Medical Oncology

Clinical Research Centre

For medical oncology the study coordinators are Lieselot Croes, Stefanie Dias, Mieke Van Den Berghe, Annelies Verkest, Flore Ryckebusch, Flore Herman and Melissa Sucaet. Danielle Delombaerde works closely with the study team as a scientific researcher.

Lieselot Croes graduated from the University of Antwerp with a master’s degree in Molecular and Cellular Biomedical Sciences in 2012. She then completed her doctorate research in Medical Sciences (Oncology/Epigenetics). For her thesis titled ‘GSDME, from Tumour Suppressor Gene to Biomarker‘, she received the highest academic degree (PhD) in 2019 from the Antwerp Doctoral School (University of Antwerp). In addition, since May 2020, she has given scientific guidance for the clinical study department for medical oncology. Since January 2020, she has worked at the Maria Middelares General Hospital as a doctor specialist assistant, where she supports Dr Vulsteke provides support during consultations and scientific research.

Danielle Delombaerde graduated in 2019 from the University of Ghent with a Master’s Degree in Pharmaceutical Care. She then worked as a deputy pharmacist in two pharmacies. Since 2020, she has worked at Maria Middelares General Hospital as a scientific researcher, completing a PhD in the prediction of immunotherapy-related toxicities under the supervision of Prof. Dr Vulsteke and Dr Croes.

Stefanie Dias graduated in 2008 with a Professional Bachelor's degree in Midwifery from the Artevelde University of Applied Sciences in Ghent. She then received her Master's Degree in Health care Management and Policy in 2010 from the University of Ghent. She worked for six years as a midwife at Maria Middelares General Hospital and, in 2017, transferred to the Clinical Study Department for Medical Oncology. Since May 2020, she has lead the team in operations as a study coordinator.

Flore Herman graduated in 2014 with a Professional Bachelor's Degree in Nursing from the Artevelde University of Applied Sciences in Ghent. In 2016, she received her Master's Degree in Nursing and Midwifery from the University of Ghent. She worked as a nurse at the Oncology/Haematology Department of the St Lucas General Hospital in Ghent and at the Gastro-oncology Department of Ghent University Hospital. She joined the Medical Oncology Study Team in February 2021. She currently combines this with a job at Ghent University Hospital as an oncology researcher.

Thomas Hollevoet graduated in 2014 with a professional bachelor’s in nursing from the Catholic University of Applied Sciences in Leuven. He worked as an orthopaedic surgical nurse at Leuven University Hospital for seven years. In 2022, he obtained a master's degree in nursing and midwifery from the University of Leuven. In early January 2023, he began working with the medical oncology clinical research department at Maria Middelares General Hospital.

Flore Ryckebusch graduated in 2012 with a professional Bachelor's Degree in Nursing from the Catholic University College in Kortrijk. In 2016, she received her Master's Degree in Nursing and Midwifery from the University of Ghent. She worked for five years as a theatre nurse at Maria Middelares General Hospital and, in September 2020, transferred to the Clinical Study Department for Medical Oncology.

Melissa Sucaet graduated in 2015 with a professional bachelor's degree in Nursing from the Arteveld University of Applied Sciences in Ghent. She then began her employment with the Geriatrics Department at Maria Middelares General Hospital. She pursued the combined master's degree in Health Care Management and Policy, graduating from Ghent University in 2018. In 2018, she worked as the Head Nurse for the Oncology Department and, in 2020, she transferred to our hospital's mobile team. Since 2022, Melissa has been part of the Oncological Clinical Research Department.

Mieke Van Den Berghe graduated from the University of Antwerp in 2002 with her Master's Degree in Biomedical Sciences. She subsequently obtained another degree in Biology. She carried out clinical research for large pharmaceutical companies for twelve years. In November of 2016, she started working at Maria Middelares General Hospital as a study coordinator for the development of cancer medication.

Annelies Verkest graduated in 2008 with her professional Bachelor's Degree in Midwifery from the Artevelde University of Applied Sciences in Ghent. In 2016, she received her Master's Degree in Nursing and Midwifery from the University of Ghent. She worked for eleven years as a midwife at Maria Middelares General Hospital and, in August 2019, transferred to the Clinical Research Department for Medical Oncology.

The Medical Oncology Study Team is managed by:

Mastology Studies

Metastasised HER2-positive

DESTINY-breast09: Trastuzumab Deruxtecan (T-DXd) with or without Pertuzumab versus Taxane, Trastuzumab and Pertuzumab in HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer.

Urology Studies

Prostate tumours

CAPItello-281: A phase III double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study assessing the efficacy and safety of capivasertib + abiraterone versus placebo + abiraterone as treatment for patients with de novo metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) characterised by PTEN deficiency.
CAPItello-280: A phase-III, double-blind, randomised and placebo-controlled study assessing the efficacy and safety of Capivasertib and Docetaxel versus placebo and Docetaxel as treatment for patients who have metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).

Bladder tumours

MK 3475-905: Perioperative Pembrolizumab (M-3475) Plus Cystectomy versus Cystectomy Alone in Cisplatin-ineligible Participants with Muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer (MK-3475-905/KEYNOTE-905).

Gynaecology Studies

Ovarium

MK-4830-001: A study of MK-4830 as monotherapy and in combination with Pembrolizumab (MK-3475) in participants who have advanced solid tumours

Melanoma Studies

CA209-6GE: A phase-III, open label, randomised, non-inferiority pharmacokinetic study of nivolumab administered subcutaneously (Nivo SC) versus intravenous administration of Nivolumab in participants who have stage-IIIA/B/C/D or stage-IV adjuvant melanoma following complete resection.

Other studies

MK3475-587: A multi-centre, open-label, phase-III study to evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy in participants who are currently under treatment or in follow-up in studies that include Pembrolizumab.