The Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and the Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), in collaboration with the UZ Brussel and the Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles (H.U.B.) – Hôpital Erasme / Institut Jules Bordet, have established the first joint Belgian research group for pancreatic cancer: the Brussels Pancreatic Cancer Team (BruPaCT). This unique initiative, led by Prof. Ilse Rooman and Prof. Jean-Luc Van Laethem, brings together expertise in fundamental, translational and clinical research and creates a structural partnership with shared use of patient samples and access to high-tech infrastructure. Pancreatic cancer remains one of the deadliest types of cancer, with a five-year survival rate that has hardly improved in recent decades. By integrating research and pooling resources, BruPaCT aims to significantly accelerate the development of new treatments and strategies.
BruPaCT focuses on five strategic pillars: acquiring in-depth insight into the origin of the tumor and its further development, extensive tumor and tissue profiling to identify molecular markers for targeted and personalized therapies (including the use of artificial intelligence), testing innovative treatments and radiation techniques in experimental models and clinical studies such as the Belgian STEREOPAC study, further improving surgical techniques for pancreatic cancer, and developing screening and early detection programs. Through this integrated approach, BruPaCT not only strengthens its ability to attract research funding and develop international collaborations, but also anchors Brussels' leading role in Belgian pancreatic cancer research.
Contact: brupact@vub.be
https://torc.research.vub.be/en/medical-and-molecular-oncology