High-precision therapies for cancer
High-precision therapies for cancer
Introduction
Every cancer is unique and those affected also react differently to treatment. Together with a team of researchers, Prof. Dr Andreas Wicki of the Comprehensive Cancer Center Zurich (CCCZ) has succeeded in analysing the detailed properties of tumour cells. Cancer therapies at University Hospital Zurich can thus be highly efficient and tailored to each type of tumour.
Modern cancer drugs react specifically to the smallest structures of a cancer cell. A team of Swiss researchers has succeeded in using various scientific methods to study these smallest tumour cell molecules with pinpoint accuracy.
This success was possible thanks to a collaboration between the two university hospitals in Zurich and Basel with the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH) and the University of Zurich. The first phase of this project was also backed by Roche, the world’s largest pharmaceutical company by sales with headquarters in Switzerland.
A single tumour is in reality a very heterogeneous group of molecularly different diseases. Therefore, we can’t avoid detailed tumour profiling before starting therapy.
Tumour profiling opens up new therapies
The study examined cancer cells from malignant melanoma, ovarian cancer and a subtype of leukaemia. Each of these cancers consists of countless variants that require different therapies. Using the scientific analysis method, the Swiss specialists were able to measure 40,000 to 50,000 different markers within two weeks and create an exact tumour profiling. This helped doctors to determine optimal therapies. Some of the data is now being used in everyday clinical practice when making assertions about a tumour’s response to drugs, possible side effects and disease prognosis. In the next step, researchers will use tumour profiling to investigate other types of cancer, such as colorectal, lung and breast cancer.
Precision oncology – cancer therapy of the future
Ever more cutting-edge technology is being used in the operating room to ensure that tumours can be removed sparingly, barely impacting the surrounding healthy tissue in the process. Organ transplantation also plays a role here. Technological progress has opened up possibilities that seemed unimaginable just a few years ago.
Advances in oncology are being made in drug treatment and treatment prediction, as well as in the technological future of surgery.
A knowledge hub at the Comprehensive Cancer Center Zurich (CCCZ)
CCCZ is an oncology centre of excellence at the University of Zurich and University Hospital Zurich, including Balgrist, University Hospital and University Children’s Hospital Zurich. At CCCZ, surgeons, oncologists, radiation therapists, nurses and various cancer experts work closely together. This interdisciplinary approach offers cancer patients a precise diagnosis, innovative treatment options and comprehensive counselling for a personalised care according to the highest medical standards. CCCZ’s research teams develop novel diagnostic and therapeutic concepts towards precision oncology. This allows CCCZ patients to benefit from tailored cancer therapies and the latest research results.
Cancer therapy at the CCCZ for international patients
The CCCZ is certified by the German Cancer Society (DKG) and enjoys an excellent reputation worldwide. The International Office helps patients from abroad get in touch with specialists and researchers at the CCCZ and the USZ (international@usz.ch). In addition to the main USZ clinics located centrally in the city of Zurich, the new “USZ – The Circle” outpatient clinic is located directly at Zurich Airport. The ultra-modern infrastructure combined with university expertise enables an excellent service offering. CCCZ outpatient cancer therapies are also performed there.
Medical consultations and second opinions can take place on site in Switzerland or via video call from abroad. For outstanding medical treatment, patients come to the USZ as inpatients for anything from a few days to a few weeks.
Written by Dr Kathrin Zimmermann
Introduction
Every cancer is unique and those affected also react differently to treatment. Together with a team of researchers, Prof. Dr Andreas Wicki of the Comprehensive Cancer Center Zurich (CCCZ) has succeeded in analysing the detailed properties of tumour cells. Cancer therapies at University Hospital Zurich can thus be highly efficient and tailored to each type of tumour.
Modern cancer drugs react specifically to the smallest structures of a cancer cell. A team of Swiss researchers has succeeded in using various scientific methods to study these smallest tumour cell molecules with pinpoint accuracy.
This success was possible thanks to a collaboration between the two university hospitals in Zurich and Basel with the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH) and the University of Zurich. The first phase of this project was also backed by Roche, the world’s largest pharmaceutical company by sales with headquarters in Switzerland.
A single tumour is in reality a very heterogeneous group of molecularly different diseases. Therefore, we can’t avoid detailed tumour profiling before starting therapy.
Tumour profiling opens up new therapies
The study examined cancer cells from malignant melanoma, ovarian cancer and a subtype of leukaemia. Each of these cancers consists of countless variants that require different therapies. Using the scientific analysis method, the Swiss specialists were able to measure 40,000 to 50,000 different markers within two weeks and create an exact tumour profiling. This helped doctors to determine optimal therapies. Some of the data is now being used in everyday clinical practice when making assertions about a tumour’s response to drugs, possible side effects and disease prognosis. In the next step, researchers will use tumour profiling to investigate other types of cancer, such as colorectal, lung and breast cancer.
Precision oncology – cancer therapy of the future
Ever more cutting-edge technology is being used in the operating room to ensure that tumours can be removed sparingly, barely impacting the surrounding healthy tissue in the process. Organ transplantation also plays a role here. Technological progress has opened up possibilities that seemed unimaginable just a few years ago.
Advances in oncology are being made in drug treatment and treatment prediction, as well as in the technological future of surgery.
A knowledge hub at the Comprehensive Cancer Center Zurich (CCCZ)
CCCZ is an oncology centre of excellence at the University of Zurich and University Hospital Zurich, including Balgrist, University Hospital and University Children’s Hospital Zurich. At CCCZ, surgeons, oncologists, radiation therapists, nurses and various cancer experts work closely together. This interdisciplinary approach offers cancer patients a precise diagnosis, innovative treatment options and comprehensive counselling for a personalised care according to the highest medical standards. CCCZ’s research teams develop novel diagnostic and therapeutic concepts towards precision oncology. This allows CCCZ patients to benefit from tailored cancer therapies and the latest research results.
Cancer therapy at the CCCZ for international patients
The CCCZ is certified by the German Cancer Society (DKG) and enjoys an excellent reputation worldwide. The International Office helps patients from abroad get in touch with specialists and researchers at the CCCZ and the USZ (international@usz.ch). In addition to the main USZ clinics located centrally in the city of Zurich, the new “USZ – The Circle” outpatient clinic is located directly at Zurich Airport. The ultra-modern infrastructure combined with university expertise enables an excellent service offering. CCCZ outpatient cancer therapies are also performed there.
Medical consultations and second opinions can take place on site in Switzerland or via video call from abroad. For outstanding medical treatment, patients come to the USZ as inpatients for anything from a few days to a few weeks.
Written by Dr Kathrin Zimmermann