dr. Muhammad Fakhar-i-Adil (DVM)

My research focuses on fertility preservation in patients whose reproductive potential may be affected by medical treatments, with a particular emphasis on oncology patients. Advances in cancer treatment have significantly improved survival rates, making quality-of-life issues, including future fertility, increasingly important. However, many patients face the risk of infertility due to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or other gonadotoxic treatments.

My work aims to improve fertility preservation strategies by studying the biology of human oocytes and ovarian tissue, and by developing innovative approaches to support the maturation and developmental competence of immature oocytes retrieved from preserved ovarian tissue. Through the integration of reproductive biology, cell culture technologies, molecular profiling, and translational research, I seek to optimize fertility outcomes for patients who may lose reproductive function following cancer treatment.

A major focus of my research is understanding how disease states and medical interventions affect ovarian function and gamete quality. In addition, our future research program will investigate extracellular vesicles (EVs) within ovarian tissue as a source of biomarkers for cancer detection and monitoring. By exploring EV-mediated molecular signatures, we aim to identify novel, minimally invasive approaches that could improve cancer diagnosis while simultaneously providing insights into ovarian health and fertility preservation outcomes.

This research is inherently multidisciplinary, bridging reproductive medicine, oncology, molecular biology, and biomarker discovery. It contributes to cancer research by addressing survivorship challenges, improving reproductive healthcare for cancer patients, and developing innovative diagnostic strategies. Ultimately, the goal is to enhance both cancer care and long-term quality of life by ensuring that patients have greater opportunities to preserve their reproductive future.
 

I am a veterinarian and reproductive biologist currently pursuing a PhD at Ghent University, Belgium. My research focuses on fertility preservation and reproductive outcomes in patients at risk of losing their fertility due to medical treatments, with a particular interest in ovarian tissue-based fertility preservation strategies. Through my work, I investigate oocyte biology, in vitro maturation, and ovarian tissue technologies aimed at improving reproductive options for patients facing gonadotoxic therapies.

My research combines reproductive medicine, developmental biology, molecular profiling, and translational research. I have experience working with human and animal reproductive models, stem cells, gamete and embryo culture, and advanced laboratory techniques relevant to reproductive health and fertility preservation.

A major focus of my doctoral research is understanding how clinical interventions and hormonal treatments affect ovarian function and oocyte developmental competence. This work contributes to the broader field of oncofertility, which seeks to improve quality of life for cancer survivors by preserving their future reproductive potential.

My scientific contributions have been recognized internationally, including Best Poster Presentation Award and Runner-up Poster Award at the IETS Annual Conference in 2025. My future research interests include the development of extracellular vesicle-based biomarkers for cancer detection and monitoring in ovarian tissue, further strengthening the connection between fertility preservation research and cancer survivorship.
 

• Lab address: 
  Ghent Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST),
  Universitair Ziekenhuis Gent, C. Heymanslaan 10,
  entrance 37 (The CORE), 2nd floor,
  9000 Gent 
• LinkedIn
• As a member of the G-FaST research group, Muhammad Fakhar-i-Adil is open to collaborating with other cancer researchers in the context of fertility/reproductive medicine
• Muhammad Fakhar-i-Adil is involved in 'infoavond fertiliteit (ARG Netwerk)'
• Muhammad Fakhar-i-Adil is interested to receive invitations for presentations or talks