The whole network is pleased about the visit of the numerous guests.
Gerd Nettekoven and Prof. Bokemeyer were delighted with the goals achieved together.
In the lively panel discussion, the participants exchanged views on the politically strategic issues of the cancer landscape in Germany.
Photo 1 (from left): Gerd Nettekoven, Deutsche Krebshilfe, Prof. Dr. Burkhard Göke, UKE Board, Prof. Dr. Uwe Koch-Gromus, UKE Board and Dean, Katharina Fegebank, Senator of Science, Dr. Peter Tschentscher, First Mayor of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer, Director of the UCCH.
Photo 2 (from left): Prof. Dr. Burkhard Göke, UKE Board, Prof. Dr. Barbara Schmalfeldt, UCCH Board Member, Prof. Dr. Hartwig Huland, Hubertus Wald Foundation, Prof. Dr. Barbara Petersen, UCCH Board Member, Joachim Prölß, UKE Board, Prof. Dr. Michael Baumann, DKFZ Heidelberg, Gerd Nettekoven, Deutsche Krebshilfe, Marya Verdel, UKE Board, Prof. Dr. Barbara Schmalfeldt, UCCH Board Member, UKE Board Dr. Martin Reck, UCCH Board Member, Katharina Fegebank, Science Presenter, Prof. Dr. Holger Schulz, UCCH Board Member, Prof. Dr. Kai Rothkamm, Deputy UCCH Director, Dr. Peter Tschentscher, First Mayor of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, Priv.-Lect. Dr. Alexander Stein, Deputy UCCH Director, Prof. Dr. Andrea Morgner-Miehlke, Deputy UCCH Director, Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer, UCCH Director, Vera Cordes, Medical Journalist, Heide Lakemann, UCCH Self-Help Group Spokeswoman, Prof. Dr. Peter Tschentscher, First Mayor of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, Private Lect. Dr. Uwe Koch-Gromus, UKE Board Member, Prof. Dr. Markus Graefen, UCCH Board Member, Prof. Dr. Klaus Pantel, UCCH Board Member, Dr. Erik Engel, UCCH Board Member.
Yesterday the UCCH celebrated 10 years as an oncological center of excellence in Hamburg with a varied anniversary with the participation of many representatives from politics, associations, cancer research and medicine and patient organisations. Hamburg's First Mayor Dr. Peter Tschentscher and Science Senator Katharina Fegebank also took part in the ceremony. Previously, experts presented their results of cancer research at a scientific symposium in the morning. In addition, patients and their relatives had the opportunity to inform themselves about the latest topics at a patient day.
"The Hubertus Wald Tumorzentrum - University Cancer Center Hamburg is an important part of medical care in Hamburg. It offers cancer patients excellent treatment according to the highest international standards and has a large number of special support and counselling services. This underlines the leading position of the Hamburg metropolitan region as a health location in Europe," says Dr. Peter Tschentscher, First Mayor of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg.
"The award as an oncological center of excellence is proof of the first-class work of the UKE and all partners involved. The commitment of the Deutsche Krebshilfe and the associated support enables the UKE to continue this successful path with projects in treatment, education and research", says Katharina Fegebank, Senator for Science, Research and Equality and Second Mayor of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg.
"We are very pleased to be awarded and supported by the Deutsche Krebshilfe as an Oncological Center of Excellence. Such a center as the UCCH is of enormous importance for the research priorities of the UKE. We are also making a decisive contribution to the urgently needed promotion of young researchers in cancer research in Germany," says Prof. Dr. Dr. Uwe Koch-Gromus, Dean and Member of the Board of the UKE.
"With its programme of centers of excellence, Deutsche Krebshilfe has played a decisive role in shaping and advancing the oncological care landscape in Germany. We look forward to continuing to give impetus to the overall development of cancer medicine in Germany from northern Germany in the future. The opportunity to translate research findings into new and innovative treatments has never been better. It is the goal of the UCCH to play a leading role in the well-being of patients," said Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer, Director of the UCCH and Medical Director of the Second Medical Clinic for Oncology and Haematology.
In 2009 as well as 2013, the UCCH was awarded the title of Oncological Center of Excellence. Deutsche Krebshilfe has currently appointed 13 such centers nationwide. In a further assessment carried out in April 2016, the cancer doctors of the UKE once again convinced the international panel of experts of the innovative power of the UCCH.
The aim of the funding by the Deutsche Krebshilfe is to fundamentally improve the care of people suffering from cancer in Germany. Criteria for the selection of the oncological centers of excellence included the establishment of a multidisciplinary central contact point for all cancer patients, the treatment of patients in innovative clinical trials and the organisation of interdisciplinary conferences. The development and offer of numerous supportive consultation hours and projects for patients such as complementary medicine, survival and prevention programmes, the development and implementation of treatment paths, close integration of research and clinics, structured cooperation with established physicians and clinics in the vicinity and cooperation with patient representatives and self-help groups are among the essential prerequisites of a center of excellence.
For the second time, Prof. Dr. Klaus Pantel from the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) has been awarded an "ERC Advanced Grant" by the European Research Council. The award is associated with a research grant of 2.5 million euros. Prof. Pantel and his team of scientists are hoping to investigate the formation of metastases in breast and prostate cancer and help advance research at the University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCCH).
"Only very few tumour cells - presumably less than one percent - are able to survive in the blood, then settle in a foreign tissue elsewhere in the body and actually form metastases," explains Prof. Pantel, Director of the Department of Tumor Biology at the UKE. "We now want to investigate whether such cells are among those that enter the bloodstream during tumour surgery or when taking a tissue sample from a tumor. With the new five-year study entitled INJURMET ("Impact of tissue injury induced by diagnostic biopsies and surgery on cancer metastasis"), Pantel is continuing its research and development work on liquid biopsy. This can be used to determine whether tumor cells or components of tumour cells are present in the blood. In recent years, his team has already developed very sensitive technologies for the detection of cancer cells, said Prof. Pantel. For example, tumour cells can be characterised using molecular biological markers and it is possible to determine which cells are associated with aggressive cancer growth and which are not.
"It is a great story for us and the UKE that we are once again being supported by the EU," says Prof. Pantel. Already in 2011, the UKE scientist was awarded an ERC Advanced Grant by the European Research Council. At that time, Prof. Pantel and his team also received 2.5 million euros for the development of the Liquid Biopsy Method. This was followed in 2015 by further EU funding to examine measures for the further development of liquid biopsy. "The repeated funding shows how important the new method can be for cancer diagnostics. The aim of the research is to develop a method that can be used to obtain comprehensive and up-to-date information about the respective cancer disease with just one blood sample," said Prof. Pantel.
So far, 15 scientists from the UKE have been awarded the ERC Grant.
The promotion of basic frontier research is one of the priorities of the European Union. The European Research Council (ERC) was created for this purpose. ERC Grants are part of the "Horizon 2020" EU Framework Programme, under which the European Union finances both basic research and applied research fields. In recent years, 15 scientists at the UKE have been awarded an ERC Grant. Prof. Pantel was the first to receive this ERC Grant, the second of the most highly remunerated Advanced Grants. In its current round of awards, the ERC has funded only 12 life science projects across Germany; this also underlines the importance of the UKE scientist's research.
For the third time already, the Institute and Polyclinic for Medical Psychology, the Hamburger Krebsgesellschaft and the UCCH gathered a whole series of international and national experts at the UKE at the end of March to discuss the latest developments and approaches in the field of psychooncology.
This year's conference, which was once again very well attended, was entitled "Krebs und Über-Leben". This title was deliberately chosen because it covered a wide range of topics and perspectives on the topic of survival and life after cancer. These were discussed and highlighted in numerous lectures and workshops.
The international speakers and workshop leaders dealt with topics such as side effects after cancer therapy, outpatient and inpatient aftercare, as well as extensive interdisciplinary "survivorship programs". The experts reported on already established offers as well as those under development and presented them to the specialist audience. In the seven workshops offered this year, the participants also took the opportunity to discuss these approaches and their implementation in their own professional practice in depth.
A new edition is already planned for the coming year: The 4th Hamburg Day of Psychooncology is expected to take place on 3 April 2020.
Three doctoral candidates were awarded a doctoral scholarship thanks to a grant from the E.W. Kuhlmann Foundation. Meryem Cetin, Janik Engelmann and Maximilian Jung are delighted with the award.
The doctoral fellowship is intended to enable students to concentrate fully on their doctorate with an oncological orientation for one year. Thanks to the E.W. Kuhlmann Foundation, three of these scholarships were awarded in February. Mrs. Meryem Cetin with the project "Inhibition of cell cycle checkpoints for radio- and chemosensitivation in glioblastoma", Mr. Maximilian Jung with the project "CD38 CARs and their preclinical further development" and Mr. Janik Engelmann with the project "The role of the Mer receptor in the pathobiology of myeloma and the associated osteolytic bone disease".
The E.W. Kuhlmann Foundation was founded in 1997 by Edith and Edmund Kuhlmann in Hamburg. The foundation provides help for self-help by financially supporting economically weaker people in their education for an early entry into professional life. The recipients should value the help and, within the scope of their possibilities, contribute to changing the world for the better.
