Research & Impact

The main focus of Annemie Schols’s academic research involves the pathophysiology of respiratory disease induced metabolic derangements and its impact on patient’s health status. To investigate this, she combines fundamental and patient associated research with a specific focus on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and lung cancer. Her research team identified inflammation as trigger of muscle wasting and impaired muscle recovery, implicating NF-kB signalling as a nodal point in controlling regulatory molecules of muscle proteolysis, myogenesis, and oxidative capacity. Annemie Schols subsequently translates these basic research insights into tailored innovative synergistic multimodal treatments, which are studied in a series of (inter)national randomized clinical trials in COPD.

Her translational research has also boosted the development and fine-tuning of targeted nutritional, exercise and pharmacological interventions in cancer cachexia. She has validated and applied technological innovations in muscle and adipose tissue assessment, most recently CT imaging and Artificial Intelligence, which are optimally integrated in risk assessment and treatment evaluation in both COPD, lung cancer, and recently Covid-19.

The findings of her research are incorporated in clinical guidelines from respiratory and nutritional societies worldwide. Morever, she co-developed nutrition support strategies with different global companies.