Research

At the Goossens Lab, we focus on developing innovative therapies for cancer, with a particular emphasis on amino acid metabolism. One of our key areas of research involves the enzyme asparaginase, which depletes the amino acid asparagine from the bloodstream. This therapy has long been used in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), where leukemic cells, unable to synthesize their own asparagine, are selectively targeted and deprived of a critical survival factor.

Building on this concept, our lab is investigating how asparaginase can be repurposed for the treatment of solid tumors, including breast cancer and ovarian cancer. These cancers may harbor subpopulations of cells that also depend on extracellular asparagine due to metabolic vulnerabilities. By removing asparagine from their environment, we aim to induce cancer cell death while sparing normal, healthy tissues.

To explore this, we utilize a combination of cell culture systems and patient-derived xenografts (PDX). Our work focuses on identifying tumor subtypes that are sensitive to asparagine depletion, understanding mechanisms of resistance, and evaluating combination strategies with chemotherapy or targeted agents.

Ultimately, our goal is to validate asparaginase as a metabolic precision therapy beyond leukemia and to uncover new therapeutic avenues for patients with breast and ovarian cancers who may benefit from this targeted approach