Lusatia is establishing itself as a hub for cancer care

A strong alliance for innovation in Lusatia

Lausitz is positioning itself as a major hub for innovative cancer medicine. By signing the memorandum of understanding, the Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg (BTU), the Medical University of Lausitz – Carl Thiem, the Lausitz Science Park and AIQ Europe GmbH reaffirmed their close and long-term collaboration in establishing the network. The aim is to establish an innovation centre for theranostic biomedicine in Cottbus with a supra-regional and cross-border reach. The focus is on data-driven and AI-supported applications – in particular for personalised cancer medicine and modern tumour treatment.

“Our aim is clear: findings from research must find their way into practical application,” says BTU Vice-President Prof. Michael Hübner. “The Theranosticum Lausitz demonstrates how this can be achieved – through the close integration of research and transfer with strong partners.”

Martin Peuker, Chief Digital Officer at the Medical University of Lausitz – Carl Thiem: “For us, people are at the heart of everything we do: with Theranosticum Lausitz, we are bringing high-precision diagnostics and targeted therapy closer together – for better treatment outcomes and a higher quality of life.”

Through the interplay of science, clinical practice and the innovation hub, a new, closely integrated ecosystem for the medicine of the future is emerging in Lausitz. The BTU contributes its data-driven research expertise, complemented by the clinical expertise of the Medical University and the structuring and development-promoting role of the Lausitz Science Park as a driving force for scientific excellence and economic transformation. AIQ Europe GmbH is the first company to establish itself here, developing AI-based software for the automated analysis of body scans for cancer diagnostics – a concrete example of the successful transfer of research into practice. AIQ Europe GmbH is currently working with clinical partners to test the software in specific clinical settings. 

Precision meets personalisation

Theranostics combines imaging diagnostics with targeted therapy based on radiopharmaceutical procedures. With the help of so-called radiotracers, tumours can not only be precisely localised but also treated directly afterwards. This approach increases the effectiveness of therapies whilst reducing side effects – a decisive step forward for patients.

Vision: An internationally recognised innovation hub

The network, comprising experienced companies and research institutions in the field of theranostics, is already generating real momentum for growth. For instance, a French consortium is currently exploring the construction of a laboratory building at the Lausitz Science Park. Furthermore, initial concrete options are being explored for establishing an educational institution for theranostic professions.

In the long term, Theranosticum Lausitz is set to become an internationally networked centre for translational research and development. The focus is not only on scientific progress, but above all on tangible benefits for society: better therapies, faster innovation and a sustainable strengthening of the healthcare sector in Lusatia.