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Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, currently affecting 1 in 10 men in Belgium. Thanks to the expertise of multidisciplinary teams and the effectiveness of innovative methods, the Jules Bordet Institute, as the Brussels University Hospital (U.U.B) Cancer Centre, proposes ultra-personalised patient care and is adopting a pioneering role, nationally and internationally, in cancer care and research in the field of prostate cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment. More targeted diagnosis with the PANDORA study  A number of tests are required to diagnose prostate cancer, starting with measuring PSA levels in the blood and a digital rectal examination. If these examinations indicate a suspected cancer, an MRI can be carried out, in some cases followed by a prostate biopsy (removal of tiny samples of prostate tissue) to confirm and refine the result. The prostate biopsy is the key examination in the prostate diagnosis as it alone can confirm the presence of a cancer and is an essential factor when deciding on the treatment options. However, this biopsy can cause discomfort to patients, present a risk of complications (infection, bleeding) and sometimes reveal indolent tumours that do not require treatment. Experts at the Brussels University Hospital are therefore exploring alternatives to the biopsy. The PANDORA study, supported by the Jules Bordet Association, the Erasmus Fund and the Belgian Association of Urology, is posing the hypothesis that by including a PSMA PET/MRI in the  diagnosis tests it will be easier to effectively select patients who genuinely need a prostate biopsy  and therefore avoid unnecessary biopsies.  “This method combines the detection of an overexpressed protein in prostate cancer cells (PSMA) by means of positron emission tomography (PET) and the carrying out of a prostate MRI,” explains Romain Diamand, the PANDORA study investigator. Although at present it is used primarily to identify a recurrence of prostate cancer, it seems that this examination is also very promising for assisting in the initial diagnosis of this type of cancer.    More effective radiotherapy treatment thanks to an MRI-Linac   Thanks to its expertise and multidisciplinarity, the Jules Bordet Institute is able to offer ultra- personalised prostate cancer care. Since acquiring the MRI-Linac 1.5 T, with the support of the Jules Bordet Association, the progress in radiotherapy treatment has been nothing less than remarkable. This machine, the only one of its kind in Belgium, combines the power of a linear accelerator with the image quality of an MRI to provide tumour images in real time and thus a more precise targeting of  radiotherapy. “For the patient, this kind of ultra-personalised treatment that can be adapted daily makes it possible to spare a maximum of healthy tissue, reduce the risks of toxicity compared to conventional machines and, for some prostate cancers, reduce the number of radiotherapy sessions to 5, “ explains François Xavier Otte, radiotherapist at the Jules Bordet Institute.   Hopes for minimally invasive treatment: focal therapy  Focal therapy is a minimally invasive treatment that can be prescribed as an alternative to surgery or radiotherapy for small tumours caught at an early stage. The principle is to treat  the cancer zone and leave the rest of the prostate intact and thereby avoid risks of impotence and incontinence. There are several types of focal therapy: ultrasound, cryotherapy and laser. The Jules Bordet Institute is the only centre in Belgium to propose focal therapy using HIFU (High Intensity Focal Ultrasounds) technology that employs high energy ultrasound to destroy the disease. Research into focal therapies is very promising and a number of trials are in progress to validate new protocols. Microwave ablation has already shown its effectiveness in treating a number of organs. “The VIOLETTE study is seeking to prove its effectiveness in treating prostate cancer thanks to ultra-focal therapy with a microwave ablation protocol with image fusion so as to achieve a very precise  elimination of the tumour core, thereby neutralising it without harming the prostate functions,” explains Alexandre Peltier, urologist and principal investigator with the VIOLETTE study. 

