Research and innovation

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Clinical research is central

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 Testicular Tumor Working Group (www.hodenkrebs.de) and the Working Group for Internal Oncology (www.aio-portal.de).

Our studies: open to new inclusions

In this study, we are investigating the effectiveness of radiotherapy compared to surgery in the treatment of patients with breast cancer involving the lymph nodes in the armpit. We are conducting this study to find out more about the effectiveness and side effects of both procedures in a direct comparison.

The study procedure is as follows: All patients will have a limited number of the affected lymph nodes and the so-called "sentinel node(s)" surgically removed. The participants are then randomly divided into two groups (randomized study).

In one group, the remaining or still existing lymph nodes are removed from the armpit. This is the standard treatment to effectively prevent recurrences in the armpit. However, around a quarter of patients experience side effects, some of which are permanent. These include numbness, chronic pain, restricted movement of the shoulder and swelling of the arm, known as lymphoedema.

In the other group, the armpit is irradiated. This therapy may be as effective as the treatment of the first group and potentially cause fewer side effects. If the benefits of radiotherapy are confirmed in this study, it could become the new standard treatment for patients with this stage of the disease.

Some patients with breast cancer receive chemotherapy before tumor surgery in order to shrink the tumor. Sometimes this chemotherapy works so well that the tumor can no longer be detected with imaging techniques after the chemotherapy. To ensure that the tumor has completely disappeared, patients undergo breast surgery. This involves removing the tissue in the original tumor area, which may only be scar tissue as a result of the chemotherapy.

Experts suspect that surgery would probably not be necessary for some of these patients if a representative biopsy (removal of tissue using a hollow needle) could be performed instead to ensure that the tumor cells have completely disappeared.

As a first step, we want to use this study to investigate whether this assumption is correct. To do this, we need to answer the question of whether it is possible to determine whether there are no more tumor cells in the breast after chemotherapy using intelligent vacuum-assisted biopsy and subsequent examination of the tissue just as reliably as with tumor surgery. If this were the case, surgery with all its risks and after-effects (e.g. scarring) could be avoided in these patients.

A multicenter observational study of patients undergoing immediate breast reconstruction following prophylactic mastectomy or mastectomy due to breast cancer.
The aim of immediate breast reconstruction following mastectomy (IRMA) is to rebuild (reconstruct) the shape of the breast after removal of the glandular tissue. Depending on the tumor location, immediate breast reconstruction can be performed in a skin-sparing manner or even while preserving the nipple. Based on American population-based databases (US Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Result Program: SEER), the frequency of nipple-preserving surgery has increased by 200% since 2009. Although this surgical technique is increasingly being used due to its potentially better sensitivity and cosmetics, the complication rate of this surgical technique has only been analyzed in a few prospective studies to date. In particular, it is controversial whether a one-stage or two-stage procedure is advantageous in the case of postoperative irradiation of the chest wall.
The primary aim of the study is to continuously record postoperative complications and tumor recurrences in patients who have to undergo immediate breast reconstruction (skin-sparing or with preservation of the nipple). Patients are also asked about their quality of life and cosmetic appearance.
A further aim is to develop recommendations for an optimal procedure for 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 identified in the specific genes, other factors in the genetic make-up can influence the risk of developing cancer.

Using a questionnaire, your breast cancer risk is assessed, estimated and also calculated taking into account the "polygenic risk score".

The "polygenic risk score" is a combination of different gene markers (not mutations), which individually have only a very small effect on the disease. Using a mathematical algorithm, it is possible to estimate the combined effect of these variants.

At the end of the study, you can be informed of your personal breast cancer risk by adding the "polygenic risk score" if you wish. By participating, you will help to ensure that future patients receive the most suitable breast cancer screening for them.

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 affects younger people more often. For this reason, additional forms of therapy are being sought for TNBC. One possibility could be the substance INT230-6.

In this study, we are investigating whether the test substance INT230-6 is effective and tolerable for the treatment of TNBC. INT230-6 is a substance that has been specially developed for direct injection into tumors. The test substance 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 have been few clinical trials with INT230-6, but the data are promising.

The substance was tested in patients with various types of cancer and was found to be well tolerated and effective against tumors.

Previous studies that are closed to new inclusions

In this study, we are investigating whether the inclusion of a risk-free exercise program at the beginning of aromatase inhibitor therapy (taking tablets for anti-hormonal 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 take the medication and improve adherence to treatment.

The study is randomized, which means that the patients participating 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 WHO standard).

