Julie Kempeneers

Dr. Julie Kempeneers


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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14 March 2024 in Cancers
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Yani BerckmansYani Berckmans
Yani Berckmans
Ann VankerckhovenAnn Vankerckhoven
Ann Vankerckhoven
ACAarushi Audhut Caro
Aarushi Audhut Caro
JKJulie Kempeneers
Julie Kempeneers
JCJolien Ceusters
Jolien Ceusters
ACAn Coosemans
An Coosemans
Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy has proven revolutionary in the treatment of some cancers. However, ovarian cancer remains unresponsive to current leading ICIs, such as anti-PD1 or anti-PD-L1. In this article, we explored the potential of an upcoming checkpoint molecule, T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 3 (TIM3), for the treatment of ovarian cancer using a syngeneic orthotopic mouse model (ID8-fLuc). Besides therapeutic efficacy, we focused on exploring immune changes in tumor tissue and peritoneal fluid. Our results showed no improvement in survival in ovarian cancer-bearing mice after anti-TIM3 treatment when used as monotherapy nor when combined with anti-PD1 or standard-of-care chemotherapy (carboplatin/paclitaxel). This was reflected in the unaltered immune infiltration in treated mice compared to control mice. Altering the order of drug administration within the combination treatment altered the survival results, but did not result in a survival benefit over chemotherapy alone. These findings highlight the need for further preclinical studies to find beneficial treatment schemes and combination therapies for ovarian cancer.