LOWLIGHT
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About us

The Limburg Oncologic Laser Institute (LOwLIght) is a structural collaboration in the field of low-level laser therapy and supportive cancer care. LOwLIght was founded in May 2019 via a collaboration between Hasselt University, the Limburg Oncologic Center, and the two largest hospitals of Limburg, Jessa ziekenhuis and Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg (ZOL), and is part of the Limburg Clinical Research Center (LCRC).

As a multidisciplinary team of professional caregivers and researchers we focus on the use of photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy for the management of cancer therapy-related side effects. ​
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How it started

Where are we now

The research group, led by Prof. Dr. Jeroen Mebis, is profoundly investigating the effectiveness of PBMT for two main side effects of chemo- and radiotherapy, oral mucositis (i.e. inflammation of the oral mucosal lining) and acute radiation dermatitis (i.e. inflammatory skin reaction) since 2007.  

PBM is based on the application of visible and/or (near)-infrared light produced by laser diodes to stimulate wound healing and reduce inflammation, and pain. 

The use of PBM in the prevention and management of oral mucositis has already been scientifically proven and taken up in the guidelines of several oncologic organizations (e.g. European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO), Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC), National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)). 

Our recent clinical studies demonstrated that PBM also has beneficial effects for the prevention and management of acute radiodermatitis in both breast and head neck cancer patients. Moreover, it improves the patients' quality of life and general wellbeing significantly. ​
The results of our previous and ongoing clinical trials already resulted in several peer-reviewed publications. Moreover, dr. Robijns and drs. Joy Lodewijckx presented them at several national and international conferences. This has ultimately led to seven scientific awards handed out by the ASLMS, MASCC, BSMO, WALT, and AGSMO. Also the press was impressed by the beneficial results, which gave rise to numerous newspaper reports, videos, online publications, and our research even was covered on the national television. ​​
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MISSION

THERAPY
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Research
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TRAINING
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LOwLIght will offer PBM to oncologic patients undergoing chemo- and/or radiotherapy to diminsh the severity of oral mucositis and acute radiodermatitis. As such, we can improve the patients' quality of life. This will eventually results into an improved patient adherence and overall treatment outcome. 

We will further investigate the use of PBM for other indications in the field of supportive cancer care within LOwLIght via scientific, clinical research.  New projects  investigate the application of PBM in the prevention of chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, alopecia and lymphedema in cancer patients. 
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LOwLIght will also offer up-to-date training sessions for healthcare professionals from other medical institutes to learn more about PBM. Our research team has built up the necessary know how in the field of PBM and supportive cancer care. Our goal is to share our knowledge in order to stimulate the implementation of PBM at every (inter)national oncology-radiotherapy department. As such, every cancer patient can enjoy the advantages of this beneficial therapy. 

VISION

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Our ultimate goal is to become a main player on (inter)national level in 3 domains: patient care, scientific research, and training. LOwLIght wants to be an important partner within the multidisciplinary treatment of the cancer patient. We want to become acknowledged as an innovative, high quality organization with an excellent reputation, a strong network, and a motivated team with an extensive expertise. The vision of LOwLIght to combine clinical research with patient care in order to make progress in the field of supportive cancer care.

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OUR TEAM

Principal investigator

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Prof. Dr. Jeroen Mebis
Head of  medical oncology department Jessa Hospital
Professor UHasselt 

Researcher

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Dr. Jolien Robijns
Postdoctoral researcher
​LCRC 

Researcher

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Joy Lodewijckx
PhD student
​LCRC

Researcher

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Marithé Claes
PhD student
LCRC

Laser and wound care nurse

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Leen Van Bever
Wound care nurse radiotherapy
​ Jessa hospital

Laser nurse

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Joyce Bollen
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Oncocoach
​​Jessa hospital

Laser nurse

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 Petra Dejeneffe
Oncocoach
​​Jessa hospital

Laser nurse

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 Glenn Lannaert
Oncocoach
​​Jessa hospital

Laser nurse

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Sandra Bortels
Oncocoach
​​Jessa hospital

Laser nurse

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Hilde Lenders
Oncocoach
​​Jessa hospital

Laser nurse

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Wendy Nassen 
Oncocoach
​Jessa hospital

Laser nurse

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Sylvana Snoekx
Nursing specialist in oncology
​Jessa hospital

Laser nurse

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 Ruth Hilkens
Physician assistant oncology
​Jessa hospital

Laser nurse

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Ingrid Geuns
Physician assistant hematology
​ Jessa hospital

Laser nurse

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Laura Dorissen 
Hematology nurse
​Jessa hospital

Laser nurse

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Sarah Leeten
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Hematology nurse
​Jessa hospital

Laser nurse

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Tessy Herteweg
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Hematology nurse
​Jessa hospital

Medical coordinator LOC ​

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Dr. Paul Bulens
Radiotherapist
Jessa hospital

Radiotherapist LOC

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Dr. Annelies Maes
Jessa hospital - ZOL

Radiotherapist LOC

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Dr. Leen Noé
Jessa hospital


Radiotherapist LOC

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Dr. Marc Brosens
Jessa hospital

Radiotherapist LOC

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Dr. Laura Van den Bergh
Jessa hospital - ZOL
 

Radiotherapist LOC

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Dr. Kathleen Verboven
Jessa hospital

Radiotherapist LOC

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Dr. Philippe Bulens
Jessa hospital - ZOL

Radiotherapist LOC

Oncologist LOC

Oncologist LOC

Oncologist LOC

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Dr. Evelyn Van de Werf
ZOL

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Dr. Tim Wessels
Jessa hospital

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Dr. Daisy Luyten
Jessa hospital

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Dr. Yolanda Verheezen
Jessa hospital

Oncologist LOC

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Dr. Eric Joosens
Jessa hospital

Oncologist LOC

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Dr. Annelies Requilé
Jessa hospital

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