French-speaking Belgium is a medical research hub, particularly thanks to high-throughput sequencing. Demonstration.
In July 2014, Pierre Sonveaux and his team (UCL) identified compounds preventing the development of metastases. In May 2015, Professor Stathopoulos (ERC Belgium) developed a vaccine against brain tumours. Some time later, Professor Blanpain (ULB) delivered his findings into the early detection of breast cancer. In the winter of 2015, Professors Castronovo and Turtoi (ULg) identified a protective molecule against cancer cells. Recently, the discovery of Professor Fuks (ULB) on the role played by an RNA letter in cancer development was published in Science magazine. And this list is far from being exhaustive.
Of course, this research didn’t happen overnight. It is an evolutionary process that take years of work. However the recent flurry of discoveries can be explained by the quickened pace of research activity in recent years. And that boost is due to technical progress, in particular the NGS (New Generation Sequencing) system or high-throughput sequencing.
According to researchers, this new technology is a real revolution. In lay terms, it consists of big scanners that read the genes and detect those that are damaged. This makes it possible to make very specific diagnoses and to offer patients specific treatments and personalised therapies.
The use of this breakthrough technology is starting to be funded and regulated by the government. In January, the Minister of Public Health, Maggie De Block, announced that the Cancer Plan included a project to create a structure for the implementation of NGS tests, an investment worth 2.7 million euros.
In addition, a working group entitled "Personalised Medicine", chaired by the Cancer Centre, was recently established with the objective of evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of targeted, sequencing-determined treatment for a patient.
What’s more, French-speaking Belgium is raking in the benefits of international synergies. Not only have several competence centres have been created in this field, but international structures are quick to set up in the region. Due to its small size, Belgium has no choice but to work with foreign partners if it wants to make headway, which helps accelerate the process of research and discovery.
All of which is good news for the future of research in Wallonia!
(Source: L'Echo)