For the fourth time last Tuesday, the UKE Executive Board honored projects that have rendered outstanding services to patient safety and orientation. This year, the UCCH's self-help group work also received this honor.
On behalf of the UCCH self-help group team, PD Dr. Andreas Block, coordinator of self-help group work at the UCCH and Avin Hell, Communications at the UCCH, received the Award for Patient Orientation. The jury particularly emphasized not only the integration of the two elected SHG spokespersons into the extended UCCH board of directors, but also the multi-layered cooperation with representatives of the self-help groups in the task forces and the brochure "Gemeinsam Hilfe geben", which makes it easier for patients to find suitable self-help offers.
The Best Practice Award for Patient Orientation, for which individuals as well as entire wards can apply, has been presented by the Patient Orientation Forum since 2015. The Forum is committed to the consistent orientation of all activities at the UKE towards the needs of the individual patient and works towards this goal in a large number of interdisciplinary working groups.
Already a tradition: This year the UCCH again invited all representatives of the more than 35 cooperating self-help groups to a New Year's reception. In addition to a glimpse into the future of the joint work, all participants took the opportunity to exchange ideas and to network further.
PD Dr. Andreas Block, coordinator of the self-help group work at the UCCH, used his welcoming words to warmly welcome the numerous self-help groups and their representatives who had joined the network this year and to give a brief overview of the work of the UCCH. In addition, he presented the results of the intensive consultations that the SHG spokespersons held together with the UCCH self-help group team last year in order to further improve the joint work.
Among other things, Avin Hell, responsible for communication at the UCCH, presented measures to further improve communication with and within the self-help groups themselves, in order to facilitate an even more intensive exchange and to make the offers provided by both the self-help groups and the UCCH known to an even wider circle of patients.
In addition, the SHG spokeswomen Heide Lakemann and Ulrike Göbel, who were newly elected last year, spoke about their previous experiences before Anja Weber, Hamburg's first Oncoguide, presented her new task to the self-help groups. The offer was met with lively interest and was unanimously welcomed. Dr. Frank Schulz-Kindermann also presented his coaching offer for self-help group leaders once again - an offer that has been gladly accepted by self-help group leaders for many years. Dates can be found in the calendar of events .
Afterwards, the UCCH self-help group team hosted a small reception at which many further and intensive discussions were held. In addition, the self-help group representatives had the opportunity to network with each other.
This year's World Cancer Day takes place on 4 February 2019 under the motto "I am and I will". We talked to Professor Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer, Director of the UCCH, about how each individual can contribute to the prevention of cancer and how complex the work of the health networks against cancer is.
We have seen important progress in cancer research and therapy in recent years - does that mean that we can all breathe a sigh of relief?
Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer: Despite many improvements in recent years, the figures clearly show that cancer concerns us all. In Germany alone, around 480,000 new cases of cancer occur every year. The cure and survival rates are rising, which is good news. But there is no point in hoping that one will never come into contact with cancer. Everyone will be affected in the course of life either in the family and circle of friends or even themselves. I would therefore urge everyone to try everything possible to prevent cancer.
What are the most important factors that can lead to cancer?
Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer: At least 40 percent of all cancers are due to lifestyle factors. The strengthening of our health is certainly the basis for the prevention of many diseases, but large-scale epidemiological studies have shown that factors such as smoking, poor diet, poor exercise, too much alcohol and UV radiation can promote the development of cancer. In some cases, hereditary predisposition is also present if family members have already contracted certain forms of cancer.
What are your recommendations on how to prevent cancer?
Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer: A balanced smokeless lifestyle with a diet rich in vitamins and low in meat, daily exercise units, reduced alcohol consumption and responsible use of the sun helps to prevent cancer. You can imagine it this way: With this improvement in your lifestyle, you pay into a kind of lifetime account, and in later years you will reap the benefits. When changing your lifestyle, it is important to move closer to your goal step by step and not to make big plans that may not be possible in the long term. A further essential component is of course the use of early detection measures in order to be able to intervene against the early forms of cancer if necessary. This is an important factor for the early assessment of risks in the case of hereditary strained families. In our health care system, there are a large number of offers that can be used for this purpose.
Doesn't this multitude of offers lead to a certain inability to decide which offer is sound and which guidelines can be trusted?
Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer: Yes, that is quite possible. The fight against cancer has become an overall social responsibility in which the health care providers recognize that only networking and exchange among each other can lead to better information for the population. The World Cancer Day today is just one element among many to raise awareness of the issue. Our medical societies, health insurance companies, sports associations and employers' associations work throughout the year on some large-scale prevention campaigns. For example, we at the University Cancer Center Hamburg have recently joined forces with the Health Kiosk in Hamburg-Billstedt/Horn in order to provide access to cancer prevention for people from all social and population backgrounds with the help of our Oncoguide. We would like to avoid that the emergence and also the appearance of cancer are favored by social inequality.
What do you advise patients and their relatives who are already affected by cancer to do?
Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer: Once a cancer treatment is over, we work together with our patients on individual concepts to avoid a recurrence of the disease and to achieve a reduction of long-term side effects. Today, the higher survival rates lead to an increasing understanding of cancer as a chronic disease. Conversely, for patients and their relatives this also means that they have to take more responsibility for their own lives, whereby the lifestyle with nutrition and exercise plays a very important role here too. In addition, there is also the psychological factor - those affected often only realize what they have went through some time after their illness. We at the UKE Cancer Centre offer a "Survivorship" program to accompany patients and their families in this situation.
A new Oncoguide at the UCCH is now taking care of cancer patients and their relatives at every stage of the disease. The new programme also includes cooperation with the Billstedt and Horn health kiosk to offer advice and support to cancer patients from all social and educational backgrounds.
Where can serious information be found, which health and social facilities are available in the area, which platforms offer exchange and help? The University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCCH) has launched the Oncoguide Program to help cancer patients answer such questions. In addition to the UKE, an important location for the Oncoguide is the Billstedt and Horn health kiosk, which was established last year as a health service especially for Hamburg residents in socially disadvantaged districts.
"Oncoguides are a constant contact and companion for cancer patients and their relatives. They coordinate closely with the networks of practitioners and health care providers and can thus offer assistance in order to find an optimal path through the medical, social-legal and organizational care offerings," says Prof. Dr. Andrea Morgner-Miehlke, Deputy Director of the UCCH.
Oncoguide helps steering through the "shallows" of the disease.
The current data shows that cancer is increasingly developing into a chronic disease. This confronts many cancer patients and their relatives with the task of assuming personal responsibility for their disease. At the same time, health care providers are challenged to make the diverse information available to all social strata of the population accessible and to offer structural help.
"With the expansion of our consulting services to include the Oncoguide, we are responding to the great needs of our patients. From our point of view, health includes physical, mental and social well-being as well as equal opportunities in care. With the health kiosk and in cooperation with the Ärztenetz Billstedt-Horn e.V. we are creating a new structure in which our patients can get exactly that. The Oncoguide closes in this respect an existing consulting gap for cancer patients in Billstedt and Horn", says Alexander Fischer, managing director of Gesundheit für Billstedt/Horn.
Anja Weber is the first Oncoguide in Hamburg. She was trained in the nationwide program of the Saxon Cancer Society and is now looking forward to her new responsibilities. "Patients and their relatives have many questions in each phase of the cancer illness again and again. I would like to help answer these questions and find the right contacts in our complex healthcare system. For example, I advise in the preparation for doctor's consultations, in communication with health insurance companies or help to find movement offers in the vicinity".
Oncoguides can offer competent support on these and many other topics, name contact persons or provide information material.
In order to offer lung cancer patients even better access to the latest therapies and to further advance research in this field, the LungenClinic Grosshansdorf and the University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCCH) of the University Medical-Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) have concluded a strategic cooperation, which is integrated into the "National Network Genomic Medicine (nNGM) Lung Cancer" funded by Deutsche Krebshilfe. To kick off the cooperation, a symposium on tumor evolution, personalized cancer medicine and immunotherapy was held at the Erika-Haus on January 9, 2019.
"With this cooperation, we are bringing the special expertise in the treatment of lung cancer patients, which has distinguished the certified Lung Cancer Center of the LungenClinic for years, even closer together with the comprehensive research of the UCCH," states Prof. Carsten Bokemeyer, Director of the University Cancer Center Hamburg. The aim is to jointly make a sustainable contribution to improving the care of seriously ill lung cancer patients in northern Germany.
Bronchial carcinoma continues to be the most common cancer and cause of death, and research has made enormous progress in recent years. Today, in addition to radiation and chemotherapy, genome research also makes highly individual, tailor-made treatments available to patients.
These possibilities are based on comprehensive molecular diagnostics, in which markers are identified that allow the targeted attacking of mutations. In addition, these findings make it possible to identify and select inhibitors in order to carry out effective immunotherapy. "By using both forms of therapy, we are able to allow many patients in the advanced stage of lung cancer to survive longer than we have been able to so far," says Prof. Dr. Martin Reck, chief physician of the oncology department at the LungenClinic Grosshansdorf.
