Innovation and expertise for increasingly effective prostate cancer treatment
Prostate cancer currently affects 1 in 10 men and remains the principal cancer among mature men. Thanks to the expertise of the multidisciplinary teams and the effectiveness of innovative techniques, the Jules Bordet Institute - the Cancer Centre of the Brussels University Hospital (H.U.B.) - is able to propose a targeted and highly personalised treatment for cancer patients. Thanks in particular to the Jules Bordet Association's support in buying state-of-the-art equipment, the Jules Bordet Institute is today a pioneer, both nationally and internationally, in treating prostate cancer patients and in research in the field of screening, diagnosis and treatment.
Risk-adapted screening: a strategy that is proving its value
Prostate cancer screening permits a considerable decrease in the associated mortality. At present, the most effective method is the PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) test. This is a non-invasive, low cost blood test that measures the PSA level and is a reliable indicator of the presence of a tumour. Depending on the test result, an MRI can be prescribed in certain cases followed by a prostate biopsy (taking of one or more prostate tissue fragments for analysis) to confirm the result.
A key public health issue, the early detection of prostate cancer was placed on the European Commission's agenda in 2022, resulting in the first European risk-adapted screening programme. A programme based on the general population with the flexibility to be modified to reflect regional variations in prostate cancer risk, while also taking healthcare resources into account.
Prostate biopsy, a key examination in terms of diagnosis
A prostate biopsy is recommended if the screening tests show any suspicion of a tumour. This analysis is essential both to confirm the diagnosis and to measure tumour size and aggressiveness. This targeted biopsy is possible thanks to highly sophisticated image fusion software that combines previously produced MRI images with the 3D ultrasound image. This new imaging technique, the result of research by the Jules Bordet Institute teams, makes it possible to effectively detect a cancer and its severity. Thanks to this diagnostic precision, it is possible to provide the patient with personalised care and treatment that is adapted to his cancer, thereby avoiding any undertreatment or overtreatment.
The improved patient comfort also includes personalised care with a dedicated 30-minute session with a urologist or specialised nurse at the time of the targeted biopsy. This permits a beneficial exchange that helps reduce anxiety and pain during this examination.
An ultra-targeted and personalised treatment
The Jules Bordet Institute, a pioneer in prostate cancer treatment through laparoscopic and then robotic surgery, has developed an expertise in leaving the prostate organ intact thanks to focal therapy. When the tumour is identifiable, focal therapy makes it possible to destroy the cancer while leaving the rest of the organ intact. This precision operation is possible thanks to a system of 3D cartography coupled with these tools for minimally invasive focal therapy. A treatment that is highly targeted and personalised for each patient.
Unique in Belgium, this system has the benefit of reducing conventional side effects that generate discomfort, such as incontinence or functional or sexual troubles linked to surgery or radiotherapy.
Equipped with devices and technologies at the leading edge of innovation, some of which are available only at the hospital, the Jules Bordet Institute guarantees high quality care that is increasingly adapted to the uniqueness of each patient by virtue of an approach based on multidisciplinary and comprehensive expertise.