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, currently affecting 1 in 10 men in Belgium. Thanks to the expertise of multidisciplinary teams and the effectiveness of innovative methods, the Jules Bordet Institute, as the Brussels University Hospital (U.U.B) Cancer Centre, proposes ultra-personalised patient care and is adopting a pioneering role, nationally and internationally, in cancer care and research in the field of prostate cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment.       More targeted diagnosis with the PANDORA study  A number of tests are required to diagnose prostate cancer, starting with measuring PSA levels in the blood and a digital rectal examination. If these examinations indicate a suspected cancer, an MRI can be carried out, in some cases followed by a prostate biopsy (removal of tiny samples of prostate tissue) to confirm and refine the result. The prostate biopsy is the key examination in the prostate diagnosis as it alone can confirm the presence of a cancer and is an essential factor when deciding on the treatment options. However, this biopsy can cause discomfort to patients, present a risk of complications (infection, bleeding) and sometimes reveal indolent tumours that do not require treatment. Experts at the Brussels University Hospital are therefore exploring alternatives to the biopsy. The PANDORA study, supported by the Jules Bordet Association, the Erasmus Fund and the Belgian Association of Urology, is posing the hypothesis that by including a PSMA PET/MRI in the  diagnosis tests it will be easier to effectively select patients who genuinely need a prostate biopsy  and therefore avoid unnecessary biopsies.  “This method combines the detection of an overexpressed protein in prostate cancer cells (PSMA) by means of positron emission tomography (PET) and the carrying out of a prostate MRI,” explains Romain Diamand, the PANDORA study investigator. Although at present it is used primarily to identify a recurrence of prostate cancer, it seems that this examination is also very promising for assisting in the initial diagnosis of this type of cancer.    More effective radiotherapy treatment thanks to an MRI-Linac   Thanks to its expertise and multidisciplinarity, the Jules Bordet Institute is able to offer ultra- personalised prostate cancer care. Since acquiring the MRI-Linac 1.5 T, with the support of the Jules Bordet Association, the progress in radiotherapy treatment has been nothing less than remarkable. This machine, the only one of its kind in Belgium, combines the power of a linear accelerator with the image quality of an MRI to provide tumour images in real time and thus a more precise targeting of  radiotherapy. “For the patient, this kind of ultra-personalised treatment that can be adapted daily makes it possible to spare a maximum of healthy tissue, reduce the risks of toxicity compared to conventional machines and, for some prostate cancers, reduce the number of radiotherapy sessions to 5, “ explains François Xavier Otte, radiotherapist at the Jules Bordet Institute.   Hopes for minimally invasive treatment: focal therapy  Focal therapy is a minimally invasive treatment that can be prescribed as an alternative to surgery or radiotherapy for small tumours caught at an early stage. The principle is to treat  the cancer zone and leave the rest of the prostate intact and thereby avoid risks of impotence and incontinence. There are several types of focal therapy: ultrasound, cryotherapy and laser. The Jules Bordet Institute is the only centre in Belgium to propose focal therapy using HIFU (High Intensity Focal Ultrasounds) technology that employs high energy ultrasound to destroy the disease. Research into focal therapies is very promising and a number of trials are in progress to validate new protocols. Microwave ablation has already shown its effectiveness in treating a number of organs. “The VIOLETTE study is seeking to prove its effectiveness in treating prostate cancer thanks to ultra-focal therapy with a microwave ablation protocol with image fusion so as to achieve a very precise  elimination of the tumour core, thereby neutralising it without harming the prostate functions,” explains Alexandre Peltier, urologist and principal investigator with the VIOLETTE study. 

