{"id":4014,"date":"2025-10-09T09:04:02","date_gmt":"2025-10-09T08:04:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.uantwerpen.be\/pintra-en\/?p=4014"},"modified":"2025-10-30T09:30:20","modified_gmt":"2025-10-30T08:30:20","slug":"core-researchers-hike-and-run-for-innovative-cancer-research","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.uantwerpen.be\/pintra-en\/core-researchers-hike-and-run-for-innovative-cancer-research\/","title":{"rendered":"CORE researchers hike and run for innovative cancer research"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A hike through the Portuguese countryside. A half marathon in Antwerp. What began as two separate initiatives by staff members at CORE<\/a> \u2013 UAntwerp\u2019s Center for Oncological Research \u2013 grew into a joint effort with one clear goal: to raise visibility and funds for innovative cancer research.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Running for a future without cancer<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Two initiatives, one mission. Research technician Louize Brants<\/strong> organised a 75-kilometre hike through the hilly landscapes of Portugal<\/strong>. Four colleagues joined her. Research manager Delphine Quatannens <\/strong>rallied 19 enthusiastic colleagues to run the Antwerp half marathon<\/strong> together on 19 October. The two initiatives soon came together under a single banner: Moving forward together towards a future without cancer<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2018You often come across external fundraising campaigns,\u2019 says Louize. \u2018So why not set up something ourselves, for our own lab?\u2019 That question struck a chord. The response was immediate and enthusiastic. \u2018We\u2019d often hear that people wanted to contribute directly to our research, without intermediaries. This initiative makes that possible.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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‘There are many external fundraising campaigns, but through this initiative people can contritbute to our cancer research directly, without intermediaries<\/strong>.’<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Louize Brants<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Sport as a unifying force<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

That they settled on an initiative involving sports is no coincidence. \u2018We\u2019re all quite sporty and love a challenge. Add a competitive element and we\u2019re on board,\u2019 laughs Delphine. \u2018But the best part is that it strengthens our team spirit.<\/strong> CORE<\/a> has over 100 researchers, spread across different research groups and locations. Training together is motivating and helps you get to know your colleagues better.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To prepare, Louize and her colleagues trained in places such as the Kalmthoutse Heide, with its heat, sand and nature trails stretching for kilometres. \u2018The actual hike in Portugal was still tough,\u2019 she says, \u2018but we\u2019re incredibly proud that we made it.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The runners are still training hard, during lunch breaks or after work. They keep each other motivated in a WhatsApp group \u2013 which is no luxury, since most of them have never run a half marathon before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The hike through Portugal was quite challenging.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Training together for the Antwerp half marathon.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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What happens to the money raised?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Every euro goes directly to CORE\u2019s cancer research \u2013 and that support is very much needed. Equipment, materials and new technologies are expensive. Unfortunately, traditional research grants cover only part of the costs. \u2018Grants are essential for our work, but they\u2019re limited and difficult to obtain<\/strong>,\u2019 explains Delphine. \u2018For our day-to-day operations we need additional funding<\/strong>. Donations allow us to purchase materials and to test new therapies and innovative ideas more quickly.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Delphine gives us a concrete example of such innovation: \u2018We\u2019re currently working on a promising new immunotherapy: CAR-NK cell therapy. In this approach, immune cells from healthy donors are used to specifically target and attack cancer cells. We\u2019ve already made significant progress and hope to be amongst the first in Europe to bring this therapy to patients.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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‘For our day-to-day operations we need additional funding<\/strong>. Donations allow us to purchase materials and to test new therapies and innovative ideas more quickly<\/strong><\/strong>.’<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Delphine Quatannens<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Putting the patient first<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The focus of CORE\u2019s research is guided by a clear vision: the patient\u2019s needs always come first<\/strong>. \u2018Every research line we initiate must offer clear added value for the patient. Their quality of life is our top priority,\u2019 explains Delphine. Thanks to close collaboration with UZA, CORE is able to fully focus on personalised therapies that maximise both effectiveness and quality of life<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Working on visibility<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

With this initiative, the researchers also aim to make CORE more visible to the wider public in Antwerp<\/strong>. They do so, amongst other things, through their own website, social media and flyers. Louize: \u2018Family, friends and supporters can follow and encourage the team. Afterwards, we\u2019ll also show them exactly what their contribution has made possible.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eline Joukes from the Antwerp University Fund<\/a> is also joining the marathon. \u2018We really enjoy working with the Antwerp University Fund. They\u2019re helping to support this project, and their involvement means a great deal to us,\u2019 say Louize and Delphine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Help build a future without cancer<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n