Research and Innovation
About our scientific commitment and the benefits for our patients.
Clinical research is essential
We actively participate in research projects of national and international study groups, such as the Swiss Group for Clinical Cancer Research (www.sakk.ch), the International Breast Cancer Study Group (www.ibcsg.org), the Austrian Breast and Colorectal Cancer Study Group (www.abcsg.org), the Interdisciplinary Working Group on Testicular Tumors (www.hodenkrebs.de) and the Association for Medical Oncology (www.aio-portal.de).
Our studies: open for new inclusions
In this study, we are investigating the effectiveness of radiation therapy compared to surgery in the treatment of breast cancer patients with lymph node involvement in the armpit. We are conducting this study to find out more about the effectiveness and side effects of both procedures through direct comparison.
The study procedure is as follows: A limited number of the affected lymph nodes, as well as the so-called "sentinel nodes," are surgically removed from all patients. The participants are then randomly divided into two groups (randomized study).
In one group, the remaining or still present lymph nodes are removed from the armpit. This is the standard treatment to effectively prevent recurrence in the armpit. However, about a quarter of the patients experience some lasting side effects. These include sensory disturbances, chronic pain, restricted shoulder movement, and swelling of the arm, known as lymphedema.
In the other group, the armpit is irradiated. This therapy may be as effective as the treatment in the first group and potentially cause fewer side effects. If the benefit of radiation therapy is confirmed in this study, it could become the new standard treatment for patients with this stage of the disease.
Some breast cancer patients receive chemotherapy before tumor surgery to shrink the tumor. Sometimes this chemotherapy works so well that the tumor is no longer detectable by imaging techniques after chemotherapy. To ensure that the tumor has completely disappeared, the tissue in the original tumor area, which may only be scar tissue as a result of the chemotherapy, is removed during breast surgery.
Experts suspect that in some of these patients, the surgery would probably not be necessary if a representative biopsy (removal of tissue using a hollow needle) could be used to ensure that the tumor cells have completely disappeared.
In this study, we want to investigate whether this assumption is correct as a first step. To do this, we need to answer the question of whether an intelligent vacuum-assisted biopsy and subsequent examination of the tissue after chemotherapy can be used to determine just as reliably whether there are no more tumor cells in the breast as with tumor surgery. If this were the case, these patients could avoid surgery with all its risks and after-effects (for example, scarring).
10-20 percent of all people who develop breast cancer have triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). TNBC has fewer specific targets than other forms of breast cancer. It more often affects younger people. For this reason, additional forms of therapy for TNBC are being sought. One possibility could be the substance INT230-6.
In this study, we are investigating whether the investigational drug INT230-6 is effective and tolerable for the treatment of TNBC. INT230-6 is a substance that has been specifically developed for direct injection into tumors. The investigational drug consists of a combination of Cisplatin and Vinblastine, as well as a molecule that facilitates the distribution of the cancer drug in the tumor tissue and its penetration into the tumor cells.
So far, there are few clinical studies with INT230-6, but the data is promising.
The substance has been tested in patients with various types of cancer and has been shown to be well tolerated and effective against tumors.
Immune checkpoint inhibitors are very effective drugs used in many cancer patients. These drugs activate the immune system to better fight the tumor. Approximately 50% of cancer patients also use complementary and alternative medicine, including mistletoe preparations, which are widely used. However, we do not know exactly how mistletoe preparations, which are intended to strengthen the immune system and improve quality of life, affect cancer treatment in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Therefore, in this study, we are testing the combination of both approved therapies.
The study is examining whether adjuvant endocrine therapy with camizestrant (an oral selective estrogen receptor degrader: SERD) can reduce the risk of recurrence compared to standard anti-hormone therapy. The planned treatment duration in both study arms is seven years.
Previous studies that are closed for new inclusions
With this study, we are investigating whether the inclusion of a risk-free exercise program at the beginning of aromatase inhibitor therapy (tablet intake for antihormonal therapy) has a preventive effect on the occurrence of muscle and joint pain, as well as a positive effect on other side effects of the therapy. This could make it easier for patients to carry out the drug therapy and improve adherence to therapy.
