NCT Heidelberg – Oncology Center of Excellence of the German Cancer Aid

Networked and interdisciplinary cooperation

Since 2007, the NCT Heidelberg has been an "Oncology Center of Excellence - CCC", funded by German Cancer Aid (DKH). In 2007, German Cancer Aid launched its "Oncology Center of Excellence" funding program with the aim of continuously improving cancer medicine throughout Germany: Every cancer patient should have access to the best possible diagnostics and therapy based on the latest medical knowledge. The Comprehensive Cancer Centers are the first stage of a comprehensive, three-stage program launched by German Cancer Aid (DKH) and the German Cancer Society (DKG).

In a second stage, the DKG certifies “Oncology Centers” and in a third stage “Organ Cancer Centers”. The entire certification system and the implementation of audits are managed by the independent institute “OnkoZert” on behalf of the DKG.

These structures create a comprehensive network of oncological care, that contributes to the nationwide treatment of cancer patients according to uniform quality standards.

Orientation and safety for patients

The certification system can support patients to find a suitable medical center for their condition. The centers differ according to institutions, specialization and networks:

Oncology Center of Excellence that are comprehensively qualified and also conduct cancer research.
Oncology Centers that specialize in different types of tumors and specialist areas.
Organ Cancer Centers that specialize in a type of tumor.

NCT Heidelberg – Oncology Center of Excellence of the DKG

The DKH currently supports 15 Oncology Centers of Excellence in Germany. They must demonstrate outstanding and innovative patient care, accompanied by excellent clinical, translational and basic research and are regularly reviewed by an international evaluation panel. In 2022, the National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg was again certified as Oncology Center of Excellence. Thereby networked and interdisciplinary collaboration between many departments on the Heidelberg campus and with numerous regional partners and physicians is of great importance.

Oncology Center at NCT Heidelberg

In 2017, the guidelines for certification as an Oncology Center of Excellence changed. Since then, medical centers must first be certified as an Oncology Center. This certificate was awarded to NCT Heidelberg for the first time in summer 2018. There are a total of 146 Oncology Centers in Germany. Each of them must meet strict standards and quality criteria for the clinical care of adults and children diagnosed with cancer. These quality standards are set by the DKG.