The team led by Prof. Dr. Ilse Rooman not only studies pancreatic cancer tissue but also the unaffected pancreas to understand the mechanisms involved in cancer development. This approach could make a significant difference, as early detection or intervention greatly increases the chances of survival.
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The team has identified a cell type in normal pancreatic tissue that shares characteristics with the most aggressive forms of pancreatic cancer. This previously overlooked cell type may be key to better understanding and treating various tumor types.
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Researchers are working to uncover a mechanism that might contribute to tumor metastasis. In collaboration with chemists from VUB (led by Prof. Dr. Steven Ballet), they are already developing a new therapeutic agent to influence this mechanism.
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In partnership with UZ Brussel and the ULB-Erasme hospital, the B-PACT (Brussels Pancreatic Cancer Team) has been established—a multidisciplinary team focused on clinical and scientific research into pancreatic cancer.
About LMMO-TORC
The Laboratory for Medical and Molecular Oncology (LMMO) is part of the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. LMMO is integrated into the larger research group Translational Oncology Research Centre (TORC) within the ORC cluster, where fundamental, translational, and clinical researchers from VUB and UZ Brussel collaborate closely.