The study is randomized, which means that the patients who participate in this study were randomly assigned to a (risk-free) exercise program of 5 × 30 minutes per week or to a control group (exercise recommendation according to the general standard of the WHO).
The physical activity of all study participants is measured in both the exercise and control groups with a fitness bracelet, which is worn during the day for 24 weeks. Patients in the control group, in contrast to the patients in the exercise arm, receive no information about the measured activity data.
Meanwhile, the recruitment of patients for this study has been completed and over 350 patients have been included in the study. The duration of study participation is a total of 2 years, and will be completed by all patients at the end of 2022.
The aim of this study is to better understand the characteristics of breast cancer in young women, as well as the effects of the disease and the corresponding treatments. In particular, we want to find out how breast cancer affects the lives of these patients and their families. These findings will make it possible to offer more and better information to affected young women in the future. In addition, measures to improve the quality of life will be developed.
Meanwhile, the recruitment of patients for this study has been completed. 300 women aged 40 and younger who have been diagnosed with breast cancer in the last six months have participated in this study. Over 10 years, these women will be regularly asked about the medical and psychosocial effects of their treatment. Recruitment of patients for this study was completed in 2016. In 2026, all patients will have completed the 10 years.
This study aims to clarify whether drug-induced elimination (suppression) of hormone production in the ovaries in combination with tamoxifen can better prevent a recurrence of breast cancer than tamoxifen alone. In addition, by forming 3 study groups, it is being investigated whether the administration of the anti-hormonal agent exemestane (in combination with drug-induced elimination (suppression) of hormone production in the ovaries) is better than therapy with tamoxifen (in combination with drug-induced elimination (suppression) of hormone production in the ovaries) or better than therapy with tamoxifen alone. A total of 3066 patients worldwide were included in this study.
The recruitment of patients for this study is complete and the patients are in the follow-up phase.
This study investigates whether the drug metformin can increase the chance of preventing cancer from recurring. Metformin is a drug used to treat diabetes mellitus (sugar disease) and is approved worldwide. However, the use of metformin for breast cancer treatment being tested in this study is not yet approved for sale.
Research has shown that treatment with metformin, in addition to standard therapy, can inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells. Additionally, metformin reduces the production of insulin, a hormone that can promote breast cancer.
Participants were randomly assigned to either the metformin group or a group receiving a placebo (a process called randomization). A placebo is a tablet that looks like metformin but contains no active ingredient. Neither you nor your doctor could decide which group you would be in. The probability of receiving metformin was 50% (determined randomly).
The randomized assignment to a study group occurred at the very beginning of the study.
The recruitment of patients for this study is complete, and it is currently in the follow-up phase. This will allow us to make statements about the long-term effects of the study medication (compared to the placebo).
Cancer-related fatigue is the most common and often very distressing symptom in breast cancer patients, occurring in 75% of patients with metastatic disease. Cancer-related fatigue has been shown to be the symptom with the greatest impact on quality of life, with negative effects on work, social life, and daily activities. In addition, cancer-related fatigue can lead to the discontinuation of cancer treatment.
Currently, there is no gold standard for the treatment of cancer-related fatigue. Physical activity can lead to a reduction in cancer-related fatigue, which is why patients are encouraged to engage in a moderate level of physical activity during and after cancer treatment.
Heileurythmie is an active, mindful movement therapy that is conceptually adapted to the underlying condition. There is initial evidence that Heileurythmie has specific effects in healthy subjects, such as reducing fatigue and stress. In addition, studies describe a reduction in a number of symptoms, as well as an improvement in the quality of life in patients with various chronic diseases.
The primary goal is to examine the benefit of Heileurythmie (ERYT) compared to another type of active movement (physiotherapy) (CoordiFit) on fatigue in patients with metastatic breast cancer.
Bone metastases – the spread of cancer to the bones – are a common complication in patients with advanced cancer. Every year, more than 5,000 people in Switzerland are newly diagnosed with bone metastases. Since its market approval in December 2011, Xgeva® (active ingredient denosumab) has been regularly used for the treatment of patients with bone metastases.
The SAKK 96/12 project is investigating whether a less frequent dosage of Xgeva® is as effective as the approved standard dosage but causes fewer side effects. In addition to the effectiveness and side effects, the general quality of life is also closely monitored, as it is assumed that less frequent administration could lead to a better quality of life.