The physical activity of all study participants in both the exercise and control groups is measured using a fitness wristband, which is worn during the day for 24 weeks. In contrast to the patients in the exercise arm, patients in the control group do not receive any information about the measured activity data.

Recruitment of patients for this study has now been completed and over 350 patients have been included in the study. The duration of the 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 gain a better understanding of the characteristics of breast cancer in young women, as well as the effects of the disease and the corresponding treatments. In particular, the aim is to find out how breast cancer affects the lives of these patients and their families. These findings will make it possible to offer affected young women more and better information in the future. It will also be used to develop measures to improve quality of life.

Recruitment of patients for this study has now been completed. 300 women aged 40 and under who have been diagnosed with breast cancer in the last six months have taken part in this study. Over a period of 10 years, these women are 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.

The aim of this study is to clarify whether drug-based elimination (suppression) of hormone production in the ovaries in combination with tamoxifen is better at preventing a recurrence of breast cancer than tamoxifen alone. In addition, 3 study groups are being formed to investigate whether the administration of the anti-hormonal agent Exemestane (in combination with drug-induced elimination (suppression) of ovarian hormone production) is better than therapy with Tamoxifen (in combination with drug-induced elimination (suppression) of ovarian hormone production) or better than therapy with Tamoxifen alone. A total of 3066 patients worldwide were included in this study.

Recruitment of patients for this study has been completed and the patients are in the follow-up phase.

This study is investigating whether the drug metformin can increase the chance that the cancer will not recur. Metformin is a drug that is used for the treatment of diabetes mellitus (diabetes) and is approved worldwide. However, the use of metformin for the treatment of breast cancer tested in this study has not been approved for marketing.

Studies have shown that treatment with metformin in addition to standard therapy can inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells. Metformin also reduces the production of insulin, a hormone that can promote breast cancer.

Participants were randomly assigned to either a group receiving metformin or a group receiving placebo (so-called randomization). The placebo is a tablet that looks the same as metformin but contains no active ingredient. Neither you nor your doctor could decide which group you would belong to. The probability of receiving metformin was 50% (randomization).

The randomized allocation to a study group took place at the very beginning of the study.

Recruitment of patients for this study has been completed and is currently in the follow-up phase, which will allow conclusions to be drawn about the long-term effects of the study medication (compared to placebo).

Cancer-related fatigue is the most common and often most 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 discontinuation of cancer treatment.

There is currently 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 amount of physical activity during and after cancer treatment.

Eurythmy therapy is an active, mindful movement therapy, the concept of which is adapted to the underlying condition. There are initial indications that eurythmy therapy has specific effects on healthy subjects, such as reducing fatigue and stress. In addition, studies describe a reduction in a range of symptoms and an improvement in quality of life in patients with various chronic illnesses.

The primary objective is to assess the benefit of eurythmy therapy (ERYT) versus another type of active exercise (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 5000 people in Switzerland are newly diagnosed with bone metastases. Since its market approval in December 2011, Xgeva® (active ingredient denosumab) has been used regularly 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 efficacy and side effects, the general quality of life is also being closely monitored, as it is assumed that less frequent administration could lead to a better quality of life.
With rising healthcare costs, a further aim of this project is to investigate health economic aspects. This is one of the reasons why the SAKK 96/12 project is being carried out in collaboration with health insurers.

This study compares two different clip marking products. The most efficient and safest method of preoperative lymph node localization and removal is determined.

A clip is a thin metal thread, no larger than a grain of rice, which is used, for example, to mark a suspected tumor site in the breast after a sample has been taken so that it can be found again later. For example, it makes sense to mark a tumour with a clip in order to locate it reliably before an operation.

If you are recommended for targeted removal of lymph nodes in the armpit, you will be randomly assigned to one of two groups at the start 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 occurring during or within 48 hours postoperatively) are recorded.

Research serves our patients

Our research offers the opportunity to create access to new therapies that are often not yet covered by health insurance. Participation in clinical research studies is an offer and, of course, voluntary. Research is conducted 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 have their finger on the pulse of the latest developments. Thanks to our involvement in national and international committees and project groups, the team is closely networked and in constant contact with other specialists. In addition, clinical research is considered a quality criterion and is required, for example, for the certification of the Stephanshorn Breast Center, 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 or detecting common cancers at an early stage and treating them as gently as possible. A scientific committee and the Foundation Board of the STIFTUP Foundation for Research in Tumor Diagnostics and Prevention monitor and approve the projects.

A list of current research projects at the Tumor and Breast Center can be found here:
Reduse, Vision, TAXIS, Eurythmy

Would you like to support oncology 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.

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