17th July GBM Awareness Day: Shining a Light on Glioblastoma

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GBM Awareness Day takes place each year on the third Wednesday of July to recognize the profound impact of glioblastoma. This day is dedicated to honouring those affected by this devastating disease, raising awareness, and supporting ongoing research efforts.

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive malignant brain tumour. In Europe alone, approximately 20,000 new cases of glioblastoma are diagnosed each year. It is a relentless disease that affects not only the individuals diagnosed but also their families and friends.

The Role of Research and Awareness

GLIOMATCH is an ambitious Horizon Europe project coordinated by Prof. Frederik De Smet, aimed at developing targeted treatments for brain cancer. The project brings together more than twelve partners from ten different European countries. The main goal of GLIOMATCH is to improve clinical outcomes for patients with malignant brain tumours, such as glioblastoma (GBM) in adults and high-grade gliomas (pHGG) in children.

Throughout July 2024, Gliomatch is spearheading initiatives to raise awareness about brain cancer in both adults and children. Their efforts aim to educate the public, promote early detection, and highlight the importance of research in finding better treatments and, ultimately, a cure.

You can follow Gliomatch on Linkedin:  GLIOMATCH: bijdragen | LinkedIn

And facebook: Facebook

Bringing Hope and Support

While a cure for glioblastoma remains elusive, the hope is that continued research will lead to advanced treatments and, one day, a cure.

Join us in observing GBM Awareness Day and help shine a light on glioblastoma. Your support and awareness can make a world of difference.
Together, we can make a difference and bring hope to countless lives.

Annual QbD event 2024

Just like last year, QbD organized its annual event for an update on the QbD Chair at the beautiful Salons Van Edel in Wilrijk.

The QbD Group has been actively supporting our research into glioblastoma ever since Pieter Van Vlierberghe, a close friend of QbD’s CEO Bart Van Acker, was diagnosed with the disease in 2020.
Pieter sadly lost his battle at the end of 2022. However, QbD remains dedicated to supporting the research in his honor and to helping future patients facing this devastating disease.

After an introduction by Bart Van Acker, Mark Peeters, CEO of UZA, presented on the future of healthcare, emphasizing patient-centered care. He discussed how technological advancements will increasingly allow patients to be monitored at home, which will require strong collaboration among multidisciplinary teams, home care providers, and caregivers.

As always, Yanti delivered a very accessible presentation on the importance of functional diagnostics. Following her, Frederik provided an overview of the evolution of the LPCM (Laboratory for Precision Cancer Medicine) and highlighted the positive impact of QbD's support.

To conclude the event, Hugo Van Puyenbroeck, Pieter’s father-in-law, shared the story of his pilgrimage to Compostela. Accompanied by his friend Wim Waes, Hugo embarked on a journey of nearly 1000 kilometers, completed in 43 days. This feat was even more impressive considering Hugo is 75 years old and Wim is 84. Their journey raised an impressive €14,000, which they donated to brain tumor research.

Hugo’s presentation was a touching tribute to his son-in-law, and his story was a testament to the power of dedication and perseverance.

A heartfelt thank you to Bart Van Acker for organizing this QbD event.

HLN Interview With Yanti De Visser

Blog by Yanti De Visser
First on video 🎥 - Now in the news 🗞
That's why I visited DPG media earlier this month 😉

After my "Science figured out"-video was released in March, Martijn Peters, Ph.D. contacted me.
➡ "Yes, I'd like to talk more about my PhD project and my connection with my mentor, who we lost to glioblastoma".

On a casual Monday afternoon, Martijn and I had a nice chat. A week later I was awkward as hell in front of the camera 📷 (although they did a great job 😍) and then POOF: On Thursday the 23rd of May, exactly 1 week ago now, my head and my story was on the internet!
I still can't believe what an amazing job Martijn did in translating my story into this beautiful article. Thank you so much! 🙏

Also a big shout out to Arnaud Zonderman for making it all happen!

Haven’t read the article yet? 🗞
https://lnkd.in/e2gW5Gfm
Haven't seen the video yet? 🎥 https://lnkd.in/eNWZccyE

Vertaling weergeven

Event: Onco meets AI

Friday, April 26: ONCO meets AI event organized by the Leuven Cancer Institute and Leuven AI.
Moderator, Jeroen Baert from the Nerdland podcast, delved into the world of artificial intelligence with a critical yet humorous perspective. Following his engaging introduction, he challenged our panelists, who each provided insights into the use and applications of AI within their respective research fields.
The panel included:

•  Prof. Frederik De Smet, Head of LPCM

• Prof. Garmyn, Head of Dermatology at UZ Leuven

• Dr. Bab Weyn, Innovation Manager at MIRC UZ LeuvenProf. Wouter Crijns, Medical Physicist in Radiotherapy at UZ Leuven

• Prof. Katrien Verbert, Head of the Augment Research Group at KU Leuven

Our experts shared their perspectives on what AI means for the future of oncology, discussing ethical dilemmas and guidelines, the sale of data in collaboration with companies, and the reliability of AI applications.
The proceeds from this enlightening evening went to the 1000km for Kom op tegen Kanker (KOTK).

