SCK CEN becomes member of new BeCRA alliance

27 November '25

The Belgian institute for public health Sciensano announced the establishment of the Belgian Cancer Research Alliance (BeCRA) with great pomp. And with good reason, as this alliance provides Europe with a powerful ally in the fight against cancer. By coordinating and streamlining cancer research at a national level, BeCRA is responding (even more so) to the European cancer control plan. “We are very proud to be involved from the outset,” says Sarah Baatout, deputy director of NMA.

Thanks to the Belgian action plan ‘RLT4Belgium’, the nuclear research centre SCK CEN is preparing the sector for the widespread use of radioligand therapy (RLT). “This therapy has the potential to become a cornerstone of cancer treatment, but that requires integration into a broad oncological framework with clear national priorities,” says Sarah Baatout. This is where BeCRA comes in. The Belgian alliance wants to focus on these priorities for all aspects of cancer research: from prevention and diagnosis to treatment and quality of life after treatment.

How does BeCRA intend to achieve this?

By:

Strengthening the position of Belgian cancer researchers at European level
Planning cancer research (and allocating resources) in the most effective way
Organising and rationalising Belgian cancer care (including access to it)

Strength of BeCRA

The strength of BeCRA lies in its members. Sciensano is leading the initiative, providing a direct line to policymakers. Thanks to the financial support of Stichting tegen Kanker and the involvement of Kom op tegen Kanker, the patient's voice is also heard loud and clear. University hospitals contribute their practical experience, which research centres, such as ours, supplement with vision and expertise. “This creates an alliance that unites multiple perspectives and makes decisions supported by everyone at the table. This will also be evident when a proposal for a new Belgian cancer plan is drawn up,” concludes Sarah Baatout. With three pioneers in radioligand therapy involved, SCK CEN, Jules Bordet Institute and UZ Leuven, the way is paved for radioligand therapy to be included as a pillar in the future national cancer plan for 2026-2030. This new cancer plan is being developed by the Ministry of Health, FPS Health, the RIZIV/INAMI and Sciensano.