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The Fertility and Medical Assisted Reproduction (MAR) Clinic of the H.U.B invites you on June 18, 2026 to a symposium dedicated to current perspectives in fertility care Image On the occasion of Infertility Month, the Fertility and MAR Clinic of the H.U.B is running a communication campaign throughout the month of June entitled "Your Fertility, Your Story".As part of this campaign, numerous activities are being organized to raise awareness and inform the public and healthcare professionals about the challenges of infertility and its management. Program 2:30 PM – Welcome & coffeeInformal networking moments with the Erasmus MAR Center team.3:00 – 3:10 PM – Personalizing patient intake: Mindoo, AI supporting the MAR pathway How an AI agent improves information, reduces anxiety, and facilitates access to care.Presentation and Q&A with Dr Catherine HoubaDirector of the Fertility Clinic of the H.U.B3:20 – 3:40 PM – AMH: How to explain it simply and effectively to patientsInterpretation, limitations, key messages, and pitfalls to avoid in first-line consultation.Presentation and Q&A with Prof Anne DelbaereHead of the H.U.B epartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology 3:50 – 4:10 PM – Endometriosis & fertility: what to tell patients, when to refer?Actual impact on fertility, indications for specialized care, optimal timing.Presentation and Q&A with Dr Agathe RabattuGynaecologist at the Fertility and Endometriosis Clinics of the H.U.B4:20 – 4:40 PM – Embryo selection by PGT-A: indications, limitations, and controversiesA clear update to guide discussions with patients.Presentation and Q&A with Dr Isabelle DupondGynaecologist at the Fertility Clinic of the H.U.B4:50 – 5:10 PM – IVF: how to reduce side effects and improve patient experienceNew strategies, better tolerated protocols, personalization of stimulation.Presentation and Q&A with Prof Fabienne DevrekerGynaecologist at the Fertility Clinic of the H.U.B5:20 – 5:40 PM – Late motherhood: what options can be offered today?Fertility preservation, alternatives, management of pregnancies after age 38.Presentation and Q&A with Dr Soraya AmirgholamiGynaecologist at the Fertility Clinic of the H.U.B6:30 – 7:30 PM – Dinner cocktail Registration Practical information Date: Thursday, June 18, 2026, from 2.30pm to 7.30pmLocation: Museum of Medicine, Erasme Campus – Place Facultaire, Route de Lennik 808, 1070 Brussels, Belgium. AccessFree event, but registration is mandatory – Accreditation request in progress.This is an in-person event; no remote participation will be available.Registration closes on June 11, 2026 at 5:00 PM. Our speakers Dr. Catherine Houba Director of the H.U.B Medical Assisted Reproduction (MAR) Clinic since March 2024, specializing in the management of infertility. Her clinical and scientific work focuses on ovarian insufficiency and its therapeutic options, particularly oocyte donation. Dr. Houba has a particular interest in the medical, ethical, and human aspects of this care. Her work also includes fertility preservation. She favors a multidisciplinary and personalized approach based on evidence-based medicine. Anne Delbaere is an obstetrician-gynecologist specializing in reproductive endocrinology and assisted reproductive technology. She directed the Fertility Clinic of Erasmus Hospital from 2002 to 2024. Since 2020, she has been Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Brussels University Hospital (H.U.B), covering the Erasmus Hospital and the Jules Bordet Institute sites. She is a professor of gynecology and a clinical supervisor at ULB. Dr. Agathe Rabattu A physician working in a fertility clinic since 2024, she supports intended parents in their desire to have a child by offering a personalized approach centered on their family project. Her work includes a comprehensive fertility assessment and the implementation of tailored strategies to optimize the chances of conception. She places particular importance on listening, providing clear information, and supporting patients throughout the development of their parental plans. She is also developing specific expertise in fertility preservation, particularly for patients with endometriosis, in order to anticipate the impact of the disease on reproductive potential and to offer solutions adapted to their life plans. Pr. Fabienne Devreker Specialist physician in fertility medicine and support for reproductive care pathways. Prof. Devreker is dedicated to supporting patients in their parenthood journey, using a personalised and innovative medical approach. Her expertise includes the management of complex infertility cases, the use of gamete donation, as