Geike Heremans

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cancer and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, often developing on the background of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). In recent years, MASLD has emerged as the predominant risk factor for HCC, largely driven by the global rise in obesity, metabolic syndrome, and insulin resistance. Despite improvements in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, the incidence and mortality rates of HCC continue to rise, with an average five-year survival rate of approximately 18%. This highlights the need for more effective and safe treatments for the growing population of MASLD-HCC patients.

Our research focuses on two nuclear receptors, PPARα and ERRα, which are important regulators of liver metabolism and inflammation. Preliminary data suggest that combining PPARα and ERRα modulators significantly reduces MASLD progression and inhibits HCC development. Therefore, we will investigate the efficacy of PPARα and/or ERRα modulators, in combination with the current standard of care for HCC, using in vivo MASLD-HCC mouse models. Our ultimate goal is to contribute to the development of novel therapeutic strategies that improve prognosis and quality of life for patients with MASLD-HCC.
 

• Lab address: University Hospital Ghent, Hepatology Research Unit, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, Building The Core, entrance 37a, 9000 Ghent
• De Bosscher Lab
• LinkedIn
• Geike Heremans is interested to receive invitations for presentations or talks