Excellent molecular pathology is a prerequisite for the precise analysis of tumor tumors. This "decoding" of therapy-relevant genetic changes takes place in the Institute of Pathology at the UKE. "We use state-of-the-art methods, such as high-throughput sequencing of tumour material, and have assembled an interdisciplinary team of pathologists and molecular biologists for data evaluation," says Prof. Guido Sauter, Head of the Institute of Pathology at the UKE.
The UCCH and the LungenClinic Grosshansdorf are jointly involved in the "National Network Genomic Medicine (nNGM) Lung Cancer", which has been funded by the Deutsche Krebsgesellschaft since April 2018. This network has set itself the goal of making new therapeutic approaches available to all patients as quickly as possible. "In this context, as a cooperation partner, we are playing a key role in bringing lung cancer patients from the treating clinics and practices in northern Germany even closer together," explains Prof. Sonja Loges, Head of Personalized Oncology at UKE.
The cooperation began with a scientific symposium with an international panel of speakers. Prof. Dr. Charles Swanton from the University College London and co-director of Cancer Research UK UCL reported on his research in personalized cancer medicine. Prof. Dr. Benjamin Besse from the Institut Gustave Roussy in Paris presented the current developments in clinical research. Prof. Dr. Martin Reck and Prof. Dr. Dr. Sonja Loges continued with the presentation of clinical research at the national level in Germany as well as of the care structures for personalized cancer medicine in the new cooperation.
The initiators of the "Alliance against Lung Cancer", Prof. Dr. Klaus F. Rabe and Prof. Dr. Martin Reck (LungenClinic Grosshansdorf) and Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer and Prof. Dr. Dr. Sonja Loges (UCCH) were very satisfied with the successful start with almost 150 visitors.
Three researchers from the UCCH received the, with 10,000 Euro endowed, Research Prize of the Hamburger Krebsgesellschaft. The first prize was awarded to Dr. Malte Mohme from the Department of Neurosurgery, the second to Prof. Dr. Mascha Binder from the University Hospital of Halle and Dr. Dr. Thorsten Frenzel from the Department of Radiation Therapy.
The new State Councilor of the Health and Consumer Protection Authority, Dr. Matthias Gruhl, introduced the festivities: "The Hamburger Krebsgesellschaft is one of the most highly respected associations in the city of Hamburg, uniting the fields of medicine, patient orientation and prevention. Through the donations and contributions of the citizens of our city, the Hamburger Krebsgesellschaft gives back so much good, so it can also significantly support research".
The figures prove him right - in 2018, the Hamburger Krebsgesellschaft e.V. has already provided 450,000 euros for research funding in the field of cancer research. The HKG Research Prize is awarded annually and is endowed with 10,000 euros.
The Dean of the UKE, Prof. Dr. Dr. Uwe Koch-Gromus, warmly congratulated the prize winners: "The UKE and the Hamburger Krebsgesellschaft have been cooperating very closely for many years; there are many UKE scientists who are involved in the Hamburger Krebsgesellschaft. The Cancer Society also supports a very broad spectrum of projects, ranging from biomedical basic research to psychooncology".
Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer, Director of the University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCCH) and Chairman of the Selection Committee of the HKG, said: "We have awarded three prizes this year because so many very good papers have been submitted. Successful cancer research is a joint and interdisciplinary effort - nowadays, such work can only be carried out by well-networked research groups. The UCCH at the UKE offers an excellent platform for this."
Dr. Malte Mohme, assistant physician in further education at the Department of Neurosurgery and at the same time researcher in the laboratory of Prof. Dr. Katrin Lamszus, received the 1st prize of 5,000 euros for his work on the understanding of immunological mechanisms in glioblastomas.
The second prize, each worth 2,500 euros, was shared by Prof. Dr. med. Mascha Binder, who has been head of the Department of Haematology and Oncology at the University Hospital Halle (Saale) since October 2018, for her work on antibody therapy in head and neck tumours, and Dr. rer. nat. Dr. med. Thorsten Frenzel from the Department of Radiotherapy and Radiooncology, who used the mouse model to investigate the influence of radiation therapy of a local tumour on metastasis.
We congratulate all prize winners!
The Hamburger Krebsgesellschaft e.V. is a non-profit association that has been active in the health care sector in Hamburg since 1951 and has been committed to promoting research and young talent on a regular basis ever since, thanks to donors from Hamburg.
The Hamburger Krebsgesellschaft e.V. has donated more than 1 million euros to the professorship of palliative medicine at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, which focuses on research on relatives of cancer patients. A scholarship programme supports young scientists.
The last weekend in November was all about palliative medicine. While on Friday patients and relatives came together for a patient day at the Hamburg Cancer Society, the experts on Saturday continued with educating themselves at the Interdisciplinary Pain and Palliative Day at the UKE.
The patient afternoon, which was jointly organized by the Hamburg Cancer Society and the endowed Chair for Palliative Medicine at the UCCH, was dedicated to some of the most urgent topics with which patients and their relatives are frequently confronted in advanced cancer - the biology of cancer, the side effects of therapies, pain, nausea and breathlessness, but also fears of what can come as the disease progresses.
The participants listened with great interest and made intensive use of the opportunity to talk to the experts and other affected persons. Also the following ceremonial lecture of Professor von Engelhardt on the topic was very well visited and a complete success.
On Saturday about 80 specialized experts from different occupational groups gathered, in order to inform themselves in interdisciplinary round about the newest findings surrounding the topics palliative care and pain medicine and to exchange about own experiences gathered from practice. As in the previous year, the Palliative Medicine at UCCH as well as the Clinic and Polyclinic for Anesthesiology invited to a mix of lectures and interactive workshops. Prof. Karin Oechsle, since last year holder of the endowed Chair for Palliative Medicine with focus on research on relatives, was satisfied and stated: "The interdisciplinary exchange that this event offers is extremely enriching for our daily work – it gives the opportunity to discuss experiences from everyday practice intensively and to reflect them together with colleagues".
For the first time, three Hubertus Wald prizes for young scientists were awarded - Fabian Freisleben, Dr. Lena Behrmann and Tabea Sturmheit received the prize, which is awarded annually at the UCCH. The newly created poster prize went to Dr. Cécile Maire. In addition, 7 research fellowships were made possible for the coming year.
Two of the renowned Hubertus Wald prizes for young scientists went to scientists from the AG Fiedler, who dealt with acute myeloid leukaemia (Fabian Freisleben) and bone marrow tissue (Dr. Lena Behrmann). Both prize winners are assistant doctors in the II. Medical Clinic and Polyclinic and work as scientists in Prof. Walter Fiedler's research group. Mrs. Tabea Sturmheit from the AG of Priv.-Doz. Dr. Andreas Block and Research Scientist at 2cureX had conducted research on the compilation of individual tumour assays in connection with the tissue extraction of liver metastases. At this year's UCCH Science Retreat in September, all three prize winners were selected on the basis of their results and presentations by the UCCH scientists present. The three scientists were awarded the Hubertus Wald Prize for Young Scientists on 2 November by Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer, Director and Spokesperson of the UCCH, and Prof. Dr. Kai Rothkamm, Deputy Director of Research at the UCCH. The prize is awarded in appreciation of the outstanding achievements and in support of further work.
Due to the many submissions, a poster prize was awarded for the first time. Dr. Cécile Maire from the Hans-Dietrich-Herrmann Laboratory for Brain Tumor Biology led by Prof. Dr. Katrin Lamszus / Clinic for Neurosurgery received the poster prize on the optical coding of gliomas.
Numerous congratulators appeared for the awarding of the prizes and thus paid respect to the scientists for their research activities.
In addition, the UCCH research fellowships for 2019 were awarded at the award ceremony – more than ever before.
The scholarship holders will present the results of their work at the UCCH Research Retreat in August 2019.
Located in the immediate vicinity, the Facharztklinik Hamburg now moves even closer to the UKE in its day-to-day business. Particularly in the field of cancer diagnostics and therapy, intensive cooperation will take place in the future. As the eighteenth clinic partner, the Facharztklinik will join the UCCH network.
The cooperation focuses on the care of breast cancer patients.It will enable even better networking of consulting services and participation in the UCCH Tumor Board through an intensified and faster exchange between the experts of both clinics. In addition, the experts from the Facharztklinik will also be involved in the joint development of treatment guidelines at the UCCH.
Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer, Director of the UCCH, is pleased that two further hospital partners, the Facharztklinik Hamburg and the Regio Klinik Wedel, have joined the network within a short period of time: "This shows that the network is a real benefit for patients and partners alike and that this is also perceived from the outside. I am therefore very pleased that more clinics and practices are continuously joining the network and in return contribute their expertise to it."
How does cancer develop, who can get it and what can doctors and I do to prevent cancer? Prof. Bokemeyer, Director of the UCCH, the teams of the Health Academy and the UCCH, as well as almost 200 visitors pursued these and other questions at the latest Health Academy.
