Press release
The Jules Bordet Institute inaugurates the Novel Treatment Unit : a treatment unit in Belgium entirely dedicated to clinical trials in oncology.
The Jules Bordet Institute Comprehensive Cancer Centre (ccc) is taking a further step forward in its research and innovation mission with the opening of the Novel Treatment Unit (NTU), a care unit in Belgium dedicated exclusively to clinical trials in oncology.
A place where research is an inherent part of the care pathway
The Novel Treatment Unit is much more than a hospitalisation unit: It is a place where clinical research is directly integrated in the patient pathway. This approach makes it possible to develop new medicines while offering patients privileged access to the most advanced treatment. The NTU is a perfect embodiment of the Institute’s threefold mission of achieving progress in training and cancer research while remaining at the forefront of care for Belgian patients.
“Since its creation, the H.U.B has placed research and innovation at the centre of its development strategy, with more than 300 research projects launched every year. With the Novel Treatment Unit we are further strengthening these ambitions, in the service of the patient.” Dr Jonathan Cimino, Clinical Director of Research at the H.U.B
A state-of-the-art infrastructure for clinical trials
The unit has 12 beds dedicated exclusively to monitoring patients participating in clinical research protocols. Patients are hospitalised in the unit to receive novel therapies, to participate in trials requiring multiple blood tests or to benefit from procedures that require overnight hospitalisation.
With biosafety level 2 certification, the NTU makes it possible to carry out trials with viral agents and innovative cell therapies, thereby positioning the Jules Bordet Institute among the European reference centres for clinical cancer research.
A multidisciplinary team in the service of excellence
The quality of care at the Novel Treatment Unit is in the hands of a multidisciplinary team of specialist doctors, nurses with expertise in clinical research, researchers and other health professionals. A configuration that enables the staff to concentrate fully on administering experimental treatment, the close monitoring of patients, the management of side effects, patient well-being and strict respect for protocol requirements. Close cooperation between care staff and researchers guarantees an integrated approach that combines scientific research and humanity of care.
“Thanks to a team of multidisciplinary experts, research nurses, coordinators and data managers, as well as close cooperation with leading edge biotechs and pharmaceutical laboratories, our NTU converts innovation into treatment for patients.” Dr Nuria Kotecki, consultant oncologist at the NTU unit at the Jules Bordet Institute.
Privileged access to innovation for patients
For the patients, the Novel Treatment Unit represents an opportunity to participate in innovative clinical research projects and have access to treatment that is not yet currently available. By participating in these clinical trials patients contribute directly to the progress of medical science while benefitting from personalised monitoring and care of the very highest quality. This unit illustrates the Jules Bordet Institute’s commitment to giving its patients not only the best in today’s treatment but also access to tomorrow’s treatment.
Frédérique Meeus
Clara Mercier