ABOUT US

The Limburg Oncologic Laser Institute (LOwLIght) is a structural collaboration in the field of photobiomodulation (PBM) 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 prevention and management of cancer therapy-related side effects.

How it started

Where are we now

The research group, led by Prof. Dr. Jeroen Mebis, is profoundly investigating the effectiveness of PBM for cancer therapy-related side effects (e.g. oral mucositis, acute radiodermatitis, neuropathy, alopecia, lymphedema, hand-foot syndrome, etc.) 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)). In 2022, the World Association for PhotobiomoduLation Therapy (WALT) published a guidelines paper on the use of PBM in supportive cancer care prepared by a group of international experts.

The results of our previous and ongoing clinical trials already resulted in several peer-reviewed publications. Moreover, our research team presented them at several national and international conferences. This has ultimately led to multiple 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.

MISSION

THERAPY

Research

TRAINING

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, lymphedema, hand-foot syndrome and gynecological toxicities.

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

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.