News

Maribavir: promising new drug for the treatment of CMV reactivation

19 September 2019

Maribavir offers an effective and safe treatment for cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation, a common complication following stem cell and organ transplants. This was demonstrated during a clinical phase 2 study led by Prof. Dr. Johan Maertens, haematologist at UZ Leuven.

Genetic NIPT test indicates whether mother is a carrier of Duchenne muscular dystrophy

4 September 2019

A study by the Centre for Human Genetics in Leuven has shown for the first time that the non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT) can reveal abnormalities in the mother’s DNA linked to Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

4 complex transplants in one day

4 September 2019

On Sunday 1 September 4 complex transplants were performed virtually simultaneously in the UZ Leuven operating wing. An amazing feat, because it was the first time in Belgium that all main transplantable organs of the body were transferred from donor to recipient on the same day.

Visit the delivery room and maternity unit

2 September 2019

Participate in a virtual tour and discover where your baby will make its entry into the world. A restful and comfortable environment where you will receive the best possible care. Not only will you find out what it looks like, you will also be given useful information on the way we operate.

Blood test detects rejection by antibodies following a kidney transplant

30 July 2019

Researchers involved in a European multicentre study led by Leuven-based nephrologists identified a new biomarker which, via a simple blood test, can demonstrate much earlier which patients are showing signs of rejection by antibodies following a kidney transplant.

Ketones in the fight against lymphoedema

12 July 2019

Administration of ketones, an alternative source of energy, stimulates the growth of lymphatic vessels and has a positive impact on disorders of the lymphatic system. These spectacular effects were discovered by Prof. Carmeliet (VIB-KU Leuven). This strategy will be tested in a UZ Leuven clinical phase II study.

Belgian lung specialists recommend environmentally friendly inhalers that produce better treatment results for lung patients

2 July 2019

The department heads of Belgian university hospitals are recommending the use of dry-powder inhalers to lung patients because they can deliver better treatment results for asthma and COPD. Moreover, they are far less damaging to the environment than traditional propellant driven aerosols.

Up to 70% fewer complications following oesophageal cancer

28 June 2019

Figures from the thoracic surgery department at UZ Leuven show that the quality of oesophageal operations is improving year on year. Particularly the number of complications after the operation has considerably decreased. On 1/07 2019, UZ Leuven was recognised as a centre of expertise for oesophageal surgery by RIZIV.

Minimally invasive keyhole operation is the future of complex pancreatic surgery

28 June 2019

From 1 July 2019 UZ Leuven will be a recognised centre of expertise for complex pancreatic surgery. In 2018, UZ Leuven performed 153 pancreatic operations of the most complex type, which made Leuven the only centre to handle more than 100 complex pancreatic operations that year.

New evidence that biological drug works for patients with Crohn's Disease

20 June 2019

Two recent Belgian real-world studies demonstrate that ustekinumab, a biological drug, is also efficient and safe in patients whom no longer benefited from the standard medication.

Artificial intelligence for the diagnosis of lung disorders

17 June 2019

ArtiQ, a KU Leuven spin-off company which helps doctors diagnose, treat and monitor respiratory disorders, has concluded its seed financing round with € 1 million. The money will be used to develop a software platform that will be able to quickly and reliably evaluate patients' lung capacity.

New treatment for rare sarcoma is very promising

14 June 2019

A recent European clinical phase II study identified a new, highly promising treatment for metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumours or GIST, a rare form of sarcoma.