After Prof. Blankenberg from the University Heart Centre opened the event series at the beginning of the month, the UKE Health Academy last Monday devoted itself entirely to the topic of cancer. Prof. Carsten Bokemeyer, Director of the UCCH, used his key note in the very well attended Ian Karan lecture hall to inform visitors about current findings on the development and treatment of cancer.
The lecture focused on why, despite improved survival rates, more and more people are suffering from the various types of cancer - a development that, according to Prof. Bokemeyer, can be answered on the one hand with our increased life expectancy, but also with simple statistics. Nevertheless, science has also made significant progress in recent years, which already benefits many patients in practice and helps them to significantly improve their chances of survival.
In addition, visitors were able to find out what they could do to prevent cancer from developing in the first place at the "Market of Health" information and participation stations. The UCCH was also represented with its experts on topics such as sport and exercise, nutrition and prevention. In addition to answering questions and providing practical tips for everyday life, visitors also took the opportunity to test their knowledge as part of a nutrition quiz and demonstrate their fitness under expert guidance in the exercise room.
The possibilities for scientists to use data from the Hamburg Cancer Registry and the Clinical Cancer Registry at the UKE are manifold. A first UKE-wide task force has now discussed opportunities and possibilities.
The Hamburg Cancer Registry (HKR) is responsible for the integrated, comprehensive epidemiological and clinical cancer registration in Hamburg, while the Clinical Cancer Registry (KKR) is organizationally affiliated to the Hubertus Wald Tumorzentrum - University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCCH) and specifically keeps track of all patients with an ICD-10-GM C or D diagnosis at the UKE.
The data that is generated both at the HKR and the KKR is regularly published in reports without a specific research question. Concurrently the registries provide the data for special scientific questions and oncological care research projects that are pursued externally.
Therefore the data is suitable for answering concrete research questions and for estimating the extent to which the study collective permits a generalizable statement for the respective oncological patients. Higher-level research projects and long-term research strategies are also among the many possibilities for cooperation between science and registries. From a clinical point of view, entity specific questions on therapy, adherence to guidelines or participation in studies are interesting and can be implemented within the framework of projects or doctoral theses.
If you are interested in using the data of the HKR for research purposes, the HKR or the KKR at the UKE will be happy to provide you with further information.
Prof. Dr. Mascha Binder took over the University Clinic for Internal Medicine IV at the University Hospital of Halle (Saale) on 1st October. This makes her the first female ordinaria for haematology and oncology in Germany.
Previously she was the deputy director of the Second Medical Clinic for Haematology and Oncology at the UCCH and, as an outstanding scientist, has decisively influenced the further development of immunoncological research at the UCCH. In the clinical area, she focused on the treatment of multiple myelomas, CLL and cerebral lymphomas.
The honour of being able to take on this responsible new task is the consistent continuation of an already remarkable career as a physician and scientist, which has been significantly supported by the Second Medical Clinic.
Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer, Director of the UCCH, Clinic Director of the Second Medical Clinic and former immediate superior of Prof. Binder, is also pleased with this great scientific recognition and sees it as confirmation of the efforts made within his department: "We made it our task at a very early stage to actively support outstanding female doctors and researchers in our ranks within the framework of a special women's advancement programme. The fact that Prof. Binder, who has had a particular influence on research at the UCCH, is now receiving this recognition makes us particularly happy against this background and also strengthens us in our work".
We wish Prof. Binder all the best for her future career.
More than 70 scientists met last weekend in Jesteburg on the edge of the Lüneburg Heath to discuss their scientific research projects.
"The attractiveness of the retreat for our scientists continues to grow. This year we have achieved a record number of awards and scholarships, we even had to reject lecture requests, because otherwise the time frame would have been exceeded," said Prof. Dr. Kai Rothkamm, deputy director for scientific topics at UCCH.
This year, 3 Hubertus Wald Young Investigators Awards were presented, in addition to a newly introduced Poster Award. The UCCH Research Fellowships go to 7 young scientists. The prizes will be awarded during a ceremony at the beginning of November.
"We are very proud that this year is the 10th anniversary of the retreat, as it shows how lively and interdisciplinary the research at the UCCH is. Some of our now established scientists gave their first English talks here and used the framework to rehearse their appearances at scientific congresses," sums up Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer, Director of the UCCH.
The UCCH network continues to grow - with the addition of the Regio Kliniken Elmshorn, Pinneberg and Wedel, our network gains another strong partner and welcomes the seventeenth clinical partner in our ranks.
Around 90,000 patients are treated annually at the Elmshorn, Pinneberg and Wedel sites. The Clinic for Internal Medicine, Pneumology and Respiratory Medicine, Thoracic Oncology and Palliative Medicine under the direction of Dr. Gerasimos Varelis will play a leading role in the cooperation under the umbrella of the UCCH. Future cooperation will focus on the exchange of scientific studies and the care of patients with complex cancers as well as the joint further development of patient pathways.
Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer, Director of the UCCH, welcomes the new addition to the network and states: "The fact that we can once again welcome a strong partner in our ranks shows how important intensive professional exchange is in the modern treatment of the most complex cancers. Accordingly, I am very pleased that the network has been able to gain further expertise with this cooperation."
The newly founded Skin Tumor Center at the UCCH invited all patients, relatives and interested parties to its first information day on Wednesday, 29 August, on the topic "Detecting, avoiding and treating skin cancer".
The experts from the Skin Tumor Center used the first information day organised by them not only to present themselves and the center to the public, but also to give interested parties an in-depth insight into the subject of skin cancer. Accordingly, the lectures presented the latest findings from research on the numerous manifestations of skin cancer. The self-help group Hautkrebsnetzwerk Deutschland e.V. also reported on its work. On site, the opportunity was taken to set up a regional self-help group, which will cooperate closely with the Skin Cancer Center in the future. In addition, the visitors could inform themselves about prevention possibilities and ask their own questions to the experts at the information stands. The program was rounded off with the possibility of getting to know the skin clinic better during a guided tour.
The University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) has been awarded the contract to establish one of five Mildred Scheel junior research centers in Germany; the German Cancer Aid is supporting the UKE with a total of ten million euros over the next five years. In order to counter the impending shortage of scientific specialists in oncology, the German Cancer Aid launched the funding programme to strengthen young scientists a year ago.
"We are very happy and proud to have convinced the jury in the selection process. The research excellence of the UKE has played an important role here", says Prof. Dr. Dr. Uwe Koch-Gromus, Dean and Board Member of the UKE. Prof. Koch-Gromus is co-applicant of the concept developed by clinicians and scientists at the Hubertus Wald Tumorzentrum - University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCCH) to establish a junior research center in the field of tumor dissemination and metastasis.
"Our future efforts as a Mildred Scheel Junior Research Center are on one hand aimed at improving career opportunities for young scientists in hospitals and laboratories and on the other at strengthening cancer research in Hamburg," explains Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer, Director of UCCH.
"With the help of the new funding programme, we can offer researchers various opportunities to pursue their scientific careers over a longer period of time within the framework of family-compatible working time models," says Prof. Dr. Kai Rothkamm, Deputy Director of Science and Research at UCCH.
Another important factor for the Mildred Scheel Center in Hamburg is the establishment of supra-regional networks with clinical and industrial partners, for example in Lübeck and Kiel. In addition, the focus is on expanding the research infrastructure, setting up research grants and establishing mentoring programmes and career exchanges. In addition to the UKE, institutions in Frankfurt, Würzburg, Cologne-Bonn and Dresden are supported.
As a new sixth organ cancer center within the UCCH, an interdisciplinary Skin Tumor Center was founded on the initiative of the Clinic for Dermatology and Venerology.
About 100 interested doctors were present at the 2nd Eppendorf Dermatology Symposium when the foundation of the new Skin Tumor Center was announced by the management team.
The Skin Tumor Center is located in the Department of Dermatology and Venerology, headed by Prof. Dr. Christoffer Gebhardt. He is represented by Dr. Janina Staub and Thomas Haalck. PD Dr. Nina Booken is responsible for cutaneous lymphomas. The dermatooncology center is a member of the UCCH and thus forms the sixth organ cancer center on offer at the UKE.
"The number of new skin tumors is increasing every year. The new Skin Tumor Center bundles the disciplines that make a modern therapy of all forms of skin tumors possible for our patients. We are primarily targeting high-risk patients in order to support the therapy especially in metastasis through clinical research and studies," says Prof. Dr. Gebhardt, the new head of the Skin Tumor Center.
"I am very pleased that we can offer the expertise at our clinic with Prof. Gebhardt's team in order to be a reliable contact for dermatooncological questions with the Skin Tumor Center," adds Prof. Dr. Schneider, Clinic Director of the Clinic for Dermatology and Venerology.
The Skin Tumor Center is anchored under the roof of the UCCH. Prof. Dr. Bokemeyer, Director of the UCCH, welcomes the development: "With the new Skin Tumor Center, our top oncological center in the UKE is gaining another important member among the organ cancer centers, which is already very actively involved in all our patient care and scientific research topics. We are already actively working on the foundations for obtaining certification by the German Cancer Society in the next cycle in 2019".
