Dkfz-heidelberg.de
Title
German Cancer Research Center
Description
Research and Clinical Practice Under One Roof
The NCT is a collaborative project of the Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ), Heidelberg University Hospitals, the Thorax Clinic of Heidelberg University Hospitals, and the German Cancer Aid (Deutsche Krebshilfe). Patients benefit in two ways from the exemplary structure of the NCT: On the one hand, they are offered a central reference point where they are provided with comprehensive care. On the other, new findings and promising approaches from fundamental research can be applied in clinical practice more swiftly.
Research on Cancer Causes and Novel Treatment Strategies
The Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum contributes two application-oriented research areas to the NCT. “Preventive Oncology” is concerned with research on the causes and prevention of cancer. Researchers are performing epidemiological studies to elucidate the environmental and dietary factors that promote cancer development and the role of the individual genetic make-up in this process. In future, this will make it possible to better assess the personal risk situation of individuals. Earliest possible detection of tumors improves the chances of cure in most cases. For most types of cancer, however, there are no mass screening tests that provide sufficiently meaningful results. Developing such screening methods is another goal of this research area. The research area “Experimental Diagnostics and Therapy” is concerned with developing new treatment strategies to fight tumors. Work will be focused on the development of cancer vaccines, on therapeutic antibodies, cancer-killing viruses or small molecules that block specific metabolic steps of tumor cells.
Tumor Outpatient Unit and Counseling
The central reference point for patients is the Tumor Outpatient Unit. It offers interdisciplinary tumor consulting hours where patients are examined by specialists. Every case is presented at a multidisciplinary conference of experts, the tumor board. Depending on the type of tumor, it involves specialists such as surgeons, radiologists, and internists. If necessary, experts from other specialty hospitals will also be consulted. Whether an initial diagnosis or a second or third opinion is required – the result of this conference will always be a quality-assured treatment plan according to top standards. The guidelines for diagnostic and treatment plans are established in special working groups called Collaborative Oncological Groups – another unique feature of the NCT. These groups bring together physicians of various disciplines and experts from research, care, and counseling services. Consulting hours for almost all tumor diseases are now being held in the rooms of the NCT, which is currently housed at the Otto Meyerhof Center. In addition, the Tumor Outpatient Unit offers comprehensive information and counseling services including genetic counseling, dietary counseling, stop-smoking counseling, cancer information, psychosocial aftercare for cancer patients, and hospital social services.
Languages
English
Address
- Im Neuenheimer Feld 280
- D-69120 Heidelberg GERMANY
Contact
- Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum
-
- +49 6221 42 2356, Fax: +49 6221 402765
Logos
Additional Information
Related Domains
External Links
- Alexa: Dkfz-heidelberg.de
