
Ghent University Hospital, founded in 2006, is one of the leading academic hospitals in Belgium, affiliated with Ghent University. It delivers specialized healthcare across multiple fields, including cardiology, oncology, neurology, gastroenterology, orthopedics, pediatrics, and general surgery. With 130 beds, including 28 dedicated intensive care beds, and a team of 72 doctors, the hospital provides high-quality treatment supported by advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies. Each year, it registers over 285,000 patients, reflecting its role as a trusted healthcare provider in the region.
The hospital is dedicated to combining patient-focused care with clinical research and education, making it an important center for medical innovation and training. Through a multidisciplinary approach, it ensures that patients receive comprehensive and personalized treatment for both common and complex conditions.
Advanced Technology & Facilities:
Key Services:
Ghent University Hospital continues to combine medical expertise, modern facilities, and innovative research, serving as a reliable choice for both local and international patients seeking advanced healthcare in Belgium.

University Hospitals Leuven (UZ Leuven) was established in 1970 in Leuven, Belgium, building on centuries of medical tradition dating back to the founding of St. Peter’s Hospital in 1080. As Belgium’s largest university hospital and the teaching hospital of KU Leuven, UZ Leuven offers a full spectrum of medical specialties supported by world-class research and academic excellence. The hospital is internationally recognized for its advanced infrastructure, adherence to global healthcare standards, and comprehensive clinical services across nearly every medical field. With close to 2,000 beds and more than 9,000 employees, including 1,800 doctors, UZ Leuven serves hundreds of thousands of patients each year. Its reputation for innovation, multidisciplinary care, and advanced treatments makes it a trusted destination for both local and international patients.
Advanced Technology & Facilities
Key Services
University Hospitals Leuven stands out as Belgium’s premier academic hospital, combining innovation, advanced medical technology, and compassionate care. Its integration of education, research, and clinical excellence ensures world-class treatment for both local and international patients.

Belgium maintains a nationally regulated healthcare system in which hematology-oncology services are delivered within clearly defined legal, academic, and clinical governance frameworks. Oncology and hematology departments operate under the supervision of the Belgian Federal Public Service (FPS) Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment, in alignment with European Union healthcare directives and internationally recognized patient safety standards supported by the World Health Organization (WHO). In recent years, hematology-oncology in Belgium has continued to modernize through the integration of precision oncology platforms, molecular diagnostics, immunotherapy protocols, CAR-T cell therapy programs in accredited centers, digital pathology systems, and strengthened national cancer registry reporting mechanisms. These developments reflect ongoing regulatory updates and institutional investments in innovation and patient safety.
Hematologists and medical oncologists in Belgium follow a structured academic and licensing pathway. After completing a medical degree, physicians undergo specialized postgraduate training in internal medicine followed by subspecialization in hematology, medical oncology, or hemato-oncology within university-affiliated teaching hospitals. Board certification, national registration, and mandatory continuing professional development are required. Many specialists participate in European Hematology Association (EHA) and European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) conferences and engage in Continuing Medical Education (CME) programs to remain aligned with evolving evidence-based treatment guidelines. This structured professional framework supports peer review oversight, research integration, and clinical accountability.
Belgium’s hospital infrastructure includes tertiary-care academic cancer centers equipped with dedicated oncology wards, hematology units, bone marrow transplant facilities, radiotherapy departments, and advanced diagnostic laboratories. Many large hospitals operate multidisciplinary tumor boards that include hematologists, oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, and supportive care specialists. Clinical governance systems incorporate infection prevention protocols for immunocompromised patients, chemotherapy safety monitoring programs, pharmacovigilance systems, and structured informed consent documentation.
For international patients exploring hematology-oncology treatment in Belgium, the process often begins with collecting comprehensive medical records. In practice, hospitals typically request pathology reports, biopsy slides, imaging studies (CT, MRI, PET-CT), laboratory results, prior chemotherapy summaries, and a detailed treatment history for specialist review. Communication with international patient departments commonly occurs via secure digital platforms, allowing review of documents before travel decisions are made. Belgium is part of the Schengen Area, so visa requirements depend on nationality; short-stay medical visas are often required and supported by official hospital appointment confirmations. For treatments such as chemotherapy cycles or bone marrow transplantation, the length of stay may vary significantly depending on clinical evaluation, and extended monitoring may be necessary. Belgium’s official languages are Dutch, French, and German, but many tertiary-care cancer centers provide English-speaking medical staff or professional interpreters for international patients. Planning for follow-up care and continuity of oncology monitoring after returning home is typically addressed during discharge coordination.
Facing a hematologic or oncologic diagnosis can feel overwhelming and deeply personal. Belgium’s structured oversight, multidisciplinary tumor boards, and transparent regulatory systems are designed to provide clarity, safety, and accountability within complex cancer care pathways.
