Official launch of research centre

It's fitting that as we recognize a year since Lukas’s passing, we also herald a legacy he created that will improve treatments to increase the survival rate and quality of life for patients with brain cancer.

Lukas passed away July 26 last year from glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. However, true to Lukas’s spirit, he was resolute in wanting to make a difference. In his words: There is no limit on what we can achieve. Brain cancer can be beaten. 

On July 13, the Lundin Family Brain Tumour Research Centre at the University Hospital in Lausanne (CHUV), Switzerland was officially commemorated, one year after its initial launch. In a CHUV ceremony attended by the Lundin Family, plaques were unveiled to honour the memory of Lukas and let cancer patients “know that they are not alone in their fight." Two plaques will be featured: one at the Department of Radiation Oncology and the second in the Department of Oncology where cancer patients arrive for treatment.

"It’s great we are able to do this plaque unveiling because it’s all part of the journey in growing awareness and funding in the field of neuro-oncology, which is severely understudied. With the Lundin Cancer Fund supporting this centre and its magnificent team of medical experts, I know we’re going to see some real breakthroughs," said Jack Lundin. "Let’s continue to battle together because I know success comes down to the right team and determination – and we definitely have that here at the centre."

Along with the unveiling of the plaque, centre director Dr. Andreas Hottinger outlined two major clinical studies to improve treatment outcomes, welcomed the three winners of the first call for research projects launched by the centre, and debuted the centre’s new website.

“Glioblastoma is one of the biggest challenges in oncology,” said George Coukos, chair of CHUV’s Department of Oncology. “We currently cannot cure it but we know we can do it. We are close to a turning point. We have the determination and the necessary expertise. The contribution of the Lundin Cancer Fund gives us the means to devote ourselves to it.”