dr. Karl Vandepoele (PhD)
Molecular biologist – Lab for Clinical Biology, Molecular Hematology (Ghent University Hospital)
Principal investigator: apr. Barbara Denys
Research focus
At the Laboratory for Molecular Hematology, we investigate patient samples across a broad spectrum of hematological malignancies to identify the molecular abnormalities driving their disease. These insights support accurate diagnosis, inform prognosis, and can reveal actionable targets for precision therapies. Moreover, detecting specific molecular markers at diagnosis enables the monitoring of measurable residual disease (MRD), providing valuable guidance for treatment decisions.
Our assays are based on RNA or DNA and employ a range of advanced techniques, including PCR with capillary electrophoresis, quantitative PCR (qPCR), digital PCR, and next-generation sequencing (NGS). For NGS, we collaborate with the MDG lab for sequencing on Illumina platforms, or we conduct in-house sequencing using our Nanopore technology.
Most of our assays are developed internally, allowing us to rapidly adapt to the evolving landscape of molecular diagnostics and giving our patients the best care. Our laboratory is accredited under ISO 15189:2022, ensuring the highest standards of analytical quality and reliability.
Key publications
- ‘The YPEL5-PPP1CB fusion transcript is detected in different hematological malignancies and in normal samples’. Leukemia Research Reports, 2015 (PMID: 26605151)
- ‘A novel approach for BCR-ABL1 standardization to improve International Scale estimation’ International Journal of Laboratory Hematology, 2016 (PMID: 27460189)
- ‘RNA-based FLT3-ITD allelic ratio is associated with outcome and ex vivo response to FLT3 inhibitors in pediatric AML’. Blood 2018 (PMID: 29669779)
- ‘The NF1 hotspot in acute myeloid leukemia: what’s in a name?’. Leukemia, 2019 (PMID: 30275525)
- ‘Clinical implications of measurable residual disease in AML: review of current evidence’. Critical Reviews in Oncology & Hematology 2019 (PMID: 30661650)
- ‘Standardisation of somatic variant classifications in solid and haematological tumours by a two-level approach of biological and clinical classes: an initiative of the Belgian ComPerMed expert panel’. Cancers 2019 (PMID: 31888289)
- ‘TARP is an immunotherapeutic target in AML expressed in the leukemic stem cell compartment’. Haematologica 2020 (PMID: 31371409)
- ‘Clinical significance of TARP expression in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia’. HemaSphere 2020 (PMID: 32309783)
Contact & links
- Lab address: C. Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent
- Clinical Biology Lab, Ghent University Hospital
- Karl Vandepoele is interested to receive invitations for presentations or talks