Together against cancer – with focus on the patient
The National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg was founded in 2004 and is a joint institution of the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD), the Heidelberg Medical Faculty of Heidelberg University, and the Heidelberg Thorax Clinic. German Cancer Aid supports the NCT Heidelberg as part of the Heidelberg-Mannheim CCC Consortium as a Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC).
The NCT Heidelberg combines patient care and cancer research. Patients receive treatment based on the latest scientific findings and can participate in innovative clinical trials. At the same time, research findings are systematically translated into clinical practice.
Since its founding, the NCT Heidelberg has been systematically advancing personalized oncology. Through close collaboration between medicine, the natural sciences, and data science, it develops innovative technologies and establishes high-performance research and trial infrastructures. These form the foundation for science-driven clinical trials and new treatment approaches. To this end, the NCT Heidelberg works closely with other cancer centers—in particular with the other sites of the National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) and within the Network of Centers of Excellence in Oncology (CCC Network).
The NCT in Heidelberg
Patient Engagement as the Foundation of Patient-Centered Oncology
Patient engagement is becoming an increasingly important component of research and care in oncology. At the NCT Heidelberg, it is firmly anchored in our patient-centered approach: As partners on equal footing, patient representatives contribute their experiences and perspectives as patients or family members. In doing so, they complement scientific and medical expertise and help ensure that research, care, and decision-making processes are more closely aligned with patients’ needs.
Patient Involvement at the NCT Heidelberg
Patients are involved in various areas at the NCT Heidelberg: in committees, in research and clinical trial projects, and in the design of information and communication initiatives. Their perspectives are incorporated early on and on an ongoing basis into relevant processes, thereby contributing to the quality and practical relevance of research and care.
Patient participation at NCT Heidelberg is organized through two official committees: the Patient Advisory Board and the NCT Heidelberg Patient Research Council.
Our patients are our top priority
As the central point of contact for cancer patients at Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD), the NCT Heidelberg offers comprehensive oncological care at the highest medical standard. In our specialized clinics for all types of tumors, we work together with our patients to lay the foundation for personalized treatment. Based on the latest diagnostic findings, treatment plans are determined in interdisciplinary tumor conferences.
Our treatment options cover the entire spectrum of modern, cutting-edge medicine: from outpatient care to therapies in our day clinics to inpatient oncological treatment. Our close collaboration with the highly specialized clinics on campus ensures excellent medical care around the clock, both for innovative treatment plans and for managing complex disease courses.
A distinctive feature of the NCT Heidelberg is the direct link between patient care and research: An extensive clinical trial program enables eligible patients to gain early access to new diagnostic procedures and innovative cancer therapies—ranging from new pharmacological and interventional treatment approaches to precision oncology treatment strategies.Patients are the focus of our attention. We act as a central portal for all cancer patients at UKHD and coordinate numerous oncological studies of the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD).
Together against cancer
Whether in surgery, molecular therapy, immunotherapy or radiotherapy: At the NCT Heidelberg, scientists and physicians from the DKFZ and UKHD are working together to develop innovative diagnostics and treatment strategies.
Personal – individual – targeted
The NCT Heidelberg stands for personalized cancer medicine. Molecular and immunological investigations can identify changes in tumors that are relevant for cancer formation and treatment. Our aim is to use this knowledge to develop tailor-made precise treatment procedures for all patients.
Active against cancer
Interdisciplinary teams are investigating how to preserve health, reduce side-effects, and improve patients’ quality of life.