The Leuven Cancer Institute integrates oncological research and care within KU Leuven, University Hospital Leuven and VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology. Our mission is to improve the quality of cancer care and thus the life expectancy and quality of life of cancer patients. We serve as a coordinating and strategically steering institution that crosses the borders of individual divisions to ensure a seamless interaction between all stakeholders.

We are dedicated to pioneering cancer research by strengthening the entire translational research cycle from the laboratory to the patient, and back, encompassing basic and translational research, and an extensive panel of clinical studies. By translating our research findings into clinical applications, we aim to further advance prevention, early detection, targeted treatment and excellent (supportive) care.

State-of-the-art research equipment and centralized services are part of our success. These include a (spatial) multi-omics platform, a genomics core, an artificial intelligence and additive manufacturing institute, preclinical model platforms, a proton therapy center, a tech transfer office, a multi-tumor board and a broad set of oncological care programs.

We ensure the quality and relevance and we contribute to oncology-related education and training for all medical and paramedical programs. These include the current and future generations of researchers, clinicians and other healthcare providers at the pre- and postdoctoral level as well as the lay public.

Presentation of the Centre

The Kortrijk Cancer Centre is part of the general hospital az groeninge. The centre is committed to provide holistic, high-quality and multidisciplinary cancer care and continuously adapting to meet the needs of cancer patients and their caregivers. Az groeninge is a general hospital resulting out of a merger between 4 hospitals in the city of Kortrijk (Belgium) and it was the first general hospital in the BeNeLux to obtain JCI-accreditation in 2013. Since 2017, all activities are centralized in a single 1046 bed facility, ensuring patient-centered care.

Main Research Activities

The Cancer Centre offers a wide range of innovative techniques and specialized services, including systemic anti-cancer therapy units, radiation therapy, robotic-assisted and minimally invasive surgery (da Vinci system), pancreatic cancer surgery programme, intra-hepatic treatment with radioactively labelled microspheres, lutetium-PSMA ligand therapy, abdominal HIPEC, functional MRI, and a PET-centre for West-Flanders. Furthermore, expertise in clinical pharmacology, anatomical pathology and NGS/molecular diagnostics plays a crucial role in personalized treatment strategies and precise diagnostics, reinforcing our commitment to high-quality, patient-centered oncology care. The centre actively participates in phases 1 to 4 clinical trials through a dedicated clinical trial office, clinical research unit and involvement in cooperative groups such as EORTC. The cancer centre has the capacity and expertise to design clinical trials and az groeninge hosts a recognized Ethical Committee. The integrated care model ensures close collaborations with primary and secondary healthcare providers through the E17 Regional Hospital Network, covering South of West-Flanders & East Flanders, while our affiliation with the Flemish Hospital Network of the Leuven University Hospitals strengthens referral pathways for complex and rare cases. Strong partnerships with home care and nursing homes guarantee a transition between hospital and homes-based care.

Core Facilities

The current portfolio includes medical oncology, haematology, pneumo oncology, digestive oncology, head and neck oncology, surgery oncology, uro oncology, EUSOMA-accredited Breast Clinic, geriatric oncology, gynaecological oncology, neuro oncology and dermato oncology. Multidisciplinary oncology clinics are set up based on a group of main cancer diagnosis and have dedicated physicians, specialized nurses, and other healthcare professionals who provide holistic care. There is a highly developed and integrated supportive care system, providing comprehensive services such as social counselling, psycho-oncology, nutritional support and spirituality and existential services care. In addition, the centre also integrates palliative and end-of-life care, supported by a dedicated palliative care team and unit, ensuring a compassionate and holistic approach to advanced disease management. Scalp cooling and hilotherapy, and the onco@home program further enhance patient support. Additionally, geriatric oncology, with comprehensive geriatric assessments, ensures tailored care for elderly patients. The cancer centre offers a range of supporting programmes to address the diverse needs of our patients: smoking cessation guidance, oncological rehabilitation, creative therapies, Care for AYA, emotional freedom techniques (EFT), facilities for children on the oncology ward and outside the hospital ‘Zibi’s Boomhut’. The dedicated patient advisory board plays an essential role in ensuring that patient feedback is integrated into the ongoing development of our services.

Education

The hospital and cancer centre actively participates in clinical education at different academic levels, including bachelor, master, postgraduate, and PhD program. Highly skilled healthcare professionals with strong clinical and professional leadership are essential to initiate and support innovation in healthcare, ensuring patient safety, and maintaining high-quality of care to enhance the overall patient experience and outcomes.

Presentation of the Centre

University Hospital Ghent Kankercentrum UZ Gent is one of Belgium's largest academic medical centers. UZ Gent treats both solid and hematological prevalent and complex or rare cancers. Each patient is supervised by a team of physicians, nurses working in several dedicated cancer care units. On top, the patient and his or her relatives are supported by nurse consultants, clinical nurse specialists, dieticians, psychologists and social workers specialised in cancer care. University Hospital Ghent Cancer Center plays a pivotal role in the prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of cancer. The center is dedicated to providing comprehensive cancer care by combining cutting-edge research, advanced clinical services, psycho-social support to improve cancer treatment outcomes, and with a strong commitment to healthcare and patient education.

Main Research Activities

UZ Gent cancer center collaborates closely with multiple scientific e.g. Cancer Research Institute Ghent and community stakeholders to advance cancer research and improve patient outcomes. It plays a significant role in advancing fundamental, translational, clinical, nursing and psychosocial research, recognizing that cancer care extends beyond just addressing the physical aspects of the disease.

Core Facilities

The cancer center is pioneering interdisciplinary cure and care pathways in which the multidisciplinary team and the patients are the leading actors. In addition, as a crucial partner, the patient advisory board and partner community care services are part of the pathway to make certain that cancer patients receive value-based care and support throughout the professional care infrastructure.

Presentation of the Centre

With over 5,000 patients, including more than 3,000 new patients, the King Albert II Institute is a leading cancer centre in Brussels and Belgium. Integrated into a major academic hospital, it brings together all the skills and knowledge necessary for cancer patient care and research against cancer. In 2025, the Institute will be housed in a new building dedicated to oncology care for adults and children, bringing together all the professionals needed for comprehensive, high-quality care focused on patient well-being. Offering cutting-edge oncology expertise and access to the latest innovations, the new centre will strengthen its position as a reference across Belgium and Europe, and will perfectly address the challenges of centralizing rare cancers for the benefit of the patient.

Main Research Activities

• Targeted therapy
• Tumor hypoxia
• Immunotherapy
• CAR-T cells
• Innovative radiotherapy

Main Facilities

• 4 MRI machines
• 3 LINACS (1 for adaptive radiotherapy)
• 4 scanners
• 2 PET scans
• 1 tumor bank
• 85 beds for day hospitalization
• Well-being center
• Adolescents-young adults facilities
• On site Labs: Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Christian de Duve Institute, Institut de Recherche Expériementale et Clinique (IREC – UCLouvain)
• 180 clinical trials opened

Professionals

• 16 multidisciplinary groups
• More than 140 doctors
• 150 nurses and paramedics