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Jona Van der Straeten is a Researcher in Clinical Biology at the Translational Oncology Research Center of Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), specializing in translational hematology research. Her work primarily focuses on developing and validating molecular diagnostic techniques for monitoring minimal residual disease in hematological malignancies. Her research interests center on translational hematology with particular expertise in minimal residual disease monitoring in acute lymphoblastic leukemia and multiple myeloma. She utilizes advanced molecular techniques including conventional allele-specific oligonucleotide (ASO)-PCR and Next-Generation sequencing (NGS) to develop more sensitive detection methods for cancer cells that remain after treatment. Analysis of her publications reveals a consistent research trajectory in cancer diagnostics, with increasing focus on next-generation sequencing technologies for minimal residual disease detection. Her work spans both lymphoid malignancies (acute lymphoblastic leukemia) and plasma cell disorders (multiple myeloma), with recent publications emphasizing the clinical application of NGS-based approaches. Van der Straeten actively participates in the hematology research community through conference presentations and collaborations. Her recent activities include presentations at the 2022 conferences on liquid biopsy for myeloma detection and NGS-based MRD strategies for leukemia and myeloma.

• translational research
• hematology
• minimal residual disease monitoring
• +6 more

Maria Bakkus is a dedicated researcher specializing in molecular diagnostics within Hemato-Oncology at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel's Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy. She serves as a Researcher at the Translational Oncology Research Center UZB and coordinates the reference laboratory for molecular Ig/TCR MRD testing in acute lymphoblastic leukemia and multiple myeloma. Her research focuses on developing and validating molecular techniques for minimal residual disease detection, with particular expertise in next-generation sequencing approaches and liquid biopsy applications. Dr. Bakkus has established herself as a key contributor to precision diagnostics in hematological malignancies through her extensive research output spanning over three decades. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong trend toward non-invasive biomarker development, particularly using blood-derived cell-free DNA for monitoring multiple myeloma. Her work bridges the gap between molecular biology and clinical application, with emphasis on translating laboratory findings into practical diagnostic tools for patient management. 3381 total citations h-index of 25 75 research outputs from 1992 to present Active involvement in current research projects through 2027 Dr. Bakkus maintains an active research program with consistent output, demonstrated by publications in 2024-2025. She collaborates extensively with colleagues including Ivan Van Riet and Wouter De Brouwer on translational research projects focused on hematological malignancies. Her work in the Euroclonality Consortium contributes to international standardization of molecular diagnostic approaches in hemato-oncology. As the Reference lab coordinator for molecular Ig/TCR MRD testing, Dr. Bakkus leads a specialized laboratory that provides critical diagnostic services for patient management in acute lymphoblastic leukemia and multiple myeloma. Her team focuses on implementing and validating the latest molecular techniques to improve sensitivity and accuracy of minimal residual disease detection.

• Molecular diagnostics
• Hemato-Oncology
• Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) testing
• +5 more

Professor Kim De Keersmaecker is a leading cancer researcher at KU Leuven's Faculty of Medicine, where she serves as head of the Laboratory for Disease Mechanisms in Cancer within the Department of Oncology. She is also an active member of both the KU Leuven Institute for Single Cell Omics (LISCO) and the KU Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), contributing significantly to cancer research infrastructure at the university. Her research focuses on fundamental mechanisms of cancer development, particularly investigating ribosomal protein mutations, serine/glycine metabolism in cancer cells, and non-coding mutations that drive oncogenesis. De Keersmaecker's lab pioneered the discovery of somatic ribosomal protein mutations in cancer, demonstrating how these create 'onco-ribosomes' that promote cancer through altered protein translation and metabolic reprogramming. Her work has revealed that certain mutations previously considered synonymous are actually functional non-coding mutations affecting critical cancer genes. Analysis of her recent publications shows a consistent research trajectory centered on cancer metabolism, particularly serine/glycine synthesis pathways, and ribosomal dysfunction in malignancies. Her lab has made groundbreaking discoveries regarding how ribosomal mutations like RPL10 R98S create therapeutic vulnerabilities that can be targeted with repurposed drugs like sertraline, an antidepressant that inhibits serine/glycine synthesis. ERC Starting Grant (2014) ERC Consolidator Grant (2019) Professor De Keersmaecker currently supervises multiple PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, fostering the next generation of cancer researchers. She leads several major research projects including 'Innovative research on disease mechanisms in cancer' (2025-2028), 'Role of EZH2 in serine/glycine synthesis dysregulation in T-cell malignancies' (2025-2029), and 'Sertraline combination therapy for T-cell malignancies' (2025-2028). Her laboratory maintains extensive collaborations with other leading cancer research groups across Belgium and internationally, particularly focusing on blood cancers and translational cancer research. The Laboratory for Disease Mechanisms in Cancer operates as a multidisciplinary research unit investigating fundamental cancer processes including energy metabolism in cancer cells, protein production dysregulation, and cancer-immune system interactions. The lab has developed innovative approaches to target cancer-specific metabolic vulnerabilities, with several discoveries having direct translational potential for cancer therapy.

• Cancer Mechanisms
• Ribosomal Protein Mutations
• Serine/Glycine Metabolism
• +7 more