The consultation hours and further information, e.g. about cooperating self-help groups of the new Skin Tumor Center, can be found here.
Despite many bad weather warnings: The weather held and also sent the sun in the afternoon. The charity regatta "Rowing against cancer" started on 10 June in slightly windy conditions on the Außenalster in Hamburg. Under the patronage of Andy Grote, Senator for the Interior and Sport of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, more than 55 teams of four rowed for a good cause. The proceeds from the regatta will benefit the sports and exercise programme at the Hubertus Wald Tumorzentrum - University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCCH) at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf. The aim of the funded project is to significantly improve the quality of life of cancer patients.
"Rowing against cancer" is organised by the foundation Leben mit Krebs in cooperation with the Hubertus Wald Tumorzentrum - University Cancer Center Hamburg and the rowing society HANSA e.V..
The regatta began with the most important highlight, the patient race. Three boats from Hamburg participated. All patients had previously taken part in the year-round rowing training for cancer patients, which has now been on offer for a year. The "Alsterchaoten" won with a remarkable performance, closely followed by the "Schlawiner". The "Trave Nessie" from Lübeck took 3rd place, the "Happy" 4th place.
Another highlight of the day was the special race "Olympic Winner" against the "Medics". Last year, UCCH directors Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer, Prof. Dr. Andrea Morgner-Miehlke, Prof. Dr. Kai Rothkamm and Priv.-Doz. Dr. Alexander Stein had to admit defeat against the double Olympic gold medal winner. They could book the revenge for themselves this year. The proud winners also finished 6th overall in the entry-level final.
This time the teams "Ermel hoch" (beginner) and "Klabautermann" (expert) qualified for gold in the beginner and expert races. The "Martini" team (6th place experts) from the UKE was also represented until the final.
On the 25th and 26th of May this year, the time had come again: Due to multiple requests from clinicians and sponsors, the UCCH held its 4th Onco-Workshop this year.
Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer, Director of the UCCH, and PD Dr. Andreas Block, Head of the Oncological Study Centre, welcomed the participants in front of a picturesque backdrop in the Elsa Brändström House directly on the Elbe. A comprehensive program of lectures, courses and opportunities to expand their own network awaited the numerous participants.
In addition to the basic course according to AMG offered again after 2015, one of the highlights this year was the key note on "Big Data in Clinical Research". Due to increasingly complex study designs and highly individualized therapy approaches, this topic is becoming increasingly important in clinical research. Accordingly, Annika Grosse (IBM) gave an extensive and exciting insight into the future and benefits of Big Data in this field.
In addition to the extensive scientific presentations of the respective UKE experts, Friday also offered the participants the opportunity to present their own study projects in an interdisciplinary environment and to enter into an in-depth discussion in the newly established Onco-Lounge.
The profitable workshop days were rounded off by a dinner followed by a get-together where all participants once again had the opportunity to talk to colleagues and experts.
Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer, Director of the Second Medical Clinic and the Hubertus Wald Tumor Center - University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCCH) of the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), has been awarded the Wilhelm Warner Prize for Cancer Research 2017. The UKE scientist receives the 10,000 Euro prize for his international commitment to the treatment of testicular carcinoma in young men. He was also awarded for his commitment to the further training of oncologists at European level and the further development of medical oncology in Germany. On 25 May, Prof. Dr. K. Hossfeld, representing the Foundation, presented the award at a ceremony at the UCCH.
Germ cell tumors in men are rare cancers. In Germany there are about 4,000 new cases per year. The treatment of patients with advanced germ cell walls has made considerable progress in recent years. Today, 80 to 90 percent of all patients with metastatic disease can be cured because they react extremely well to chemotherapy. Current research focuses on how high cure rates are achieved with few therapy side effects and why some patients are still resistant to the therapy and cannot be cured.
"We have been working for years to understand the causes of resistance to the extremely effective drugs in this disease. Our goal is to further improve the prognosis of patients and to learn from it for other diseases and novel therapeutic approaches," says Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer. His research group has conducted numerous multicenter clinical studies and a variety of basic research on resistance in germ cell tumors. For many years the group has also been intensively involved in the investigation and treatment of long-term consequences of therapy in cured patients within the framework of so-called survivorship programs.
The II. The UKE Medical Clinic is one of the national reference centers for the treatment of patients with advanced germ cell tumors of the testicles and is therefore recognized in the network of German cancer centers and the European centers for rare cancers.
The Wilhelm Warner Prize is awarded every year to renowned scientists in the field of cancer research. The Wilhelm Warner Foundation was founded in 1961 in Hamburg with the aim of promoting cancer research by awarding the Wilhelm Warner Prize annually to renowned scientists.
An honour for Hamburg and the UCCH - the German-Austrian Study Group for Acute Myeloid Leu-kemia (AMLSG) met for the first time in Hamburg with a record attendance of over 200 participants.
Leukemia (also known as "blood cancer") is a disease of the hematopoietic system. Depending on which immature blood cells are affected by uncontrolled cell growth, they are called myeloid (erythrocytes, granulocytes, monocytes) or lymphatic leukemia (lymphocytes). Both leukemias can occur in different forms - on the one hand in the acute form, which occurs suddenly and can lead to death within a few weeks, and on the other hand in the chronic form, which shows a slower course of the disease.
In recent years, the German-Austrian Study Group for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) has developed into one of the world's largest study groups for the research and treatment of AML. In Germany alone, more than 60 centers are involved in the study group, including the UCCH. During the conference in Hamburg it was possible to continue working together on new therapy concepts and study developments.
"We are very pleased that the heads of the study group - Prof. Döhner from the University of Ulm and Prof. Ganser from the Hanover Medical School - have decided to hold the study meeting here in Hamburg this year," said Prof. Dr. Walter Fiedler, senior physician at the Second Medical Clinic and Polyclinic at the UCCH with a focus on leukemia. "The steadily increasing number of cases in our studies and the translation into concrete therapy concepts are a sign of our successful work".
"The AML Study Group is part of the Competence Network Acute and Chronic Leukemia, which was founded almost 20 years ago with the aim of developing a world-leading cooperative leukemia network," says Prof. Carsten Bokemeyer, Director of the UCCH. "The results of our work to date underline the relevance of this study group and thus of the network for our daily work."
In the integrated model study programme Medicine Hamburg (iMED), the theoretical basic subjects are networked with clinical practice and current research right from the start. Students can choose their field of interest early on from 15 compulsory elective modules, the so-called second tracks. This week the Second Track Oncology/Tumorbiology has started at the UCCH.
"Second Track Oncology represents a particularly close translational integration of basic research and clinical practice. It is important to us to introduce the students to the topic and to provide insights from many different perspectives," says Prof. Dr. Kai Rothkamm, scientific director of the UCCH. He is responsible for organizing the second track Oncology/Tumorbiology, along with other UCCH colleagues from research and clinic. During the two-week elective courses for approx. 120 students in the 2nd - 4th semester, the UCCH representatives offer a compact teaching program of approx. 45 hours which introduces the subject matter.
"With approx. 20 lecturers, a very high level of personnel and organizational effort is being made here by the UCCH, as the training of young scientific and medical staff is very important to us. The quality of our detailed offer can only be made possible by a well-functioning network such as the UCCH," says Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer, Director of the UCCH.
The figures confirm the success of the demanding oncology elective program: The 40 available places, which will be offered from the 5th semester for specialization in oncology in another 5 modules plus student research project, are always very popular and quickly allocated.
This concept of the reform study course is trend-setting for further structural planning of other medical study courses in Germany.
The Hubertus Wald Tumour Center - University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCCH) invites UKE-scientists and -doctors to take part in this year's UCCH Research Retreat in the Lüneburg Heath for one and a half days in order to meet colleagues for scientific exchange on topics from experimental, translational, clinical and epidemiological cancer research as well as care research in cancer medicine. Participation is free of charge, regardless of whether you would like to present a scientific presentation during your participation.
On the website www.uke.de/ucch-research-retreat you will find all further information about the event, our online registration form and all file templates required for participation. In addition, you will find information on how to apply for the UCCH Research Fellowship for assistant physicians interested in research and on the award of the Hubertus Wald Young Investigators Award for oncological research.
The renowned Hamburg based cancer scientist Prof. Klaus Pantel, board member of the University Cancer Center Hamburg and director of the Institute of Tumor Biology at the UKE opened the AACR Annual Meeting - from April 14 to 18, 2018 in Chicago - with a plenary lecture on the topic "Liquid biopsy: Novel technologies and clinical applications". This congress is the world's largest meeting of cancer researchers with over 22,000 participants from all over the world.
Prof. Pantel coined the term "Liquid Biopsy" eight years ago and not only presented his groundbreaking work in the field of circulating tumour cells and circulating cell-free tumour DNA, but also pointed out the relevant translational results he has achieved in consortia, partly led by the University Cancer Center Hamburg, on patient cohorts. Prof. Pantel: "The survival of circulating tumour cells in the blood is an important indicator of metastatic progression in cancer patients and the analysis of these cells and their products provides clinically important information for a more targeted, individual risk assessment and cancer therapy.
