a neuroprotective compound in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
• Evaluation of an oral formulation for symptom control in ataxia‑telangiectasia children.
• Exploratory studies of cannabidiol on sleep quality after evening exercise in healthy volunteers.

The department collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to translate experimental therapies into clinical benefit.

The site investigates interventions that reduce cardiovascular events, improve kidney outcomes, and manage diabetes‑related risk.

• Randomized evaluation of dapagliflozin on composite renal and heart‑failure endpoints in severe chronic kidney disease.
• Comparison of tirzepatide versus dulaglutide for major cardiovascular events in high‑risk type 2 diabetes patients.
• Study of composite outcomes (mortality, kidney failure, heart‑failure hospitalization) across a broad patient population.

These investigations support the university’s commitment to integrated cardiovascular‑renal medicine.

Clinical efforts focus on improving outcomes for cervical cancer, infertility, and uterine health, employing both surgical and pharmacologic strategies.

• Adjuvant therapy trial assessing disease‑free survival after radical surgery for intermediate‑risk cervical cancer.
• Study of oil‑based contrast tubal flushing to increase live‑birth rates in women undergoing hysterosalpingo‑foam sonography.
• Evaluation of hormonal and targeted treatments for hormone‑receptor‑positive, HER2‑negative early breast cancer.

The multidisciplinary approach combines expertise from obstetrics, oncology, and reproductive medicine.