Our history in non-conventional cancer research
When confronted with his sister’s cancer, the founder of the ACF, Luc Verelst, gathered extensive information about her treatment options. Overwhelming amounts of complex and often contradictory information revealed a critical need for credible, scientifically proven and understandable evidence – especially regarding cures promoted in clinics abroad. The ACF’s mission to scientifically unravel the mysteries of touted “non-conventional” treatments for cancer, was born.
The story of the ACF began...
Luc Verelst assigned the task to Lydie Meheus, PhD, who had already obtained 20 years of experience in biopharmaceutical research and development (R&D).
From 2009 to 2013, a team of scientists at the heart of Reliable Cancer Therapies (RCT) dedicated their efforts to identifying ‘the cure for cancer’. The first focal points were alternative cancer treatments offered outside mainstream cancer care.
The Anticancer Fund (ACF), founded in 2013, has the same mission and vision as RCT and continues the quest to find the cure for cancer. Today, Lydie continues to be the ACF’s managing director.
Researching alternative cancer treatments
RCT examined, in exhaustive detail, the cases of exceptional survivors and results from private clinics worldwide, and investigated them in clinical trials, where possible. After 4 years of intense research and extensive documentation, the team concluded that undertaking clinical trials in the field of alternative cancer care is very difficult. Key challenges include the need to collaborate with the claiming party and the unavailability of alternative substances produced using good manufacturing practices (GMP) production conditions which is mandatory to guarantee high standard product quality in testing products in humans in the EU.
“After spending days online, I had discovered many well-marketed therapies and clinics promising ‘wonder cures’. When no hope is offered to your sister, naturally, you exhaust hope in these alternative treatments. But how could I be sure of the quality of the scientific findings?”
From alternative to conventional research focus areas
Despite poor alternative care research outcomes and the hurdles involved in setting up clinical trials in the field, the team identified key paths to progress in cancer care. RCT's strategy moved out of non-conventional cancer care, into filling the gaps in conventional cancer care research as the Anticancer Fund. Patient benefits are not always a priority in commercial cancer drug development. In an economic setting driven by profit and returns, critical treatment options are often neglected.
Our current ambition
As an independent research fund, the ACF focuses on 4 areas where philanthropic funds have the highest potential to generate new findings that lead to new treatment options. We strive to allocate public money to these areas.
Our views on treating cancer
OUR PROMISE
-
We invest in the most promising research to make measurable progress in the fight against cancer. -
We strive to improve survival and quality of life, financial return is not within the scope of our activities. -
We identify untapped potential in cancer research leading to pragmatic solutions for patients in need. -
We seek impact and we invest our resources where we believe we can make the most progress. -
Every cancer deserves the same attention, regardless of prevalence or profitability.