Research into mechanisms of metastasis and how they can be influenced is part of the translational vision of the University Cancer Center Hamburg, with which the center aims to significantly advance the treatment results for cancer patients over the next ten years. Prof. Bokemeyer, Director of the University Cancer Center: "Cancer patients usually die from the metastases of the disease, therefore it is logical to bundle and apply all scientific findings here in order to better understand the metastasis process first and then actively combat it!"
The Hubertus Wald Foundation approves a funding application to support tumor epidemiology at UCCH. The funds received will enable the analyzation of relevant epidemiological studies on the risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer.
With the help of an estate of the Dühren family, the Hubertus Wald Foundation makes it possible to support the tumour epidemiological area at the Hubertus Wald Tumour Centre in the amount of 75,000 euros. This money allows UCCH staff to analyze relevant epidemiological studies around the risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer.
"With this support, the Hubertus Wald Foundation enables the analyzation of truly relevant data on epidemiological risk factors in various tumour diseases that have been collected over a long period of time. The findings will in turn form the basis for future prevention efforts," said Professor Chang-Claude, who will use the corresponding means for her investigations in a targeted manner.
Also this year on the occasion of the World Cancer Day a cooking course at the UCCH was raffled. The winners have learned new things about which foods and preparations are especially recommended for cancer patients.
UCCH nutritionist and dietician Julia von Grundherr guided the participants through the course. "We always advise our cancer patients to a healthy and balanced diet. Fresh herbs and spices have a variety of flavours, which means we can almost refrain from the use of salt." The participants of the cooking course got to know new recipes and then tasted their own results in a convivial atmosphere. A lively discussion arose from the many questions.
All nutrition suggestions are based on the recommendations of the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), the German Nutrition Society (DGE) and the guidelines of the German Society for Nutritional Medicine (DGEM).
Counselling on nutrition topics in the context of the life after cancer consultation hours is open to all cancer patients.
A new music therapy group at the Outpatient Clinic for Psycho-Oncology has been added to the range of therapy-related services at UCCH. All cancer patients can now register for the new free course units under the motto "Making life sound".
Music therapy opens up the possibility of perceiving and expressing oneself in a holistic way with the help of music. Experiencing the different facets of music, searching for and finding harmonious sounds and playing styles can lead to a better self-understanding. This creates creative moments that open up new scope and perspectives.
In order to improve and expand the treatment of patients with neuroendocrine tumors at the UKE, several clinics have joined together under the umbrella of the UCCH to form the NETzUKE network. Interdisciplinary cooperation between surgery, endocrinology, gastroenterology, nuclear medicine, oncology, pathology and radiology has led to continuous improvements in the treatment of patients with this rare tumor disease. Under the direction of Dr. Jörg Schrader (I. Medical Clinic) and Prof. Dr. Dr. Jakob R. Izbicki (Clinic for General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery), this concept has now been rewarded with the award as a certified center of excellence of the European Society for Neuroendocrine Tumors ("ENETS Center of Excellence"). The UKE is the only center of excellence for this rare tumor disease in northern Germany.
With almost 12,000 experts, a new attendance record was set at the German Cancer Congress, which takes place every two years in Berlin. The University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCCH) of the UKE was also strongly represented last week. Oncologists, radiotherapists, surgeons and psychosocial doctors from the UCCH gave numerous lectures and led symposia. On Friday afternoon there was still time for a group photo and interdisciplinary knowledge exchange.
The annual New Year's reception for the representatives of the more than 20 patient support groups cooperating with the UCCH has become an established and well-received tradition.
Also this year many participants accepted the invitation. New approaches and projects for the coming year were discussed in a lively exchange.
Collaboration with the patient support groups is a central component of the patient-oriented work - for example, the first edition of the "Giving Help Together" patient support groups brochure was recently presented, which presents all information on self-help in the UCCH.
Under the motto "Together Against Cancer", the UCCH held an information day as part of the annual World Cancer Day. On February 1, patients, relatives and other interested parties were able to find out more about important topics in cancer medicine at the Erika House. The visitors experienced a varied programme of lectures, round-table discussions and information stands, which represented the wide range of the UCCH network.
Lectures on personalized cancer medicine, therapy-accompanying possibilities such as complementary medicine, psycho-oncology, sports and nutrition as well as on the cornerstones of good doctor-patient communication were on the agenda. In addition, experts from many disciplines were available to answer personal questions about the visitors own illness.
Many self-help groups, support associations and institutions also presented their services.
The lucky winners were also happy about the successful participation in the cooking course raffle.
Exceptional photos on the topic of familial breast and ovarian cancer can be seen from 17 January to 16 February 2018 at the Centre for Family Breast and Ovarian Cancer (O24, Centre for Oncology). The photographs of 17 women, taken from the book "Ansichtssache. Knowledge and decisions in familial breast and ovarian cancer" impressively show the handling with the diagnosis or knowledge of the risk of a disease. The touring exhibition, which had previously been shown at the Berlin Charité, aims to show affected women and families how a breast reconstruction, for example, can look like, it wants to take away fears and be a decision-making aid.
The exhibition will be opened on Wednesday, January 17, at 7.30 pm by the Medical Director and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the UKE, Prof. Dr. Burkhard Göke. Beforehand, UKE experts will give lectures on familial breast and ovarian cancer in the Hubertus Wald Seminar Room (O24,7th floor) from 6 pm onwards.
Every year, 75,000 women in Germany suffer from breast cancer and 8,000 women from ovarian cancer. Up to one-fifth of those affected have a genetic modification, for example, in the so-called BRCA genes (breast cancer), which can also be passed on to their children. In these families, cancer is therefore much more common and often occurs at a very early age.
You can find further information about the work of the 2010 founded association BRCA-Network - Help with familial breast and ovarian cancer on the web at www.brca-netzwerk.de.
The Circle of Friends of the Psycho-Oncological Ambulance invites you to a benefit event with actor Hans-Jörg Frey and the CAT-Quartett & Clarinett on 2 December.
Born in Switzerland, Frey, known as a long-time member of the German Theatre (Deutsches Schauspielhaus) and the Thalia Theater in Hamburg, reads texts on Advent. The quartet also performs chamber music by Mozart and Brahms.
Admission is free of charge - donations are welcome.
The joint application of the CCC network of the German Cancer Aid for the promotion of a national Network Genomic Medicine Lung Cancer was successful. The UCCH is represented with its department of Personalized Cancer Medicine by Prof. Dr. Dr. Sonja Loges in cooperation with the Institute of Pathology, Prof. Dr. Sauter and Priv. -Doz. Dr. rer. nat. Ronald Simon.
The aim of the network is to offer comprehensive and high-quality molecular diagnostics for all patients with non-resectable, malignant lung cancer and thus promote the implementation of personalized therapy in routine clinical care.
The UCCH and its cooperation partners in Hamburg are involved in the network. The network is the largest European platform for molecular diagnostics.
The Hubertus Wald Prize for Oncology was awarded this year to the renowned cancer researcher Prof. Dr. Fritz Schröder from Rotterdam. His long-standing commitment and outstanding achievements in the field of prostate cancer research were honored with this award. The prize, which is endowed with 5000 euros and awarded every two years, was awarded for the sixth time by the Hubertus Wald Tumour Centre - University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCCH).
In addition, four young UKE scientists from the University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) received the Hubertus-Wald-Young-Scientists-Award for oncological research: Dr. Simon A. Joosse from the Institute of Tumorbiology, Donjete Statovci, Laboratory for Tumour Immunology of the II. Medical clinic, Dr. Joanna C. Bartels, Clinic for Otorhinolaryngology and Dr. Franziska Modemann, II. Medical clinic.
More than 1,000 program items and several 1,000 visitors - the Night of Sciences on 4 November in Hamburg once again showed the impressive range of the science location Hamburg. Every two years, scientific institutions located in Hamburg present themselves and try to make their topics and works understandable in a playful way.
The UCCH also took part in the seven-hour long event with a large number of specialist disciplines. Numerous visitors of all ages learned about cancer diseases such as breast, skin and prostate cancer. In the children's rally, the children learned how to prevent cancer in general and enjoyed playing the specially developed UCCH prevention online memory. The guided tours offered in the field of radiotherapy were used extensively, as was the laboratory of the II. Medical Clinic and Polyclinic for Hematology and Oncology.
For many visitors it was clear - they would like to come back again next year.
On the last weekend in October, a large number of interested practitioners gathered again to exchange information on current topics concerning palliative care and pain medicine in a multi-professional way.
In the lectures and numerous workshops, new findings and treatment options for pain therapy and palliative care were presented and discussed. All in all, all participants were very satisfied with the exciting lectures, lively discussions and, above all, practical insights and experiences from the workshops.
At this year's annual meeting of the DGHO (German Society for Hemetology and Oncology) in Stuttgart, Dr. Julia Quidde receives one of the Young Investigators' Awards 2017 for her work on quality of life in colon cancer patients.
