dr. Heleen Van Der Biest (PhD)

Ototoxicity is an irreversible and often underestimated side effect of platinum-based chemotherapy that can substantially affect quality of life. It may cause bilateral permanent hearing loss, tinnitus, hyperacusis, and balance problems. Our research developed and implemented a longitudinal monitoring protocol for combined audiological and vestibular assessment in adult cancer patients receiving platinum-based chemotherapy. We evaluated the feasibility of a comprehensive test battery, established baseline hearing and balance function before treatment, examined risk factors for ototoxicity, and explored the envelope following response (EFR) as a novel, non-invasive tool for detecting early platinum-induced synaptopathy. The work aimed to support a more feasible, standardized, and clinically relevant approach to ototoxicity monitoring in adult oncology care.
 

After obtaining her Master’s degree in Audiology in 2018, Heleen worked as both a prosthetic and clinical audiologist and completed her teaching diploma in 2020. She then joined the ENT Department at UZ Gent as a scientific researcher, where she conducted her PhD research. In December 2025, she obtained her PhD with the dissertation Platinum-induced ototoxicity in adults: toward better monitoring practices. She currently works as a study coordinator in medical oncology under Prof. Sylvie Rottey and is also teaches at Ghent University.
 

• Lab address: Department of Medical Oncology, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10 9000 Gent
• LinkedIn  
• Researchgate
• Movie of Heleen Van Der Biest, made in the context of Science Figured Out, introducing her research project on the impact of chemotherapy on hearing and balance
• Heleen Van Der Biest is interested to receive invitations for talks or presentations