In anticipation of Cancer Day on October 15, 2026, the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and UZ Brussel are highlighting their recognized specialists in oncology research and care. These experts, active in various fields from fundamental research on new treatments and prevention to studying the impact of cancer on patients and their environment, contribute in multiple ways to a better understanding of the disease and the development of new perspectives for patients. This regularly updated list of experts is made available to the press for insights, interviews, and analyses on current developments in cancer research.
Among the medical oncology specialists are Prof. Dr. Bart Neyns (Head of Medical Oncology at UZ Brussel), an expert in immunotherapy and targeted therapies, particularly for melanoma and glioblastoma. Prof. Dr. Lore Decoster focuses on lung cancer and targeted therapies, while Prof. Dr. Sandrine Aspeslagh researches the side effects of immunotherapy, immuno-nutrition, and the microbiome. Prof. Dr. Amy de Haar-Holleman leads the "PANSCREEN" program for pancreatic cancer screening, and Prof. Dr. Sofie Joris specializes in the treatment of breast cancer and gynecological tumors. Dr. Christel Fontaine contributes expertise on breast, head and neck cancer, as well as supportive care.
In the field of oncological surgery, Prof. dr. Daniel Jacobs-Tulleneers-Thevissen (Head of Transplantation and Endocrine Surgery at UZ Brussel) is an expert in thyroid cancer and oncological surgery. Prof. dr. Dirk Smets specializes in the surgical treatment of lung cancer, and Prof. Dr. Nouredin Messaoudi applies artificial intelligence to oncology, particularly for pancreatic tumors. Prof. dr. Marian Vanhoeij coordinates the breast clinic for surgical treatment of breast tumors. Prof. dr. Moustapha Hamdi heads Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery, with expertise in breast reconstruction. Dr. Ellen Van Eetvelde is responsible for the surgical treatment of colorectal cancer, and Dr. Ayush Kapila focuses on plastic, reconstructive, and aesthetic surgery, including breast reconstruction.
For blood cancers and hematology, Prof. Dr. Ann De Becker, Head of Hematology at UZ Brussel, is an expert in acute leukemias and stem cell transplantation. Em. prof. dr. Rik Schots specializes in multiple myeloma, lymphoma, and leukemia. In onco-hematology and maxillofacial surgery, Prof. dr. Marieke Brands is a consultant in head and neck oncology. Prof. dr. Jan Gutermuth heads the Dermatology department and is an expert in skin cancer. Prof. dr. Karine Breckpot develops innovative immunotherapies, while Prof. Lorenzo Franceschini works on cell engineering via RNA technology. Prof. Kia Movahedi is an expert in neuro-oncology, and Prof. Jo Van Ginderachter in onco-immunology.
Radiotherapy, medical physics, and radiobiology are represented by Prof. dr. Thierry Gevaert, an expert in stereotactic radiosurgery and AI in medicine, and Em. prof. dr. Willem Distelmans, head of Radiotherapy and Palliative Care. Dr. Inès Dufait is a radiobiologist specializing in the combination of radiotherapy and immunotherapy. In neuro-oncology, Prof. dr. Johnny Duerinck specializes in brain tumors and immunotherapy. Professors Frederik Hes and Jacques De Grève are heads of Medical Genetics, experts in hereditary tumors. Prof. dr. Michel De Vos heads Brussels IVF and is an expert in oncofertility.
The field of life with and after cancer is covered by Prof. dr. Nele Adriaenssens (a physiotherapist specializing in oncological rehabilitation), Prof. Dr. Jo Nijs (chronic post-cancer pain), and Prof. dr. Kelly Ickmans (pain and prevention in children and adolescents). Professors Lieve Van den Block, Joachim Cohen, Luc Deliens, Kim Beernaert, Aline De Vleminck, Koen Pardon, and Lara Pivodic, along with Karolien De Prez and Tineke Sonck, are experts in palliative and end-of-life care.
