Emmaues

At Emmaues, cancer research is a major focus, with studies spanning non-small cell lung cancer, small cell lung cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and several lymphomas and leukemias. The trials are designed to test new treatment options, compare them with current standards, and improve outcomes for patients with advanced or hard-to-treat disease.

• Non-small cell lung cancer, small cell lung cancer, and lung cancer are central research areas
• Breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and neuroendocrine tumours are also represented
• Studies in CLL, SLL, DLBCL, and multiple myeloma explore better treatment effectiveness

Much of the work at this hospital-based research site is aimed at evaluating targeted therapies, immunotherapy combinations, and more effective approaches for patients whose cancers have progressed after earlier treatment.

Research in respiratory tract diseases is especially active, covering asthma, COPD, chronic cough, bronchiectasis, and pneumonia. These trials focus on improving symptom control, reducing flare-ups, and finding better long-term options for people living with chronic breathing disorders.

• Asthma studies include uncontrolled and type 2 inflammatory disease
• COPD trials aim to lower exacerbations and support better daily function
• Chronic cough, bronchiectasis, and pneumonia research addresses persistent respiratory symptoms and infection-related illness

The respiratory portfolio at Emmaues also includes work on immune-based therapies, reflecting a broader effort to improve both treatment effectiveness and quality of life.

Trials in cardiovascular diseases and nutritional and metabolic diseases examine conditions such as atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, elevated lipoprotein(a), hypertriglyceridemia, obesity, and weight management. There is also research involving chronic kidney disease and systemic inflammation, with the goal of reducing major heart events and improving metabolic health.

• Cardiovascular disease studies focus on preventing heart attack, stroke, and related complications
• Lipoprotein(a) and triglyceride research explores new ways to lower lipid-related risk
• Obesity and weight management trials assess treatments that support healthier body weight

These studies at the AZ Sint Maarten department in Mechelen aim to improve prevention and long-term control of cardiometabolic disease.

This site also contributes to research on virus diseases, bacterial infections, and immune system phenomena. Trials include studies of influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, human metapneumovirus, urinary tract infections, and COVID-19, along with vaccine studies in healthy adults and older populations.

• Influenza and RSV vaccine studies evaluate protection and immune response
• UTI research looks at prevention of E. coli-related infection
• COVID-19 and other respiratory infection studies assess treatment support and disease control

The research activity here reflects a strong interest in preventing infection, strengthening immune protection, and improving care for common community and seasonal illnesses.

Clinical trials in nervous system diseases at Emmaues include migraine and chronic cough-related symptom burden, with a broader emphasis on easing persistent symptoms that affect daily life. These studies aim to improve control of recurring neurological and airway-related complaints.

• Chronic migraine and episodic migraine are being studied to reduce attack frequency
• Refractory and unexplained chronic cough research targets troublesome long-term symptoms
• Trials focus on better symptom relief and improved patient well-being

By addressing conditions that can be disabling even when not life-threatening, this research supports more practical and patient-centered care.

The site’s work in digestive system diseases includes studies of cirrhosis and other conditions linked to liver damage and fluid balance. Some trials also examine inflammation-related disease processes, reflecting interest in how chronic illness affects multiple organ systems.

• Cirrhosis of the liver is a key area of investigation
• Studies evaluate treatments intended to improve disease control and patient stability
• Immune system and inflammation research connects with broader internal medicine care

These studies add to the broader clinical research profile at the hospital/clinic, where complex chronic diseases are being studied across several specialties.