Doctors and scientists under 35 years of age had the opportunity to apply for the Young Investigators' Award by submitting an abstract. The works of the young scientists, that received the highest ratings from the reviewers, were selected for the prize. The works come with prize money of 1,000 euros each.
On 25 September, the new UCCH building in O43 was officially inaugurated by the UKE board of directors. Since July, the Central Entry Port and the UCCH Coordinative Unit have been located in the new premises in Building O43.
In their opening speeches, Prof. Dr. Göke and Prof. Dr. Koch-Gromus underlined the important position of the cancer center in the UKE, which is now united under one roof.
Prof. Dr. Bokemeyer then presented the most important milestone events of last year to the nearly 60 cooperation partners from practice, clinic and research as well as patient support groups.
In addition to the Central Entry Port, the following departments of the Oncology Centre have moved: Psycho-oncology, Palliative Medicine, Music and Art Therapy, Nutrition and Movement Therapy as well as the COSIP team. The Coordinative Unit comprises the Science Team, Quality and Strategy Management, Marketing/Communication and Medical Coordinators.
All previous consultation hours and therapy-accompanying offers of the central entry port for patients and relatives continue to run in the new rooms as usual.
The UCCH Research Retreat has a long tradition in the UCCH. Over 70 scientists and physicians met last weekend for 2 days to discuss their current cancer research projects, studies and publications.
Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer opened the event and pointed out the successful proposals and networking efforts in UCCH research. "There has been a series of excellent research funding in the UCCH over the past and current year, made possible, among other things, by excellent translational research. For me, the retreat was very impressive with many motivated scientists who presented high quality results."
More than 40 lectures from more than 11 research fields show the active scientific activity in UCCH," says Prof. Kai Rothkamm, the new deputy director of science and research at the UCCH. "The Research Retreat offers both established and up-and-coming researchers the opportunity to present their focus topics and to network. Such a vibrant network is the basis for successful research at the UCCH."
The special feature of the retreat: "Every year, we honour the efforts of young researchers with an annual award for the promotion of young researchers in oncological research. The award winners as well as the award of research fellowships is chosen jointly by election," says Prof. Dr. Klaus Pantel, UCCH board member for research topics. The prize winners for the young talent awards as well as the scholarship holders will be honoured at the upcoming Hubertus Wald Award Ceremony at the beginning of November.
The new Kinder-UKE, the Werner and Michael Otto University Children's Hospital, has a usable floor space of over 10,000 square meters. A total of 148 beds are available for the young patients in bright and light rooms.
The Kinder-UKE focuses on rare, complex and unexplained diseases. Main areas of treatment are cancer, severe neurological and rare congenital diseases, metabolic diseases as well as liver, kidney and bone marrow transplants. It also houses the only oncological day clinic in the Hamburg metropolitan region.
"In the Kinder-UKE we have short distances between the departments involved in providing medical care for children and young people with complex illnesses. The diagnosis and treatment of children and adolescents with cancer or blood diseases is thus even more closely linked to the special fields involved", says Prof. Dr. med. Stefan Rutkowski, Director of the Clinic and Polyclinic for Paediatric Hematology and Oncology.
The move into the new building will begin on September 21st with ongoing operations, and all functional areas will be fully equipped from September 29th. A total of 600 employees will work in the Kinder-UKE.
A renowned cancer researcher of the UCCH was once again rewarded: Prof. Dr. Dr. Sonja Loges receives a so-called ERC Starting Grant from the European Research Council (ERC) for a project to eliminate tumor cells from the bone marrow. This will support her research in the coming five years with a total of 1.5 million euros. Only in 2016 Prof. Loges was awarded a Heisenberg professorship of the German Research Foundation (DFG).
"With an ERC Grant, excellent fundamental research is promoted at European level. UKE researchers have received 14 of these coveted awards over the past years. This underlines the markedly increased international competitiveness of the UKE. I am very delighted for Prof. Loges", says Prof. Dr. Dr. Uwe Koch-Gromus, Dean of the medical faculty and UKE board member.
The aim of the new research project of Prof. Loges is to use immunotherapeutic approaches to combat tumor cells that have remained in the bone marrow after treatment. "In the bone marrow, cancer cells can survive frequently despite aggressive chemotherapy or radiation therapy and later stimulate new tumor growth. In patients with initially curable cancer, the mortality rate is doubled when malignant cells remain in the bone marrow", explains the scientist. The reason why the human immune system does not recognize and eliminate the malignant cells remains an unsolved problem. Loges and her team now want to analyze the interplay of bone marrow cells and immune cells to develop therapeutic strategies that enable the immune system to successfully fight the remaining cancer cells. Prof. Loges has recently proven how successful she can be in the field of therapy development: With her team, she has developed an inhibitor for the treatment of advanced acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), which is now being tested for efficacy in an international clinical trial conducted by her. The promotion of fundamental pioneering research is one of the main focuses of the European Union. To this end, the European Research Council (ERC) was set up in 2007. ERC Grants are part of the EU's "Horizon 2020" framework program, which funds both the fundamental research and application-oriented research fields. The total funding volume for the program, launched in 2014, is around 70 billion euros by 2020.
The European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) has once again recognized the palliative care under the direction of Prof. Dr. Karin Oechsle as an "ESMO Designated Center of Integrated Oncology & Palliative Care" and therewith accredited for the next three years for the Designated Center program.
The objectives of the program are the further development of palliative medicine according to the national guidelines, the promotion of research with special research fellowships and the palliative medical training of oncologists and other specialists.
"In recent years, palliative medicine at the UKE has achieved an important role in the integrated care of our cancer patients. The recognition by the ESMO is a very gratifying result of the daily outstanding work of the entire multiprofessional palliative medicine team, as well as the good networking and collaboration with the oncological structures in the UCCH. The participation in the ESMO program will enable us to carry out network collaboration on a European level, which will provide important impulses for the care of oncological patients in the UCCH and the further development of palliative medicine in Hamburg, "says Prof. Karin Oechsle, who, since July 2017, holds the endowed professorship of the Hamburg Cancer Society for palliative medicine at the UKE.
In Germany, ESMO lists 22 centers as a Designated Center, the UKE has been accredited since 2008.
Passive smokers, like smokers, have an increased risk of developing lung cancer. However, the number of deaths from lung cancer attributable to passive smoking has declined over the past 20 years despite a generally aging population. Scientists from the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) have determined this in a study published by the International Journal of Public Health. For the comparison, a study was consulted, that had been conducted in 1994 by the UKE Study Director Prof. Dr. Heiko Becher, with the then current figures on this subject. The researchers assume that the decline is due to the increased protection of non-smokers since then.
In 2012, some 47,000 people have died of lung cancer. Among them were about 41,000 smokers and thus about 6,000 non-smokers. Based on these figures, the scientists have calculated that 7.6 per cent of the male and 4.7 per cent of the female lung cancer deaths are attributable to passive smoking in the group of non-smokers.
"According to our estimates, 167 lung cancer cases are attributable to passive smoking per year. This figure fell significantly compared to 1994 – at that time it was 400. Despite the aging population and a consequent increase in the total number of deaths of cancer, this means that significantly fewer deaths from lung cancer caused by passive smoking are registered than 20 years ago. This positive trend should be strengthened by further measures in the area of non-smoker protection, "says Prof. Dr. Heiko Becher, principal investigator and director of the Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology of the UKE.
In 2012, a quarter of non-smoking women and about 40 per cent of non-smoking men were exposed to passive smoking. In 1994, when a risk assessment of passive smoking was last carried out in Germany, about 60 per cent of men and 70 per cent of women were exposed to passive smoke, i.e. they were exposed to cigarette smoke through their smoking partner, at work or during leisure time.
On July 27, the World Head and Neck Cancer Day is celebrated worldwide to raise awareness for head and neck tumors. This was initiated for the first time in 2014 by US actor Michael Douglas and former US President Bill Clinton in the USA. The goal is to raise public awareness for the risk factors of head and neck carcinomas and to provide information on possible therapeutic options.
The Head and Neck Cancer Center of the UCCH also participated again this year with a patient day for interested visitors and patients and thus supported the worldwide efforts to focus on information and exchange on this topic.
Numerous attendees followed the invitation and took the opportunity to inform themselves in short presentations, to explore the organ model of the oral cavity or to seek contact with self-help groups and medical experts.
The consultation offers for caring relatives and opportunities in palliative care were also used. In addition, the UCCH presented further offers such as complementary medicine counseling or the sports and exercise program for cancer patients, organized by the central entry port of the UCCH.
Numerous visitors followed the invitation and informed themselves about prevention and treatment options.
The patient's day was opened by PD Dr. Adrian Münscher, head of the head and neck tumor center in the UCCH.
... and Cornelia Reuß spoke about speaking after a laryngeal removal.
A special highlight was again this year the organ model of the oral cavity, which was to be discovered.
In addition to this, visitors were, among other things, able to inform themselves about the palliative medicine or the work of self-help groups.