Science figured out: Defuse the glioblastoma time bomb

Glioblastoma is a devastating diagnosis, typically offering patients a mere 15 months to live.

The malignant nature of glioblastoma, spreading rapidly through the brain, has long posed a significant challenge in finding effective treatment options.

Our PhD student, Yanti de Visser, has been working on a personalized approach to slow down the progression of this aggressive brain tumor. . The initial findings suggest that our personalized treatment approach has the potential to extend patients' lives by years rather than months.

While further research is essential to validate these early results, the progress made so far marks a significant stride in the quest for more effective glioblastoma treatments. We remain committed to advancing medical science, bringing hope to patients and their families.

Read more here Ontmantel de tijdsbom van de hersentumor | Wetenschap uitgedokterd

LPCM's PhD student Yanti De Visser wins the audience award during the Belgian 3MT Preliminary Round

On December 14, the Belgian preliminary round of the 3 Minute Thesis competition (3MT) took place in the Promotion Hall of the University Halls. This is a unique challenge in which PhD students had to present their life-changing research to a demanding jury of academics in just three minutes.

One of the striking participants was our PhD student Yanti De Visser, who not only managed to attract the attention of the jury but also managed to convince the audience with her passionate pitch. The subject of her research? The importance of precision cancer medicine in glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. What made Yanti's presentation so impressive was not only the depth of her scientific work but also her ability to put a face to it. She managed to make the complexity of her research accessible and to touch the audience emotionally.

Judith Wellens, a physician specialist in training and doctoral researcher in the inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) research group, could call herself the winner of the jury prize. She conducts research into the impact of food components on inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.

The 3 Minute Thesis competition not only provides a platform for scientific excellence but also highlights the importance of effective communication in academia. The ability to convey complex ideas in a concise and engaging manner is a skill that both Yanti De Visser and Judith Wellens excel at.

These two researchers not only embody the passion for their field but also demonstrate the power of sharing science with the world. While Yanti De Visser gave the face to precision cancer medicine, Judith Wellens brought the impact of food on inflammatory bowel disease closer to the public.

Congratulations to Yanti De Visser and Judith Wellens for their impressive performances in the Belgian 3MT preliminary round. Their ability to bring complex science to life in just three minutes is an inspiration to aspiring scientists and a reminder of the power of effective science communication.

Looking back: ZoniënTrail 2023 Supporting research into brain tumors while walking or running

Prof.dr. Frederik De Smet (far right) of the LPCM, Laboratory for Precision Cancer Medicine KU Leuven, receives the check for 36,000 euros on November 17, 2023 from several members of the ZoniënTrail core team, together with the daughter and husband of Veerle Hermans.

In the shadow of the majestic Sonian Forest, the 3rd edition of the Sonian Trail took place on November 5, 2023. A heart-warming initiative by the volunteers of the Zoniën Athletics Team in the enchanting grape region.

A Trail with a Mission

This year the trail was about more than just sports. The organizers decided to dedicate the proceeds to research into glioblastoma, a brutal brain tumor. A personal motivation drove them: the loss of Veerle Hermans, a dedicated member of the ZATeam who died from this tumor in September 2021.

Impressive numbers and Enthusiastic Participants

The ZoniënTrail 2023 started at the Bosuil in Jezus-Eik, Overijse, and offered various challenges, including the Start to trail 5 km, Trail for Veerle 15 km, and the challenging Zoniën Challenge 25 km. Walkers could choose from routes of 7 or 15 km. With 1,300 participants, the event exceeded all expectations.

The trail, shrouded in mud as befits a real trail, was kicked off by none other than Faroek Özgünes, VTM journalist. The event was a success thanks to the commitment and hard work of the core team of 6 people under the leadership of Els Ysebaert, and a team of 90 volunteers.

Generous Contributions and Tasty Rewards

In addition to the sporting achievements, participants were rewarded with 450 bananas, 555 slices of gingerbread, 500 waffles and 200 sandwiches. The result? Proceeds of no less than 36,000 euros, all intended for the Laboratory for Precision Cancer Medicine at KU Leuven.

Generous check presented to LPCM: 36,000 euros!

At the honoring of the champions of the ZAT Team Club Criterion on November 17 in Hoeilaart, professor Dr. Frederik De Smet from LPCM received the check containing the staggering amount of no less than 36,000 euros.

Frederik De Smet: “Thank you so much for this generous check. Your generous contribution will serve as a catalyst for new projects and will have a substantial impact on our ongoing brain tumor research. Your support allows us to explore new treatment methods. To improve the lives of those affected by this terrible disease. It is inspiring to see how a team such as the Zoniën Athletics Team, in addition to excelling on the sports field, also shows its commitment to important social issues.”

