Hanne Van Droogenbroeck

Neuroblastoma is a common extra-cranial childhood tumor with highly variable outcomes, ranging from spontaneous regression to aggressive metastatic disease. High-risk cases have poor prognoses, with a 5-year survival rate of less than 50% despite intensive multimodal treatments. The heterogeneity of these tumors significantly influences treatment responses, highlighting the urgent need for more precise and targeted therapies.

Advanced technologies like spatial transcriptomics and liquid biopsies hold great promise for improving neuroblastoma treatment. Spatial transcriptomics enables detailed molecular characterization of RNA expression while preserving the tumor’s spatial and microenvironmental context, addressing limitations of bulk and single-cell sequencing. Liquid biopsies, which are minimally invasive, allow for dynamic monitoring of RNA profiles that reflect the tumor’s genomic and transcriptional landscape over time. Together, these RNA-based approaches provide critical insights into tumor heterogeneity and immune interactions, paving the way for tailored therapeutic strategies.
 

• Master in Biomedical Sciences major oncology (obtained in 2022)
   

• Lab address: 
  - Postal and laboratory address: Medical Research Building 1 (MRB1, entrance 34)
  - Office address: The Core, third floor, room 130.006 (entrance 37a)
• OncoRNALab 
• Center for Medical Genetics 
• Hanne Van Droogenbroeck is interested to receive invitations for presentations or talks