One in three men and one in four women in Belgium are diagnosed with cancer before the age of 75. Despite important successes during the last decades, the mechanisms underlying the development and progression of cancer are only partially understood. Hence, cancer researchers are facing great challenges in their quest for better and targeted treatments.

Ghent University (UGent), Ghent University Hospital (UZ Gent) and VIB-UGent (a life sciences research institute in Flanders), have a strong history concerning cancer research. Over the years, different research teams acquired specific expertise that resulted in internationally renowned cancer research. In addition, clinical applications of novel treatments and diagnostic and prognostic tests were implemented. Many research activities and knowhow are however scattered over diverse campuses of UGent, UZ Gent and VIB-UGent.

CRIG's mission is to unite, stimulate and enhance the impact of cancer research at Ghent University, Ghent University Hospital and VIB-UGent.

The pancreas is an abdominal gland responsible for the production of digestive juices, in addition to hormones controlling the sugar levels of the blood. Pancreatic cancer is more common in men compared to women and patients are on average 65 years old at diagnosis. The first symptoms of pancreatic cancer often only arise when the tumor is already in an advanced stage, making this cancer very severe.

More information: https://www.crig.ugent.be/