The National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) was expanded to six locations in 2023. To describe this collaboration in a concise way, the term “One NCT” is used. One NCT signifies that six outstanding NCT locations, together with excellent university medical centers and the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), form a particularly high-performing whole. The NCT is an important part of the National Decade Against Cancer initiated by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space (BMFTR, formerly BMBF).

The NCT’s goal is to rapidly and safely translate promising results from cancer research into clinical practice. To this end, the NCT focuses on two key areas: early-phase clinical trials and the involvement of patients as research partners.

Investigator-Initiated Trials (IITs) are scientifically motivated, non-commercial studies initiated and led by researchers. At the NCT, the cross-site exchange of expertise and knowledge is intended to drive these innovative early-phase clinical trials and provide patients with access to modern treatment approaches.

The involvement of patients as research partners means collaboration on an equal footing, ensuring that research projects are enriched by an additional, important perspective. This can benefit both sides—both the research and the patients receiving treatment.