dr. Mathieu Struys (MD)

My research focuses on tumor immunology and how the tumor microenvironment can modify the response to immunotherapy, with particular interest in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Despite advances in treatment, this type of cancer remains characterized by unpredictable tumor progression, frequent relapse and a high mortality rate. New treatment modalities, such as immunotherapy, show promising results, but the response rate to this therapy remains very limited today. There is an urgent need for accurate prognostication and response prediction as well as an optimization of our therapeutic options. It is becoming increasingly clear that possible explanations for these prognostic and therapeutic limitations lie in the tumor microenvironment and the intercellular interactions within it. As a matter of fact, the immunosuppressive/pro-tumoral character of several components within this tumor microenvironment may suppress our natural defenses against malignant cells as well as the efficacy of immunotherapy, contributing to tumor progression and therapy failure. We are conducting innovative research into describing the tumor microenvironment of HNSCC in order to identify novel biomarkers with a diagnostic and/or therapeutic potential. 
 

• Lab address UZ: Ghent University Hospital, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 2P1–P2, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
• Lab address UGent: Ghent University, Department Head and Skin (GE34), Upper Airways Research Laboratory (URL), Medical Research Building 2 (MRB2, 1st floor, room 110.018), ingang 38, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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• Mathieu Struys is interested to receive invitations for presentations or talks