Treating peritoneal cancer: keeping chemotherapy in the abdominal cavity for longer

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About the research

Have you ever heard of the peritoneum? This thin membrane, measuring about two square metres, lines our abdominal cavity and covers our organs. When cancer spreads to this area, it results in peritoneal cancer: a complex disease that is difficult to treat.

Cancer researcher Judith van Ovost (Ghent University) explains how she and her colleagues are trying to improve treatment. Using PIPAC (chemotherapy delivered as a fine mist into the abdominal cavity) and nanoliposomes (fat globules that keep the chemotherapy in place for longer), they hope to combat cancer cells more effectively.

The initial results are certainly promising, but there is still a long way to go. You can support the research via Ghent University’s Peritoneal Cancer Fund - click here for more information.

Health
Cancer
Judith van Ovost
UGent

Judith van Ovosts curiosity for research started early, when she got my first microscope at the age of six and explored the garden looking for things to study. This eventually led her to study biomedical sciences at Ghent University, where she developed a strong interest in clinical cancer research because of its direct impact on patients. As a PhD researcher in the Experimental Surgery lab, she now focusses on improving treatments for patients with peritoneal metastases, who still often have limited treatment options.

Contact Judith

https://research.ugent.be/web/person/judith-van-ovost-0/nl
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Judith-Van-Ovost?ev=hdr_xprf
http://www.linkedin.com/in/judith-van-ovost-66aa73210

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