Addressing unmet needs
Every cancer deserves the same attention, regardless of prevalence or profitability. We seek to meet the needs of every cancer patient.
Cancers are associated with the most unmet needs
Cancers for which there are no targeted or only limited treatment options are defined as cancers with unmet needs. The Belgian National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance published an unmet needs list of 64 diseases, of which 35 are cancers. Based on this list, the government created unmet medical need programs to reimburse drugs that aren’t yet approved but can be used to treat diseases associated with unmet needs.
Providing extra support
Most for-profit companies have little or no interest in investigating cancers with unmet needs because of the particular work field, small patient populations and low commercial benefit. The Anticancer Fund grants extra support for clinical trials researching cancers with unmet needs.
The story of KickCancer
A beautiful example of tackling cancers with unmet needs is the story of KickCancer.
A Belgian family goes through life with humour and love, until they are told that one of their children, Raphaël, then almost nine, has a tumour in his foot. The name of the tumour, rhabdomyosarcoma, is quickly changed into 'foot cancer'. After a whole year of chemotherapy, Raphaël reaches the Holy Grail of complete remission and the family goes back to normal life. After two years, however, Raphaël suffers a nasty relapse. The family embarks on an in-depth research effort, learning that all the reassuring innovations one hears about cancer in the news… are for adults only and do not benefit children. This inspires them to found KickCancer!
Our current focus areas
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Drug repurposing
Drug repurposing, also known as drug repositioning, is a drug development strategy predicated on the reuse of existing...
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Less common and rare cancers
We don’t just focus on the ‘big four’ of cancer – prostate, colon, breast and lung. We also investigate new treatment...
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Combination therapies
It is important to investigate the impacts of drugs beyond what they can achieve alone. Using them in combination...
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Preventing tumour recurrence
For cancer survivors, the fight isn’t always over. Many are concerned about the possibility of recurrence, and living...
Our views on treating cancer
OUR PROMISE
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We invest in the most promising research to make measurable progress in the fight against cancer. -
We strive to improve survival and quality of life, financial return is not within the scope of our activities. -
We identify untapped potential in cancer research leading to pragmatic solutions for patients in need. -
We seek impact and we invest our resources where we believe we can make the most progress. -
Every cancer deserves the same attention, regardless of prevalence or profitability.