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Clinic Mission: Management of Thoracic Cancers The Thoracic Oncology Clinic at H.U.B specializes in the multidisciplinary management of patients with lung, pleural, and mediastinal cancers, including:Bronchopulmonary cancers (non-small cell and small cell)Pleural tumors (mesotheliomas and others)Mediastinal tumors (thymomas and others)Pleuro-pulmonary metastasesDiagnostic management is provided through an advanced pulmonary endoscopy unit (bronchoscopic fiberoscopy, GPS navigation, endobronchial ultrasound [EBUS], cryobiopsies, etc.) and close collaboration with a highly skilled team of pathologists and the molecular biology laboratory.The weekly multidisciplinary thoracic oncology meeting (CUB Erasme Hospital and Jules Bordet Institute) brings together top specialists in radiology, nuclear medicine, pneumology, thoracic oncology, thoracic surgery, radiotherapy, pathology, ISO, and other fields. This collaboration is the foundation for evidence-based therapeutic decisions aligned with the latest scientific research and best practice guidelines.Surgical management is provided by the Thoracic Surgery Department, in line with our institution’s long-standing integrated medical-surgical model.Radiotherapy management is provided by the Institut Jules Bordet team.Collaboration with the Gamma Knife Center of the Neurosurgery Department at Erasme Hospital and the Radiotherapy Department at Institut Jules Bordet ensures optimal management of brain metastases. Learn more about lung cancer care at the Jules Bordet Institute Academic Mission Training of medical residents in Pneumology and Internal MedicineTraining in Thoracic OncologySupervisor: CUB Erasme Hospital – J. Bordet Institute (ULB): Dr Mekinda Ngono Zita LéaOthers Research Mission Les activités de recherche clinique et fondamentale sont réalisées en collaboration avec l’Institut Jules Bordet et la faculté de médecine de l’ULB.Depuis la Création de l’Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles (HUB) en 2021, la prise en charge des pathologies oncologiques thoraciques se fait dans le cadre d’un projet de soins inter-inhospitalier CUB Hôpital Erasme et l’Institut Jules Bordet. Clinical and fundamental research activities are conducted in collaboration with the Jules Bordet Institute and the ULB Faculty of Medicine.Since the creation of the Brussels University Hospital (HUB) in 2021, the management of thoracic oncological diseases has been organized within an inter-hospital care project between CUB Erasme Hospital and the Jules Bordet Institute. Multidisciplinary Thoracic Oncology Team Dr Mekinda Ngono Zita: Pulmonologist, Thoracic OncologistProf. Thierry Berghmans: Medical OncologistProf. Dimitri Leduc: PulmonologistProf. Benjamin Bondue: PulmonologistDr Blandine Jelli: Pulmonologist, Thoracic OncologistDr Olivier Taton: Pulmonologist, Thoracic OncologistProf. Mariana Brandao: Medical OncologistDr Anouk Goudsmit: Medical OncologistDr Alice Carrette: Pulmonologist, Thoracic OncologistDr Bogdan Grigoriu: PulmonologistDr Youri Sokolow: Thoracic SurgeonDr Maria Ruiz: Thoracic SurgeonDr Maarten Vander Kuylen: Thoracic SurgeonDr Elena Prisciandaro: Thoracic SurgeonProf. Pia Di Campli: Thoracic SurgeonProf. Myriam Remmelink: AnatomopathologistProf. Luigi Moretti: RadiotherapistProf. Caroline Keyzer: Radiologist

What is Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura? TTP or Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura is a rare disease of the group known as thrombotic  microangiopathies. These are diseases  in which the platelets or thrombocytes (involved in coagulation) clog together in an abnormal manner leading to the formation of blood clots.  This phenomenon causes three problems:A reduction in the number of available platelets = Thrombocytopenia.The red blood cells collide with these clots and break up leading to a reduction in number = Anaemia.The clots can block the blood vessels and reduce the oxygenation of tissues with possible serious consequences for the heart, brain, kidneys, etc.  A number of causes can be responsible for the occurrence of these thrombotic microangiopathies. The TTP is caused by the deficiency of a protein known as   "Adamts 13". This deficiency is most frequently due to the presence of an antibody (= immune TTP) or otherwise it may be a genetic anomaly (congenital TTP).   Treatment TTP must be treated as a vital emergency. Without treatment the mortality rate is 90%. A rapid diagnosis is essential followed by optimal treatment at an expert centre.  Initial treatment of immune TTP consists of two action plans:1.Acute treatmentIncreasing the level of Adamts 13 proteins by means of plasma exchanges: The plasma (the liquid component of the blood that contains cells) is replaced with healthy plasma that serves to increase Adamts 13 levels and remove antibodies.    Since 2019 an innovative medicine specific to TTP has made it possible to prevent the platelets from attaching themselves to each other, thereby resolving the three problems indicated above. This has permitted a clear improvement in the treatment of acute stage patients. Our centre always has this medicine on hand for rapid administration.    2.Fundamental treatmentStopping the production of antibodies that act against Adamts 13. First line treatment consists of the administration of corticoids and a monoclonal antibody that targets the cells that produce the antibodies  Treatment of congenital TTP is based on the administration of plasma. The administration of  synthetic Adamts 13 is not yet reimbursed but is accessible.  All persons suffering from TTP require lifelong monitoring by a haematologist specialising in this type of pathology.    Our specialists Advice TTP can present various and variable symptoms as it can affect a number of organs. The primary clinical manifestation is abnormal bleeding, major hematomas or petechiae (multiple small red/violet marks on the skin).  More severe symptoms can be the signs of a heart attack or stroke.  A blood test showing anaemia and a thrombocytopenia can quickly suggest the diagnosis .Useful links:   Thrombotic Microangiopathies - MaRIH – Rare Immuno-Haematological Diseases Health Network National Reference Centre Microangiopathies TTP Community - Home (Dutch language site)  Make an appointment Focus Our hematology team has gained extensive experience in managing this condition and regularly receives requests for the care of patients from external centers.We regularly collaborate with expert centers from various European countries (France, United Kingdom, Italy).We participate in multidisciplinary consultation meetings with French expert centers. Discover our Hematology Department