Hematology-oncology services in Belgium increasingly incorporate advanced molecular diagnostics and precision medicine approaches. Next-generation sequencing (NGS), immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, and cytogenetic analysis are commonly used to refine diagnostic accuracy and guide individualized treatment planning. Digital pathology platforms and high-resolution imaging systems, such as PET-CT and MR, support detailed staging and monitoring. In selected accredited centers, advanced therapies such as immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and cellular therapies, including CAR-T cell treatment, are integrated into structured care protocols.
Strict infection control measures are central to hematology-oncology departments, particularly for patients undergoing immunosuppressive therapies. Belgian hospitals implement validated sterilization procedures, isolation protocols when required, and chemotherapy preparation systems compliant with European safety regulations. Imaging and radiology safety standards are followed to minimize unnecessary exposure, and procedural safety for central line placements, biopsies, and transplant-related interventions adheres to established guidelines. Post-treatment monitoring includes laboratory surveillance, imaging follow-up, adverse event monitoring, and supportive care assessment.
Continuous professional development remains integral to oncology practice. Specialists regularly participate in international scientific congresses, clinical trials networks, and CME programs to remain aligned with updated treatment guidelines. Treatment plans are individualized based on pathology results, staging assessments, and multidisciplinary tumor board discussion. Informed consent is mandatory before initiating systemic therapies or invasive procedures, and final clinical decisions are made exclusively by licensed specialists following comprehensive evaluation. Belgium’s emphasis on regulatory oversight and academic integration contributes to its recognition for structured, evidence-based cancer care.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy involves the administration of cytotoxic medications to treat various cancers and hematologic malignancies. Treatment planning typically includes laboratory evaluation, imaging studies, and multidisciplinary review. Chemotherapy is administered in specialized oncology units with validated drug preparation systems and monitoring protocols to ensure safe dosing. Infection prevention measures and pharmacovigilance systems are applied throughout treatment cycles. The clinical objective is the management of malignant cell proliferation within established oncology guidelines.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy uses medications designed to stimulate or modulate the immune system in targeting cancer cells. Diagnostic evaluation may include biomarker testing and molecular profiling to guide therapy selection. Administration occurs in regulated oncology infusion centers with monitoring for immune-related effects. Structured safety protocols and follow-up evaluations are integral to treatment planning. The functional goal is modulation of immune response according to evidence-based protocols.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy focuses on specific molecular pathways involved in cancer development. Molecular diagnostics such as NGS and cytogenetic testing are often used to identify actionable targets. Medications may be administered orally or intravenously under oncology supervision. Safety monitoring includes laboratory testing and clinical assessment at defined intervals. The objective is selective inhibition of tumor-related pathways within individualized treatment frameworks.
Bone Marrow Transplantation
Bone marrow or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is performed in specialized hematology units for selected hematologic conditions. Pre-transplant evaluation includes comprehensive laboratory testing, imaging, and multidisciplinary review. Transplant units operate under strict infection control measures and supportive care protocols. Continuous monitoring in protected environments is common during the transplantation process. The clinical aim is restoration of hematopoietic function within regulated transplant programs.
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy uses high-energy radiation to treat malignant conditions. Treatment planning involves CT simulation and computerized dose calculation to ensure precise targeting. Belgian radiotherapy departments utilize advanced linear accelerators and imaging-guided systems. Safety protocols include radiation dose verification and structured follow-up imaging. The objective is localized management of cancerous tissue within defined treatment parameters.
Diagnostic Bone Marrow Biopsy
Bone marrow biopsy is a diagnostic procedure used to evaluate hematologic disorders. The procedure is performed under sterile conditions with local anesthesia. Laboratory analysis includes cytogenetics, immunophenotyping, and molecular testing where indicated. Post-procedure monitoring ensures hemostasis and patient stability. The clinical purpose is diagnostic assessment within hematology evaluation protocols.
Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc
Accreditations:
Joint Commission International (JCI)
Regulated by the Belgian Federal Public Service Health
Affiliated with Université catholique de Louvain
Specializations:
Comprehensive hematology-oncology services, including bone marrow transplantation, precision oncology programs, multidisciplinary tumor boards, and research-based clinical trials within a tertiary-care academic environment.
UZ Leuven
Accreditations:
JCI-accredited
Regulated bythe Belgian national health authorities
Affiliated with KU Leuven
Specializations:
University-based cancer center offering advanced molecular diagnostics, immunotherapy programs, hematologic malignancy management, and integrated research initiatives.
University Hospital Ghent
Accreditations:
National regulatory oversight
Teaching hospital affiliation
Specializations:
Provides oncology and hematology services, including stem cell transplantation, solid tumor management, and radiotherapy,y supported by academic research infrastructure.
CHU de Liège
Accreditations:
Regulated by Belgian health authorities
Affiliated with the University of Liège
Specializations:
Delivers multidisciplinary cancer care encompassing medical oncology, hematology, and radiotherapy within a tertiary-care framework.
UZ Brussel
Accreditations:
Nationally regulated
Affiliated with Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Specializations:
Offers academic oncology services including targeted therapy programs, clinical research trials, and comprehensive supportive care services.