With rising costs in healthcare, another goal of this project is to examine health economic aspects. The SAKK 96/12 project is therefore being carried out in collaboration with health insurers.
This study compares two different products for clip marking to determine the most efficient and safest method of preoperative lymph node localization and removal.
A clip is a thin metal thread, no larger than a grain of rice, that is used to mark a suspicious area in the breast, for example, after a biopsy, so that it can be found again later. For example, it makes sense to mark a tumor with a clip in order to safely locate it before an operation.
If you are recommended to have a targeted removal of lymph nodes in the armpit, you will be randomly assigned to one of two groups at the beginning of the study. The groups differ in the method of marking lymph nodes in the armpit.
In both groups, successful localization, duration of the procedure (from the start of localization to removal of the lymph node), and complications (side effects that occur during or within 48 hours postoperatively) are recorded.
This is a multi-center observational study involving patients who need immediate breast reconstruction after a prophylactic mastectomy or a mastectomy due to breast cancer.
The goal of immediate breast reconstruction following mastectomy (IRMA) is to rebuild (reconstruct) the shape of the breast after the glandular tissue has been removed. Depending on the tumor's location, immediate breast reconstruction can be performed with skin preservation or even with preservation of the nipple. According to American, population-based databases (US Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Result Program: SEER), the frequency of nipple-sparing surgery has increased by 200% since 2009. Although this surgical technique is increasingly used due to potentially better sensitivity and cosmetic results, the complication rate of this surgical technique has so far only been analyzed in a few prospective studies. In particular, it is controversial whether a one-stage or two-stage procedure is more beneficial if postoperative radiation of the chest wall is necessary.
The primary goal of the study is the ongoing collection of postoperative complications and tumor recurrences in patients who require immediate breast reconstruction (with skin preservation or nipple preservation). In addition, patients are surveyed about their quality of life and cosmetic appearance.
Another goal is to develop recommendations for an optimal approach to immediate breast reconstruction based on these results.
The earlier breast cancer is detected, the better the chances of recovery. Prevention is important.
We know that genetic factors play an important role in a woman's risk of developing breast cancer. However, in families where no changes (mutations) have been found in the specific genes, other factors in the genetic makeup can influence the risk of developing cancer.
Using a questionnaire, your breast cancer risk will be assessed, evaluated, and additionally calculated taking into account the "polygenic risk score."
The "polygenic risk score" is a combination of various gene markers (not mutations) that individually have only a very minor effect on the disease. With the help of a mathematical algorithm, it is possible to estimate the combined effect of these variants.
After the end of the study, your personal breast cancer risk can be shared with you, including the "polygenic risk score," if you wish. By participating, you will contribute to ensuring that future patients receive the most suitable breast cancer screening for them.
Research serves our patients
Our research offers the opportunity to access new therapies, which are often not yet covered by health insurance companies. Participation in studies within the framework of clinical research is an offer and, of course, voluntary. The research is carried out on the basis of the applicable laws and is regularly reviewed by the cantonal ethics committees and the study groups. Within the framework of studies, patients themselves can contribute to the improvement and development of modern medicine.
Research distinguishes a doctor and a center
Our study teams are at the cutting edge of the latest developments. Through our involvement in national and international committees and project groups, the team is strongly networked and in continuous exchange with other specialists. In addition, clinical research is regarded as a quality criterion and is required, for example, for the certification of the Brustzentrum Stephanshorn, which is largely supported by us.
Research funding
Our clinical research is regularly supported by the Foundation for Research in Tumor Diagnostics and Prevention (www.stiftup.ch). The foundation supports oncological research in Eastern Switzerland with the aim of preventing common cancers or detecting them early and treating them as gently as possible. A scientific commission and the foundation board of the Foundation for Research in Tumor Diagnostics and Prevention STIFTUP monitor and approve the projects.
A list of current research projects running at the Tumor- und BrustZentrum can be found here:
Reduse, Vision, TAXIS, Eurythmie
Would you like to support cancer research in Eastern Switzerland?
Your donation to STIFTUP, the Foundation for Research in Tumor Diagnostics and Prevention, helps to prevent cancer, detect it early, and treat it gently.