Press release
Scientists from the Jules Bordet Institute and the University of Liège develop a predictive biomarker for a rare form of leukemia
Brussels, 8th of November 2025 – Researchers from the Jules Bordet Institute - H.U.B. and the GIGA Institute (University of Liège) have developed a new prognostic biomarker capable of identifying, among individuals infected with the HTLV-1 virus (Human T-cell Leukemia Virus type 1), those at high risk of developing an aggressive form of white blood cell cancer, Adult T-cell Leukemia (ATL).
New biomarker predicts the onset of aggressive leukemia years before symptoms appear
HTLV-1 affects more than 20 million people worldwide. While most carriers remain asymptomatic, a minority develop severe complications such as Adult T-cell Leukemia (ATL), often decades after initial infection. Until now, there was no reliable tool to predict this progression. Today, a major scientific breakthrough, published in the prestigious journal The Lancet Microbe, represents a critical milestone in the study of this rare leukemia. It opens the door to earlier therapeutic intervention and more personalized medical monitoring for people living with HTLV-1.
"This biomarker can help clinicians identify which HTLV-1 carriers are likely to develop aggressive ATL," explains Dr. Anne Van den Broeke, lead author of the study and head of viral oncogenesis research at the Jules Bordet Institute and GIGA. "For the first time, we have a tool that can predict this progression years, even decades, before symptoms appear."
A predictive score built on a One-of-a-Kind biobank
The study drew on a Japanese patient cohort tracked since 2002, giving researchers access to a uniquely valuable biobank of samples collected over more than two decades. Using advanced sequencing techniques, the Belgian researchers developed a predictive score called VCE (Viral Clonality Evenness). This score measures the uniformity of the virus distribution in the patient’s cells and is a key indicator of cancerous transformation risk.
"Originally, this method was developed to answer fundamental questions about cancer evolution in preclinical models," says Dr. Michel Georges, co-author of the study and former director of the GIGA Institute. "What is remarkable is that it has proven directly applicable to human disease, with real clinical utility for patients."
A tool that answers WHO's call regarding HTLV-1
In addition to identifying high-risk individuals who could benefit from preventive care, the VCE score will also provide reassurance to around 80% of carriers currently considered "at risk" under existing tools, although they will never develop the disease, a significant step forward for their quality of life. This discovery directly answers the call issued in 2024 by the World Health Organization (WHO), which emphasized the urgent need to develop diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers to improve global care for people living with HTLV-1.
Collaborative research supported by many partners
This study is the result of an international collaboration between the Jules Bordet Institute - H.U.B., the GIGA Institute (University of Liège), Necker Hospital (AP-HP, Paris), Erasmus Medical Center (Rotterdam), and the Japanese consortium JSPFAD (Joint Study on Predisposing Factors on ATL Development). The Jules Bordet Association supported this project from its earliest stages, funding the research from the preclinical phase through to its further development. The study also received significant support from Télévie, the National Fund for Scientific Research (FNRS), the Foundation Against Cancer, the Léon Frédéric Fund, and the Walloon Region (WALInnov).
The VCE score is currently being evaluated for clinical implementation in several HTLV-1 endemic regions as well as among at-risk populations worldwide.
Discover the full article published in The Lancet: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanmic/article/PIIS2666-5247(25)00126-0/fulltext
Contact
Louis Dijon
Frédérique Meeus
ABOUT THE H.U.B
The Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles (H.U.B) is the academic hospital of the Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), which unites the Jules Bordet institute, the Erasme Hospital and the Queen Fabiola Children’s University Hospital (HUDERF) since 2021.
As an international reference center, located in the heart of the Brussels Region, the H.U.B offers high quality general, oncological and pediatric care.
This excellent care, accessible to all, is enriched and sustained by a dual approach of scientific research and teaching for the caregivers of tomorrow.
In 2022, the H.U.B. is composed of more than 6,000 employees who share the following values: Interest of the patient, Respect, Commitment, Solidarity, Diversity and Inclusion, and the principle of Free enquiry.
About the Jules Bordet Association
For more than 50 years, cancer research at the Bordet Institute has been inextricably linked to the Jules Bordet Association (formerly Les Amis de l'Institut Bordet). As the Institute's leading private donor, the non-profit organisation has contributed more than €150 million over half a century, enabling it to fund hundreds of research projects and achieve major advances for patients. True to its mission, the Jules Bordet Association has already released €18 million for the deployment of research activities in the new hospital, including nearly €6.5 million for the acquisition by the Bordet Institute of the 1.5 Tesla MRI-Linac and the simulation MRI.
To find out more about the Jules Bordet Association, visit the website www.association-jules-bordet.be