AZ Sint-Jan Brugge-Oostende
Accreditations:
National oversight
Teaching hospital affiliation
Specializations:
Provides hematology and oncology services, including chemotherapy administration, diagnostic procedures, and collaborative tumor board management within a regulated hospital environment.
| Procedure | Estimated Cost |
| Chemotherapy (per cycle) | $2,500–$7,000 |
| Immunotherapy (per cycle) | $4,000–$10,000 |
| Targeted Therapy (monthly) | $5,000–$12,000 |
| Bone Marrow Transplantation | $80,000–$150,000 |
| Radiotherapy (course) | $10,000–$20,000 |
| Diagnostic Bone Marrow Biopsy | $1,500–$3,500 |
Note: The prices listed above are approximate, non-binding estimates provided for general informational purposes only. Actual treatment costs may vary based on individual clinical requirements, diagnostic findings, treatment complexity, materials or technology used, physician expertise, facility type, and duration of care. Final pricing is determined only after a professional evaluation by a licensed specialist or accredited medical institution.
Belgium’s healthcare system emphasizes national regulation, institutional accountability, and structured clinical governance. Oncology and hematology departments operate within licensed hospitals subject to federal oversight and quality audits. Evidence-based treatment guidelines are integrated into care pathways, and multidisciplinary tumor boards provide structured review for complex cases. Infection control standards and chemotherapy safety systems are closely regulated to protect patient safety.
Specialist training standards require accredited postgraduate programs and ongoing CME participation. The integration of molecular diagnostics, advanced imaging, and precision therapy platforms reflects modernization within regulated environments. Transparent documentation practices, including detailed informed consent and treatment summaries, support patient understanding and institutional oversight.
Belgium participates in European cross-border healthcare frameworks that provide structured guidance relevant to international patient coordination. National cancer registries and regulatory agencies contribute to data transparency and institutional accountability.
Restrictions and Practical Considerations
Eligibility for certain advanced therapies depends on clinical evaluation, staging, and multidisciplinary assessment. International patients must comply with applicable Schengen visa regulations. Some treatments, such as stem cell transplantation, may require prolonged inpatient stays and close monitoring before travel clearance. Continuity of care planning, including coordination with physicians in the patient’s home country, is commonly discussed before discharge. Administrative documentation, including translated pathology reports or insurance verification, may influence coordination timelines.
Choosing oncology treatment abroad can understandably feel uncertain. Belgium’s structured regulatory oversight, academic cancer centers, and multidisciplinary care models are designed to provide clarity and safety within complex hematology-oncology pathways.
Best Clinic Abroad is a medical travel facilitator that helps patients understand how to coordinate hematology-oncology care in Belgium. It is not a medical provider and does not provide diagnosis, treatment, or influence over clinical decisions. Its role is limited to non-clinical coordination and communication support.
➤ Hospital coordination – Support communication and coordination with accredited hospitals
➤ Appointment support – Assist with scheduling and organizing consultations
➤ Communication assistance – Help patients understand next steps without replacing medical advice
➤ Logistical guidance – Offer non-clinical support related to travel planning
If you would like to understand how hematology-oncology treatment coordination in Belgium typically works, you may choose to contact Best Clinic Abroad for general information about the process.
How do international patients arrange hematology-oncology treatment in Belgium?
International patients typically begin by submitting pathology reports, imaging studies, laboratory results, and prior treatment summaries to a hospital’s international patient department or through a medical travel facilitator. You are commonly asked to provide comprehensive documentation for specialist review before a consultation is scheduled. Multidisciplinary evaluation often determines whether further in-person assessment is appropriate.
Does Belgium provide visa assistance for medical travelers seeking cancer treatment?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality. If you require a Schengen visa, you may need official documentation confirming your medical appointment in Belgium. Hospitals or facilitators often provide appointment confirmation letters to support your visa application. It is advisable to confirm requirements with the Belgian embassy or consulate before arranging travel.
Is online consultation available before traveling for hematology-oncology treatment in Belgium?
Yes, online consultation is often available. Through Best Clinic Abroad, you can request coordination of an online consultation with accredited Belgian hematology-oncology departments. Best Clinic Abroad acts strictly as a medical facilitator and does not provide diagnosis or treatment. The consultation itself is conducted by licensed hematologists or oncologists who review your submitted medical records and determine whether an in-person evaluation is appropriate.
Will I find English-speaking oncologists or translators in Belgian hospitals?
Many tertiary-care and university-affiliated cancer centers that treat international patients have English-speaking oncologists and hematologists. When additional language support is required, professional medical interpreters are commonly available. You can typically confirm language arrangements with the hospital’s international coordination office before your visit.
Disclaimer: This content is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It reflects non-clinical observation of healthcare coordination processes and institutional practices in Belgium and does not represent direct medical practice. Diagnosis and treatment decisions should always be made in consultation with a licensed medical specialist based on individual clinical evaluation.
Last updated: February 2026

