Professor Eric Van Cutsem stands as a world-renowned leader in gastrointestinal oncology with a distinguished career spanning several decades at KU Leuven and University Hospitals Gasthuisberg in Belgium. He currently serves as Professor Emeritus with formal duties at the University of Leuven, a position he assumed in October 2023 following his tenure as Division Head of Digestive Oncology. A member of the Belgian Royal Academy of Medicine, he also holds the prestigious role of president of the Belgian Foundation against Cancer and was awarded doctor honoris causa by the Medical University of Warsaw in 2018. His leadership extends to co-founding Digestive Cancers Europe where he serves as Medical Director, demonstrating his commitment to advancing gastrointestinal cancer care across the continent.
Professor Van Cutsem has made transformative contributions to the understanding and treatment of gastrointestinal cancers including colorectal, gastric, pancreatic, and esophageal malignancies through his extensive research program. His scholarly output comprises over 1,600 scientific publications with more than 120,000 citations and an H-index of 150, establishing him among the top 1% of highest cited researchers in Clinical Medicine worldwide. He pioneered the development of multidisciplinary gastrointestinal cancer centers that integrate clinical care with cutting-edge research, creating comprehensive programs that span from familial heredity advice to regional screening initiatives and advanced molecular therapies. His work has fundamentally shaped modern approaches to gastrointestinal oncology, emphasizing the critical importance of specialized, integrated care for optimal patient outcomes.
Beyond his research achievements, Professor Van Cutsem has received numerous prestigious honors including the 2019 ESMO Award and the European Award in Medicine for Cancer Research, recognizing his exceptional contributions to the field. His leadership roles in major oncology organizations such as ESMO, ASCO, and EORTC have positioned him at the forefront of global cancer research initiatives and clinical trial development. As a dedicated educator and mentor, he has influenced generations of oncologists and researchers, shaping clinical practices and policies worldwide through his extensive publications and active participation in international conferences. Currently, he continues to advance cancer research as a board member of the Faculty of Medicine at KU Leuven and through his ongoing work with Digestive Cancers Europe, where he remains committed to improving patient care and cancer prevention strategies across Europe.
