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Ghent Researcher Wins Award for Non-Radioactive Breast Cancer Detection Agent

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Ghent University researcher Loren Deblock has developed a non-radioactive contrast agent to help surgeons detect the spread of breast cancer.
  • The agent, named Hafnolox, uses light emission instead of radioactive or blue dyes, allowing for more precise intervention and utilizing existing hospital equipment.
  • Deblock received the 'Entrepreneurial Researcher' award at Gentrepreneur, along with a startup capital of 5,000 euros to establish a company for his invention.

A groundbreaking innovation from Ghent University promises to revolutionize how surgeons detect the spread of breast cancer. Loren Deblock, a researcher at Ghent University, has been honored with the 'Entrepreneurial Researcher' award for developing Hafnolox, a novel non-radioactive contrast agent designed to significantly improve the detection of cancer metastasis through the lymphatic system.

I can still hardly believe it. It's fantastic to receive this recognition. It was also exciting because the other finalists were very strong.

· Loren DeblockLoren Deblock expresses his surprise and excitement upon winning the 'Entrepreneurial Researcher' award.

Deblock's invention addresses critical limitations in current diagnostic methods. Traditional techniques often rely on radioactive substances or blue dyes, which can leave persistent marks on the skin for months and require specialized, costly equipment not available in every hospital. Hafnolox offers a more elegant and accessible solution. Instead of radioactivity or dyes, it utilizes light emission, enabling surgeons to pinpoint the exact location for intervention with greater accuracy.

The significance of this development extends beyond its technical advantages. By working with light emission, Hafnolox can be used with equipment already present in most hospitals, reducing the need for expensive new infrastructure. This accessibility is crucial for widespread adoption and ensuring that more patients can benefit from this advanced diagnostic tool. Deblock's vision is to make this technology readily available, potentially saving lives and improving treatment outcomes.

It helps us determine if the cancer has spread to the patient's armpit. Based on that, the necessary follow-up treatment is determined. This could be chemotherapy or radiotherapy, for example.

· Loren DeblockDeblock explains how Hafnolox aids in determining the extent of cancer spread and subsequent treatment.

Beyond Deblock's achievement, the Gentrepreneur competition also recognized Nand Haegeman as 'Student-Entrepreneur' for his initiative supporting young artists. Both honorees received a 5,000 euro startup capital, which Deblock plans to invest in founding a company to bring Hafnolox to patients. This recognition not only celebrates individual innovation but also highlights Ghent's vibrant ecosystem for fostering entrepreneurial talent in both scientific research and the arts.

For the application of Hafnolox, the hospital can also use equipment they already have.

· Loren DeblockDeblock highlights the accessibility and cost-effectiveness of his invention, as it utilizes existing hospital equipment.
About this summary

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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