This trial was in honor of Veerle Hermans

Veerle was an ambassador of sport and of life, a fantastic daughter, mother, wife and sparkling friend. Her contributions as a member of the Zoniën Athletics Team since 2005, Start2run supervisor, member of the Huldenberg sports council, Professor of ergonomics at the VUB, author of the book My Happy Office 2020, member of the High Council for Prevention and Protection at Work and Welfare advisor of the VUB,  will live on in the participants' and Zoniën Athletics Team members’ memories.

Interview "De Tijd" with Prof.Frederik De Smet: Project coordinator GLIOMATCH

On January 16, an interview with Prof. Frederik De Smet was published, marking his appointment as the project coordinator of GLIOMATCH. This Horizon Europe project is sponsored by the EU, Switzerland, and the UK.

GLIOMATCH brings together 14 partners from 10 member states, all united in the mission to better understand how immunotherapy can be used to treat malignant brain tumours in both adults and children.

Stay tuned as we follow the progress of this groundbreaking project and its potential to revolutionize brain tumour treatments through advanced immunotherapy research.
Link to interview:Belg die vriend verloor aan hersenkanker leidt Europees onderzoek | De Tijd

Inauguration of the Extended QbD (Quality by Design) Chair

KU Leuven fotos®

 On January 11, the inauguration of the extension of the QbD Chair took place.

This chair, a crucial part of the QbD Foundation, carries with it a deeply personal story of friendship and dedication.

Three friends, Bart Van Acker, Prof. Pieter Van Vlierberghe, and Frederik De Smet, who graduated together as bio-engineers from KU Leuven, were reunited by fate. Bart, the founder of QbD, and Pieter, a cancer researcher at Ghent University, had been friends for many years. In 2020, Pieter received a devastating diagnosis: glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. Seeking hope and innovation, he reached out to Frederik De Smet, who had since dedicated his laboratory to finding better treatments for glioblastoma. This request sparked a collaboration that would set remarkable things in motion.

Bart Van Acker, deeply moved by his friend's plight, joined this mission, offering financial support through his company. This support took the form of a research chair, inaugurated in 2021, focused on finding better treatments for glioblastoma.

Tragically,Pieter passed away at the end of 2022 due to glioblastoma. In honor of Pieter, Bart Van Acker continues to support the research into better treatments for glioblastoma, ensuring that Pieter's legacy lives on.

Glioblastoma (GBM) remains one of the most challenging cancers to treat, with a five-year survival rate of less than 5% despite intensive standard therapies. The stark reality is that nearly all clinical trials over the past 20 years have failed, largely due to the diverse nature of GBM patients and the heterogeneous characteristics of each tumor. However, small groups of patients sometimes respond exceptionally well to various treatments, highlighting the potential of more precise patient selection to significantly improve clinical outcomes.

While traditional methods of matching patients to therapies based on genetic analysis have proven insufficient for GBM, functional precision oncology (FPO) offers a promising alternative. FPO aims to provide better and clinically actionable insights. With the generous support of QbD, we are now developing new methods and tools for FPO analysis, including single-cell analysis, to map out detailed therapy responses for GBM.

Thanks to this continued support, we are optimistic about advancing our understanding and treatment of glioblastoma, honoring Pieter’s memory, and making strides towards better outcomes for patients facing this devastating disease.

Read more about this initiative: QbD Leerstoel voor Precision Oncology Research in Glioblastoma - Steun (kuleuven.be)

De weg van onderzoek naar een erkende behandeling

Trends:2nov 2023

Op 2 november verscheen er in Trends een boeiend interview met Bart Van Acker CEO van QbD en Frederik De Smet. Het gesprek legde de nadruk op een cruciaal samenspel tussen de academische en commerciële wereld.

Vlaanderen heeft een perfomante, echter academici hebben vaak wel inzicht in het werk van andere onderzoekscentra, maar ze missen soms het diepgaande begrip van wat er zich afspeelt in de dynamische omgeving van commerciële ondernemingen.

Het doel van academisch onderzoek heeft als uiteindelijk doel het ontwikkelen van goedgekeurde medicijnen en erkende behandelingen. Hier komt Qbd, het bedrijf opgericht door Bart Van Acker, in beeld. Het fungeert als een essentiële schakel tussen deze twee werelden, en speelt een sleutelrol bij het begeleiden van kleine start-ups en middelgrote bedrijven in de ontwikkeling van hun ideeën tot volwaardige producten.

In een tijd waarin wetenschappelijke ontdekkingen sneller dan ooit plaatsvinden, zijn bedrijven zoals Qbd de sleutel tot het ontsluiten van het volledige potentieel van Vlaanderens biotechscene. Door bruggen te bouwen tussen kennis en commerciële toepassingen, leggen zij de fundering voor de volgende generatie innovatieve doorbraken in de medische wereld.
Het volledige interview kan je hier terug vinden: Bart Van Acker (QbD) richt leerstoel op nadat goede vriend een hersentumor kreeg: ‘Het persoonlijke verhaal is erg bepalend geweest’ (knack.be)