Brussels, May 21st 2025 – The Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), in collaboration with UZ Brussel and Hopital Universitaire de Bruxelles (H.U.B.) – Hopital Erasme / Institut Jules Bordet, have established Belgium’s first joint pancreatic cancer research group, the Brussels Pancreatic Cancer Team (BruPaCT). This unique initiative brings together expertise in fundamental, translational and clinical research to ensure systematic collaboration, the exchange of patient samples, and shared access to high-end infrastructure to advance pancreatic cancer research.

Pancreatic cancer remains one of the deadliest malignancies, with a five-year survival rate that has barely improved in decades. By formally integrating research efforts, BruPaCT will ultimately accelerate the development of new treatments and treatment strategies.


"Because of the critical patient need, we need to think bigger and move faster, it would be a waste not to combine our resources and knowledge," says Prof. dr. Ilse Rooman (VUB Head of BruPaCT and Principal Investigator in the Translational Oncology Research Centre at VUB). "It has become clear that we don’t fully understand the fundamental biology of both the normal tissue and the tumor today. It thus makes sense to join forces in this essential research pillar and take it all the way to the clinic."

Prof. dr. Jean-Luc Van Laethem (ULB Head of BruPaCT and Head of Digestive Oncology at HUB Erasme-Bordet) emphasizes the clinical impact: "This collaboration ensures the systematic exchange of patient samples and access to each other’s infrastructure, which will significantly strengthen our ongoing clinical trials and translational research."

Prof. dr. Nouredin Messaoudi (VUB, FWO Clinical Research Fellow at the Translational Oncology Research Centre; UZ Brussel, Head of Hepatobiliary Surgery) highlights the structural importance of the initiative: "This is not just another research project, this is a commitment to long-term collaboration. By integrating AI-driven predictive modelling with cutting-edge molecular profiling, we are shaping the future of personalized pancreatic cancer treatment."

Prof. dr. Amy de Haar-Holleman (VUB, Translational Oncology Research Centre; UZ Brussel, Medical Oncologist) underscores the interdisciplinary approach: "We are now completely set to translate new discoveries into tangible benefits for patients. Moreover, this initiative underpins our future pancreatic cancer screening program.
From the ULB research team, Dr. Tatjana Arsenijevic (ULB, Scientific Collaborator at the Laboratory of Experimental Gastroenterology) points to the efficiency gains: "This partnership enables a seamless exchange of samples and data, reducing redundancies and accelerating discoveries."
From the ULB research team, Dr. Tatjana Arsenijevic (ULB, Scientific Collaborator at the Laboratory of Experimental Gastroenterology) points to the efficiency gains: "This partnership enables a seamless exchange of samples and data, reducing redundancies and accelerating discoveries."

Prof. Dr. Christelle Bouchart (ULB, Department of Radiation-Oncology at H.U.B. Institut Jules Bordet and Scientific Collaborator at the Laboratory of Experimental Gastroenterology) highlights the long-term vision: "With our united expertise, we are building a sustainable research model that puts us at the forefront of innovation in pancreatic cancer treatment."

A strategic step for pancreatic cancer research in Belgium

The BruPaCT collaboration will cover key areas of research, including:

  • Tumor initiation and progression: understanding the biology of pancreatic cancer development

  • Tumor and tissue profiling: identifying molecular markers for targeted therapies, including the leveraging of artificial intelligence to personalize treatments

  • Innovative treatment strategies: testing new therapies and modern radiation therapy techniques in experimental models and clinical trials; such as the ongoing Belgian clinical trial STEREOPAC.

  • Surgical advancements: enhancing pancreatic cancer surgery techniques

  • An early detection program

By consolidating resources, BruPaCT will be better positioned to attract research funding and expand international collaborations, further strengthening Brussels' leading role in pancreatic cancer research.

About the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy at VUB

The Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) is located on the Brussels Health Campus in Jette, where education, scientific research, and clinical care are closely integrated. With over 1,300 employees and nearly 5,000 staff members from UZ Brussel (University Hospital) the campus is one of the largest employment centres in the Brussels Capital Region and a key hub for health innovation and academic excellence.

The Faculty offers programs in Medicine, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Healthcare Management and Policy, and Gerontology Management, Care, and Policy. Through its strong partnership with UZ Brussel, the Faculty ensures that students are trained in a practice-oriented environment, combining academic knowledge with real-world healthcare experience.

About UZ Brussel

UZ Brussel (University Hospital Brussels) has a staff of almost 5,000 employees. It is attached to the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (Free University of Brussels) on the Brussels Health Campus in Jette. With 721 hospital beds, it accounts for more than 30,000 admissions of patients each year from Belgium and abroad, 445,000  consultations (emergencies not included) and 75,000 patients at the emergency care. Its philosophy is founded on three principles: Dutch-speaking, pluralist and social. As a university hospital, it also has a teaching mission and conducts scientific research. More information can be found at www.uzbrussel.be.

About the Brussels University Hospital (H.U.B)

The H.U.B, the academic hospital of ULB, has brought together the Jules Bordet Institute, Erasme Hospital, and the Queen Fabiola Children's University Hospital (HUDERF) since 2021. Located in the heart of Brussels, it provides specialized, oncological, and pediatric care of excellence, combining research and education to train the caregivers of tomorrow. With over 6,000 staff members, the Brussels University Hospital embodies values of solidarity, commitment, inclusivity, innovation, and free inquiry.

The Jules Bordet Institute is the only integrated cancer center in Belgium. Recognized by the OECI, it has been fulfilling a threefold mission for 80 years: patient care, research, and oncology education. Since 2021, the institute has been housed in a state-of-the-art 80,000 m² building in Anderlecht, with 250 beds and 43 day hospital places.
Erasme Hospital, on the other hand, is a general hospital with 1,048 beds, admitting up to 30,000 inpatients and handling 400,000 outpatient consultations annually. Its team of 4,000 professionals provides cutting-edge care, complemented by the Lothier Polyclinic and two specialized centers (CTR and CRG).

Both hospitals are located on the Erasme hospital-university campus, which also includes the Faculty of Medicine, the Faculty of Motor Sciences, and the School of Public Health, with a total of over 6,200 students.

The Queen Fabiola Children's University Hospital (HUDERF) is the only hospital in Belgium dedicated exclusively to children and adolescents. Committed to the well-being of its young patients, it empowers them to take an active role in their own
development and thrive in society. Located in Laeken, HUDERF has 183 beds, 135,000 consultations, and over 36,000 emergency admissions per year. Its mission is to provide comprehensive and innovative care, combining excellence in treatment, research, and health education.