well as advanced techniques such as Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD), in order to offer solutions tailored to the specific needs of each individual or couple. She also pays particular attention to inclusivity in her practice, developing specific expertise in the care of transgender individuals. Her approach is based on attentive listening, scientific rigor, and the adaptation of protocols to ensure optimal care, in line with each patient’s values and expectations. Image Dr. Isabelle Dupond Graduated in Obstetrics and Gynecology in 2006, Dr. Dupond has been working at the Erasmus Fertility Clinic ever since, first as a resident and then as a consultant. She divides her professional activity into two main areas: private practice in obstetrics and gynecology, and fertility care at Erasmus Hospital, with a particular focus on preimplantation genetic diagnosis and social ovocyte cryopreservation. Dr. Soraya Amirgholami Resident at the Fertility Clinic since 2021, I specialize in the overall management of infertility, with a particular focus on oocyte donation, for which I am part of the medical coordination team. My scientific work focuses on strategies to improve success rates in oocyte donation cycles, as well as the implementation of more “patient-friendly” frozen embryo transfer protocols. In the era of AI and social media, I am particularly interested in the social, ethical, and human challenges surrounding our medical practices. With the support of

The Fertility and Medical Assisted Reproduction (MAR) Clinic of the H.U.B invites you on June 18, 2026 to a symposium dedicated to current perspectives in fertility care Image On the occasion of Infertility Month, the Fertility and MAR Clinic of the H.U.B is running a communication campaign throughout the month of June entitled "Your Fertility, Your Story".As part of this campaign, numerous activities are being organized to raise awareness and inform the public and healthcare professionals about the challenges of infertility and its management. Program 6:30 – 7:30 PM – Dinner cocktail7:30 – 8:00 PM – What assessment for an infertile couple?Presented by Dr Noémie VancoppenolleGynaecologist at the Fertility Clinic of the H.U.B8:00 – 8:15 PM – What is the role of imaging in this assessment?Presented by Dr Noé MoutardGynaecologist at the Fertility Clinic of the H.U.B8:15 – 8:30 PM – Questions & discussion with speakers8:30 – 9:00 PM – Endocrine disruptors and fertility: how to address the topic in preconception care?Presented by Dr Jean-François SimonGynaecologist at the Fertility Clinic of the H.U.B9:00 – 9:30 PM – Male sexual disorders in MAR: what management?Presented by Dr David PeningGynaecologist at the Fertility Clinic of the H.U.B Registration Practical information Date: Thursday, June 18, 2026Location: Museum of Medicine, Erasme Campus – Place Facultaire, Route de Lennik 808, 1070 Brussels, Belgium. AccessFree event, but registration is mandatory – Accreditation request in progress.This is an in-person event; no remote participation will be available.Registration closes on June 11, 2026 at 5:00 PM. Our speakers Image Dr. Noémie Vancoppenolle Specialist physician in gynecology, trained at ULB, I received in-depth, diverse, and rigorous training across three major hospital institutions in Brussels. I currently work in fertility at Erasmus Hospital, where I support patients through their assisted reproductive journeys, including within the gamete donation team. Young, dynamic, and motivated, my approach is both rigorous, personalized, and caring for each patient. Image Dr. Noé Moutard Obstetrician-gynecologist, trained in Paris and Brussels, Dr Noé Moutard specializes in assisted reproductive technology. He has been affiliated with the fertility clinic at Erasmus Hospital since 2017. He holds an interuniversity diploma in assisted reproduction and operative hysteroscopy. He works closely with the endometriosis clinic and offers care pathways for infertile patients with gynecological surgical conditions. Image Dr. David Pening David Pening graduated as a Medical Doctor in 2013 and in Obstetrics and Gynaecology in 2018 from Université Libre de Bruxelles. In the field of ART, he did training in Fertility at Brussels IVF. His clinical and research interests are in Andrology, as he graduated in Andrology from Université de Lille in 2021 and does his PhD on sperm capacitation at ULB. He obtained an Executive Master in Management of Healthcare Institutions from Solvay Brussels School of Economics and Management in 2025. He is currently PHU at H.U.B Erasmus Hospital and since 2026, honored to be President of the Belgian Society for Reproductive Medicine (BSRM). With the support of