Innovation in Cancer Care Pays: a throwback to the Federal Parliament Roundtable, December 4, 2025

Cancer is evolving, but outcomes are improving

The Belgian Cancer Registry showed that cancer incidence continues to rise (nearly 80,000 diagnoses in 2023), mainly due to population growth and ageing. However, mortality rates are decreasing and five year survival rates are increasing for many tumour types. This is the result of innovation in screening, early detection, precision diagnostics, and new therapies.

Innovation is fundamentally transforming oncology

Experts outlined how advances in surgery, radiotherapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and cell therapy are leading to better, less toxic, and more personalised care. Molecular biology and liquid biopsy enable more targeted treatment choices and help avoid ineffective or harmful therapies. Radiotherapy remains an essential pillar for one in two patients, but requires continued investment in equipment, workforce, and quality monitoring. Radioligand therapy (RLT) is emerging as a next
generation of precision treatments, in which Belgium can play a leading role thanks to its nuclear expertise.

Data and AI offer opportunities, but require quality and collaboration

AI is increasingly supporting clinical decision-making, but remains highly dependent on data quality and interoperability. Belgian hospitals are showing progress through federated models that respect privacy. However, an ethical, legal, and infrastructural framework remains essential to avoid inequality and dependence on closed systems.

Cancer and work: reintegration as part of care

Many cancer patients return to work or continue working during their treatment. Nevertheless, 41% of cancer patients are absent from work for more than a year. Early, coordinated support increases the chances of a successful return. Innovations such as gradual work reintegration and the TRIO platform support this, but are still not widely known.

The patient’s voice highlights the value of innovation

Four testimonies—Guillaume (sarcoma), Martina (BRCA1 gene mutation carrier), Marianne (melanoma), and Michiel (ALK-positive lung cancer)—illustrated how innovation extends life, improves quality of life, and provides hope. Their stories highlighted the need for integrated care, psychosocial support, and coherent reintegration.

Policymakers see a need for faster, coherent, and equitable access

In the debate between Ms. Kathleen Depoorter (N-VA), Ms. Irina De Knop (Open VLD), Mr. Jan Bertels (Vooruit), and Ms. Carmen Ramlot (Les Engagés), five priorities emerged:

1. Faster access to innovation, including through the new EEFA procedure.
2. Revision of reimbursement processes, with attention to quality of life, not just survival.
3. Breaking down silos within the National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance (RIZIV) to allocate resources more patient-centred.
4. Equal access, regardless of place of residence or socio-economic status.
5. Embedding integrated care in the new cancer plan, including aftercare, psychosocial support, and support for adolescents and young adults (AYAs).

In conclusion, the roundtable confirmed that innovation in cancer care pays off—in life years, quality of life, and societal value. However, to make this innovation sustainably and equitably accessible, system-level changes are needed in financing, regulation, data infrastructure, workforce, and collaboration. All.Can Belgium will translate the insights from this day into concrete recommendations and projects, aiming to deliver greater value for every patient within a future-proof cancer care system.

Read the full report here.