ABOUT US

Wetenschap Uitgedokterd

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 therapy (PBMT) for the 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 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.

PBMT 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 PBMT 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 PBMT 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 presented them at several national and international conferences. This has ultimately led to six 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 PBMT 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 PBMT for other indications in the field of supportive cancer care within LOwLIght via scientific, clinical research. Recently a new pilot project was started in which we investigate the application of PBMT in the prevention of chemotherapy-induced neuropathy in breast cancer patients.

LOwLIght will also offer up-to-date training sessions for healthcare professionals from other medical institutes to learn more about PBMT. Our research team has built up the necessary know how in the field of PBMT and supportive cancer care. Our goal is to share our knowledge in order to stimulate the implementation of PBMT 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.