February 4 is World Cancer Day: a day to reflect on the impact of cancer. That is why we want to highlight three prominent VUB research projects that you can support with a donation.
Prorector and cancer patient supports immunotherapy research
The first research project is led by Prof. Dr. Bart Neyns and his team. Prof. Neyns is Head of the Department of Medical Oncology at UZ Brussel and, together with his team, conducts clinical research into how cancer can be fought using patients’ own cells. This therapy is also called immunotherapy because it uses the patient’s own immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells as foreign.
Read more below the image.
V.l.n.r.: dr. Julia Katharina Schwarze, prof. dr. Bart Neyns, dr. Gil Awada en prof. dr. Ivan Van Riet.
His promising research results have made him a well-known figure in the field of immunotherapy. But according to Prof. Neyns, there is still much work to be done:
"Autologous cell therapy is not profitable for companies, but it is for patients. Our ambition is to optimize immunotherapy so that we can cure more patients. That is real success."
Prof. Neyns’ call for action was answered by Prorector Paul De Knop. Shortly after his second term as rector, he was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma—unfortunately one of the most aggressive forms of cancer. During his treatment at UZ Brussel by Prof. Neyns, Prorector De Knop received immunotherapy. This led to a close friendship, and as a grateful patient, Paul De Knop established the Paul De Knop Fund for immunotherapy.
Prefer more resources over applause for groundbreaking research
The second research project we highlight is that of Prof. Dr. Ir. Damya Laoui. Prof. Laoui is the team leader of Tumor Immunology and conducts fundamental research with her team on a vaccine for recurring tumors or metastases. This vaccine is based on dendritic cells that naturally reside within the tumor. The researchers isolate these cells from the blood, and the cells then form the basis of the vaccine. In other words, it can be described as a treatment tailored to each individual.
Read more below the image.
V.l.n.r.: Emile Clappaert, Aleksandar Murgaski, prof. dr. ir. Damya Laoui, Helena Van Damme en Mate Kiss.
Prof. Laoui is an extraordinary scientist with international recognition and impact. That recognition is gratifying, but her research needs more than applause, she spends 25% of her time searching for funding.
This is where former breast cancer patient Yamina Krossa comes in. Through her non-profit organization Benetiet, she ensured that breast reconstructions using patients’ own tissue are now reimbursed. Shortly after, she closed her organization and donated the remaining funds to Prof. Laoui’s research. With the establishment of the Yamina Krossa Fund for Breast Cancer Research, she continues her fight against cancer. The fund aims to raise enough money for Prof. Laoui to further develop the cancer vaccine.
Promising research into pancreatic cancer treatment
You can also support the research of Prof. Dr. Ilse Rooman and her team. They have discovered a cell in the pancreas of healthy people that closely resembles aggressive pancreatic cancer cells. This discovery could provide insights into how these cancer cells develop, allowing them to be detected more efficiently in the future. Ultimately, the goal is to bring pancreatic cancer under control.
Many academics, staff, alumni, and supporters of VUB have already contributed to the research of Prof. Neyns, Prof. Laoui, and Prof. Rooman. You can also make a difference—online via this link or by bank transfer to VUB account BE51 0013 6779 3562 with the reference:
- ‘GIFT FO2’ for the Paul De Knop Fund
- ‘GIFT FO3’ for the Yamina Krossa Fund
- ‘GIFT FD19’ for Prof. Dr. Ilse Rooman’s research
Donations from €40 are tax-deductible up to 45%. #WeAreVUB
Where there’s a will, there’s a VUB benefactor
Legacies to VUB also make a significant contribution to cancer research. Bequests are an important source of income for VUB and are essential for funding both fundamental and applied cancer research. Thanks to the L. Roggen Fund and the legacies of A. Casier, W. Debrock, C. De Clercq, El. De Smedt, Es. De Smedt, S. Hals, M-L. Lottin, M. Massart, I. Noé, and J. Cooleman, more than €3 million is made available for current and future cancer research. These VUB supporters chose to make a lasting impact on society even after their passing through their support of VUB.
For more information about donations, bequests, or establishing a fund, contact the VUB Foundation at foundation@vub.be.