Hanne Verswyvel senior researcher

Research Hanne Verswyvel

Research team

Expertise

Specialization in the clinical translation of immunotherapeutic cell products for pediatric cancers and the development of advanced brain and head and neck tumor models.

Characterization of immune cell behavior following intradermal delivery to support future melanoma and head and neck cancer therapies (INDEED). 01/09/2026 - 31/08/2030

Abstract

Despite major advances in adoptive immune cell therapies, including T cell, natural killer (NK) cell, and dendritic cell-based approaches, their efficacy in solid tumors remains suboptimal. Besides tumor-intrinsic mechanisms of immune resistance, the route of administration may critically influence the viability, migration, distribution, and therapeutic activity of administered immune cells. However, the biological consequences of different administration routes remains poorly understood. This project aims to characterize the impact of immune cell delivery on cellular fitness, migration, and biodistribution. By investigating how delivery-associated factors influence immune cell behavior, this research aims to generate fundamental insights into the mechanisms that determine the success of cell-based immunotherapies. Overall, this work will contribute to the optimization of immune cell delivery and support the development of more effective immunotherapeutic strategies for the treatment of cancer.

Researcher(s)

Research team(s)

Funding

  • VL. INST.
  • PRIVE - profit

Project type(s)

  • Research Project

Investigation of non-thermal plasma therapy with first-line treatments of recurrent and metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a novel combination with platinum-based chemotherapy and immunotherapy. 01/11/2020 - 31/10/2024

Abstract

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the 6th most common cancer worldwide, and advanced HNSCC patients often experience relapse or metastasis (R/M HNSCC) resulting in dismal prognoses. These patients receive immunotherapy (ICI) alone or in combination with platinum-based chemotherapeutics (PLAT) as first-line treatment. While these combination treatments have some clinical benefit, they are limited by low response rates and severe side effects in already weakened patients. To address this, I will investigate a novel combination strategy with non-thermal plasma (NTP). NTP, an ionised gas, is a localised therapy that induces immunogenic cancer cell death (ICD), which can activate the patient's anti-cancer immunity. To date, no adverse side effects have been reported with the clinical use of NTP. Therefore, we hypothesize that combining NTP with PLAT/ICI will be well-tolerated and improve clinical efficacy in R/M HNSCC. In this project, I will perform 3D in vitro experiments on cell lines and primary patient material, and two mouse models will be used to validate the safety and clinical efficacy of this combination strategy. The successful completion of my project will help integrate NTP into current first-line therapies of R/M HNSCC as a new combination strategy to improve treatment efficacy and quality of life for those patients. This study will also be a stepping stone towards a broader implementation of NTP technology in other cancer types.

Researcher(s)

Research team(s)

Funding

  • FWO
  • FWO

Project type(s)

  • Research Project