On Friday 20 December 2024, the Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH) and the Fondation de Recherche Cancer et Sang (FRCS) signed an agreement, advancing Luxembourg’s commitment to innovative cancer research and personalised medicine. 

This landmark agreement joins their efforts in cancer research, effective on 1 February 2025. The integration of the Laboratoire de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire du Cancer (LBMCC) into LIH’s Department of Cancer Research (DoCR) marks a significant milestone in Luxembourg’s commitment to combating cancer through cutting-edge research and innovative treatments. 

Established in 1991 by the Fondation pour la Recherche sur le Cancer et les maladies du Sang ASBL, the FRCS has long been a cornerstone of Luxembourg’s cancer research landscape. It created the LBMCC to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer, inflammation and immunogenicity in both solid and hematological tumours. Meanwhile, LIH’s Department of Cancer Research focuses on enhancing treatment options by advancing personalized medicine through excellence in fundamental, translational, and clinical research. 

“This agreement represents a major step forward for Luxembourg’s cancer research ecosystem,” said Dr Johannes Meiser, Director of the Department of Cancer Research at the LIH. “By collaborating with the LBMCC, we are pooling resources and knowledge to accelerate discoveries and translate them into tangible outcomes for patients.” 

For the FRCS, this collaboration is a natural evolution of its mission. “Since its inception, the Fondation de Recherche Cancer et Sang has been dedicated to supporting impactful research. This agreement with LIH ensures that the pioneering work of the LBMCC will thrive within a larger framework, ultimately benefitting patients worldwide,” stated Dr Mario Di Cato, President of the FRCS. 

This step forward will enable seamless collaboration between researchers and provide access to state-of-the-art facilities, fostering innovation in key areas such as cancer immunology, tumour microenvironment, and neuro-oncology. Both parties view this agreement as the foundation for deeper collaboration and ground breaking advances in cancer treatment. 

By joining forces, LIH and FRCS are reinforcing their shared commitment to transforming cancer care and building a brighter future for patients.