Oncology and Hematology

At Universitair Ziekenhuis Gent, a major share of research focuses on neoplasms and hematologic malignancies, including leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and a wide range of solid tumors. These studies aim to test new treatment approaches, improve disease control, and evaluate whether emerging therapies can extend survival and support better outcomes.

  • Acute and chronic leukemias, including pediatric and adult blood cancers
  • Lymphomas and other lymphoproliferative disorders
  • Breast, lung, prostate, ovarian, and gastrointestinal cancers
  • Research on advanced solid tumors to assess new anticancer strategies

Much of this work centers on improving treatment effectiveness for difficult-to-treat cancers, including relapsed, refractory, metastatic, and high-risk disease.

Immunology, Inflammation, and Autoimmune Disease

The site also has strong activity in immune system diseases and inflammatory disorders, with trials in inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic sclerosis. These studies are designed to evaluate new therapies that may reduce symptoms, improve long-term control, and help patients achieve deeper disease remission.

  • Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
  • Psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and related skin inflammation
  • Systemic lupus erythematosus, cutaneous lupus, and Sjögren’s syndrome
  • Arthritis and other autoimmune rheumatic diseases

Research in this area often aims to improve disease activity control and quality of life for patients living with chronic immune-mediated conditions.

Respiratory, Infectious, and Pulmonary Research

Clinical trials at Universitair Ziekenhuis Gent include a broad set of respiratory tract diseases and infectious diseases, such as asthma, COPD, bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis, pneumonia, and viral infections. The purpose of these studies is often to improve symptom control, prevent complications, and test new options for persistent or severe disease.

  • Asthma and severe allergic airway disease
  • Bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis, and chronic lung infection
  • Influenza, COVID-19, and other viral infections
  • Chronic fungal and bacterial infections

This portfolio reflects active efforts to refine prevention and treatment strategies in both common and complex pulmonary conditions.

Neurology, Epilepsy, and Neurodegenerative Disorders

Another important research area is nervous system diseases, including epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, stroke, migraine, and cognitive disorders. These trials are aimed at improving seizure control, slowing disease progression, and evaluating treatments that may preserve neurological function and daily independence.

  • Epilepsy and seizure disorders
  • Multiple sclerosis and related demyelinating disease
  • Acute ischemic stroke and recovery after brain injury
  • Dementia, mild cognitive impairment, and migraine

These studies support the development of better therapies for both acute neurological events and long-term chronic conditions.

Cardiovascular, Kidney, and Metabolic Research

The site conducts trials in cardiovascular diseases, kidney disease, and metabolic disorders, including heart failure, hypertension, atherosclerosis, chronic kidney disease, obesity, and diabetes. The goal is to evaluate treatments that may reduce complications, improve organ function, and support better long-term risk management.

  • Heart failure, coronary artery disease, and peripheral arterial disease
  • Chronic kidney disease and proteinuric kidney disorders
  • Obesity, weight management, and metabolic dysfunction
  • Hypertension and broader cardiometabolic risk

This work spans prevention, symptom control, and treatment optimization across major chronic diseases.

Pediatric, Rare, and Genetic Disease Research

Universitair Ziekenhuis Gent also supports extensive research in congenital, hereditary, and other rare diseases, especially in children and young adults. Trials include muscular dystrophies, spinal muscular atrophy, genetic eye disorders, and rare pediatric cancers, with the aim of testing new therapies and improving outcomes in conditions with limited treatment options.

  • Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy
  • Spinal muscular atrophy and other neuromuscular disorders
  • Inherited retinal diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa and Stargardt disease
  • Pediatric leukemias, brain tumors, and other rare childhood cancers

These studies are especially important for advancing care in diseases where standard treatment choices are limited or evolving.

Gastroenterology, Liver, and Biliary Disease

Research in digestive system diseases is a major part of the portfolio, covering inflammatory bowel disease, liver disease, cholestatic disorders, and gastroesophageal cancers. The trials are designed to improve symptom relief, disease control, and treatment effectiveness in both chronic inflammatory conditions and cancer.

  • Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
  • Primary biliary cholangitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis
  • Metabolic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma
  • Gastric, esophageal, and gastroesophageal junction cancers

Several studies focus on finding more effective ways to manage chronic inflammation, pruritus, fibrosis, and advanced gastrointestinal malignancies.

Dermatology, Rheumatology, and Quality-of-Life Studies

There is also strong activity in skin and connective tissue diseases and related rheumatic conditions, including hidradenitis suppurativa, vitiligo, prurigo nodularis, and psoriatic disease. These trials often aim to improve symptom burden, skin healing, and everyday functioning for people with chronic inflammatory disorders.

  • Hidradenitis suppurativa and other chronic skin inflammation
  • Vitiligo and pigment-related conditions
  • Psoriatic arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis
  • Pruritus and other symptom-focused research

These studies reflect a patient-centered approach that looks beyond disease control to daily comfort and quality of life.