News

Plexus hospital network the first in Flanders to get approval for a regional care-strategic plan

24 January 2023

The Flemish government has given its approval for the regional care-strategic plan of the hospital netwerk Plexus, a collaboration between AZ Diest, Heilig Hart Leuven, RZ Tienen and UZ Leuven.

New gene therapy for congenital blindness

13 January 2023

The first gene therapy for hereditary retinal disease, voretigene neparvovec or Luxturna, has recently been approved for use. UZ Leuven doctors have treated a first patient with this new type of gene therapy. If diagnosed in time, Luxturna can prevent further progression of the disorder.

Roadworks on the Gasthuisberg campus: local one-way traffic

10 January 2023

For cars and buses there is one-way traffic between the Het Teken roundabout and Berg Taborweg from Monday 16 May to the construction leave in July. All destinations on campus remain accessible.

Higher survival rate pancreatic cancer after minimally invasive surgery

22 December 2022

UZ Leuven doctors compared the survival rate of patients with pancreatic cancer after minimally invasive surgery versus classic open abdominal surgery. Their conclusion is clear: patients treated with minimally invasive surgery have a better longterm survival rate and are less likely to relapse.

New strategy improves diagnosis of ovarian cancer

15 December 2022

An international research group led by UZ Leuven, KU Leuven and Imperial College London developed a new strategy to classify ovarian tumors as benign or malignant. They validated the approach in nearly 5,000 patients at 17 centers worldwide and confirmed that it helps doctors determine the most appropriate treatment.

First patient with oesophageal cancer treated with proton therapy

14 December 2022

At the end of November, it was the first time a patient with oesophageal cancer was treated in Belgium. This was done in the Leuven proton therapy centre PARTICLE, as part of the first European phase 3 study on the potential benefits of proton irradiation in that type of cancer.

Anatomic barriers protect the brains against the coronavirus

12 December 2022

COVID-19 is often accompanied by partial or complete loss of the sense of smell. It was long thought that the coronavirus could reach and infect the brains via the nasal mucosa. However, an international research team, including UZ Leuven doctors has found no proof of that.

Higher temperature storage of donor lungs reduces tissue damage and avoids overnight transplants

8 December 2022

A transplant patient at UZ Leuven has successfully received new lungs that were stored at 6°C instead of on ice. By storing organs at a higher temperature, there is less tissue damage. In addition, it makes it possible to store donor lungs longer and avoids overnight transplants.

Walk-in centre Leuven offers a warm meeting place for people with cancer and their relatives

1 December 2022

If cancer crosses your or that of a loved one's path, you probably have a lot of emotions, questions and needs. In the walk-in centre people will lend you an ear. Whoever you are, whichever path you've taken, the door is always open. You're also welcome for additional informationd and support.

Robot reduces margin of error in deep brain stimulation

17 November 2022

Neurosurgeons at UZ Leuven have successfully performed deep brain stimulation with the help of a robot. The robot has a highly accurate and stable target arm, which assists the surgeon inserting the elektrodes and biopsy needles in the right direction and the correct depth in the brains.

Anaesthesia during pregnancy does not have impact on the child's development

27 October 2022

UZ Leuven doctors have examined whether exposure to anaesthesie during the pregnancy has an impact on the brain development of the baby. The results are reassuring: no significant link was detected.

Study tests innovative CAR-T cell therapy after kidney transplant

18 October 2022

On 27 September a UZ Leuven patient was the first to be given a type of CAR-T regulatory cell therapy after a kidney transplant. The aim is to prevent rejection of the donor kidney and to enable a reduction in classic anti-rejection medication.