The 8th charity regatta "Rowing against Cancer" kicked off on the 9th of July at the Hamburg Outer Alster in beautiful sunshine. Under the patronage of Andy Grote, Senator for the Interior and Sports of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, 65 four-man teams rowed for a good cause. The proceeds of the regatta will benefit the sports and exercise program at the Hubertus Wald Tumorzentrum - University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCCH) at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf. The aim of the funded project is to significantly improve the quality of life for cancer patients.
"Rowing against Cancer" is hosted by the foundation "Leben mit Krebs" in cooperation with the Hubertus Wald Tumorzentrum - University Cancer Center Hamburg and the rowing society HANSA.
The regatta was opened by Christoph Holstein (State Council for Sport), Claus Feucht (Foundation "Leben mit Krebs"), Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer (UCCH), Katharina v. Kodolitsch (RG Hansa), Werner Glowik (Regional rowing association AAC) and Lauritz Schoof.
One highlight of the day was the special race of the "Olympic winner" against the "medical team". Two-time Olympic gold medal winner Lauritz Schoof in a single seater faced off against the four seater of the UCCH directors, including Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer, Prof. Dr. Andrea Morgner-Miehlke, Prof. Dr. Kai Rothkamm and Priv.-Doz. Dr. In the end, the UCCH directors were "beaten" and took the silver medal in good spirits.
The most important milestone of the day was the patient race with 7 competing boats from,among others, Frankfurt, Kiel and Lübeck. The boats drove under great applause and close to each other over the finish line. Also included were two boast with the patients from Hamburg, who were able to prepare for the competition for the first time during the new rowing training, which is organized by the RG Hansa (see news from March 2017).
In the end, the team "Lübsche Hydra" from Lübeck won. The teams "Schlawiner" and "Säbelzahn" from Hamburg occupied positions 2 and 7.
This time, the teams "MS Oh-nassis" (beginners) and "Braatzhammer" (experts) qualified for gold in the beginners' and expert races. The teams "Herzschlag" (Silver experts) and "Martini" (5th place experts) were also representing the UKE. The fantastic summer weather made the previous G20 riot forget. Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer said: "We want to set a sign with this event. This is Hamburg, the community spirit for the benefit of our patients – riots have no place in our city. "
The race was held on the Hamburg Outer Alster at the rowing society RG Hansa e.V.
Winners of the patient race - Congratulations!
The UKE has a new magazine: The patient magazine UKE Life is currently published for the first time. The cover story "On Board" is about a young cancer patient, who was treated at the UCCH. The magazine will be published quarterly. It thus replaces the previous UCCH patient magazine "Aussichten".
The head of palliative care at the UKE, Prof. Dr. Karin Oechsle, will be appointed to the new endowed professorship for palliative medicine with a research focus on relatives of cancer patients. The professorship at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) starts at 1 July 2017. It is financed by the Hamburg Cancer Society with one million euros over a period of five years. In addition, the professorship is supported by the UKE and the friends' association for palliative medicine at the UKE.
UCCH signs a strategic cooperation agreement within the framework of the "Global Expert Centers Initiative (GECI)". The overall goal is to accelerate research in the field of immunoncology. The initiative is strongly supported by the company Bristol-Myers Squibb.
In the treatment of cancer patients, immuno-therapeutic therapy approaches, which use the body's immune system for the defense of cancer, are currently used mainly in advanced stages.
The aim of the new initiative "Global Expert Centers Initiative (GECI)", founded by Bristol-Myers Squibb, is to better understand the fundamentals of immunological approaches and to implement them in clinical research. Hereby the capabilities of immunoncological treatment concepts for cancer patients are to be enhanced in the future.
GECI has a particular focus on promoting academic research and networking at university oncological centers of excellence. After the cancer center "Gustave Roussy" in Paris, the West German Tumor Center in Essen and the National Center for Tumor Diseases in Heidelberg, the UCCH oncological center in Hamburg is now also signing the contract for strategic cooperation.
The newly launched study concepts for patients with head and neck tumors and with gastric carcinomas, which are currently being launched within the framework of a cooperation in Hamburg, are already geared towards the further development of immunotherapy in combination with chemotherapy and targeted therapy and irradiation.
More than 200 participants came to the Prostate Cancer Summit, which was hosted for the second time by the Martini Clinic at June 8th - 10th, 2017 here in Hamburg.
The program focused on the most important topics in the treatment of prostate cancer, such as PSA screening, biomarkers, and the active monitoring and treatment of advanced prostate cancer. The scientific high-caliber lectures in the various sessions were presented by international experts, among others, from the USA, Australia, Canada and Sweden.
The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) is the world's largest cancer society with over 38,000 members from 190 countries. More than 30,000 oncologists met in Chicago at the beginning of June to discuss the current state of research, diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
Important topics were the latest findings in cancer prevention, immuno-oncology and personalized cancer medicine.
The UCCH was represented at the scientific level with numerous lectures, posters and abstracts. For example, Prof. Klaus Pantel, UCCH's Director for Research, gave a lecture in front of 1,500 listeners on circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in the joint session "Liquid Biopsy", chaired by the two presidents of ASCO and AACR.
"The experience so far shows that the UCCH colleagues can give important impulses to the worldwide scientific community on the subject of research and get a great international recognition. This is an important aspect for an oncological center of excellence of the German Cancer Aid", says Prof. Pantel.
Medical colleagues, who were unable to travel to the ASCO Congress themselves, can get information about the latest results of the congress at various events.
On June 1st, patients, relatives and others interested were invited to a special patient day at the Hamburg Cancer Society. On the occasion of the "German Cancer Survivors Day", proclaimed by the German Cancer Foundation, awareness shall be raised annually for the situation of people who have been cured of cancer or live with a (chronic) cancer disease. The crowd was so big that many were not able to get a spot to participate. "This also shows us how important this topic is for those affected and that there are not enough offers for them yet," says Monika Bohrmann, psychooncologist and head of the advisory service of the Hamburg Cancer Society.
The odds have never been so high to survive a cancer disease for a long time or be completely cured of it. For example, more than 3.2 million people in Germany now belong to the so-called "Cancer Survivors" (source: DKG). But with the successful completion of a cancer therapy, many people are not as healthy as they once were before the illness. Many long-term survivors continue to suffer from physical, mental and social consequences for a long time. These are dependent on the original cancer disease and its individual course as well as on the treatment and the side effects that came with it. Cancer survivors often suffer from fatigue, pain, sleep disorders, anxiety and worry, cognitive impairment and polyneuropathy. But also the handling of physical changes and limitations by e.g. surgeries can be a burden on those affected. Not to mention the financial difficulties in which many former cancer patients find themselves due to long breaks from work or even permanent occupational disability.
The UCCH survivorship program, which was presented at the patient's day by the UCCH doctor Barbara Koch, also provides specific help.
The Cancer Survivors Day is to be celebrated annually by the Hamburg Cancer Society and the UCCH with a patient day at the beginning of June.
The oncologists from Egypt participated in the annual course for colorectal carcinomas, which was this year for the first time extended by ovarian carcinomas.
Under the direction of Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer, Prof. Dr. Dirk Arnold and Prof. Dr. Barbara Schmalfeldt, the oncologists were informed about various aspects of medicine and research of colorectal and ovarian carcinomas.
In recent years the delegations came from China, Portugal, as well as other Arab countries.
It was only last year that the palliative station at the UKE celebrated its 5th anniversary. Thanks to Prof. Dr. Karin Oechsle the UCCH is represented nationwide in committees and working groups, including the Cooperation Network of Oncological Centers of Excellence in Germany, which is supported by the German Cancer Aid.
Due to this commitment, the palliative team of the UCCH was given the honor to carry out the 4th Network Symposium on Palliative Medicine on April 20 in Hamburg.
How palliative medicine can be implemented as an integral part of the care of incurably diseased oncological patients and their relatives at an early stage is being discussed more and more in recent years. Nevertheless, many questions have not yet been clarified in this context. Within the framework of the 4th Symposium on Palliative Medicine, these questions were looked at from a multiprofessional viewpoint in lectures and were actively discussed. Particular attention was given to the perspective of nurses, psychological aspects and the specific questions in the integrated oncological and palliative outpatient care.
Since the German Cancer Aid established the first hospice in Cologne in 1983, it has now invested around EUR 70 million in the structure of palliative care in Germany. The CCC network, founded by the German Cancer Aid, and in particular the palliative medicine working group, is commissioned to strengthen these structures and to define and implement treatment concepts in collaboration with all parties involved. Since the founding of the palliative medicine working group, major steps have already been taken. For example, a guide with empirically collected best practice recommendations on the integration of palliative medicine into the care of oncological patients at German CCCs will be published shortly.
The fund for innovation of the Joint Federal Committee is funding the follow-up program for young cancer patients "CARE for CAYA" of the University Cancer Center of the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) with 3.1 million euros.
The abbreviation CAYA stands for children, adolescents and young adults. In the next two years, a federal consortium of 14 locations, headed by the UKE, is to be formed with help of the funding. The goal of the consortium is to improve the networking of studies and treatment options for the benefit of young patients. The health insurers Techniker Krankenkasse and AOK Rheinland/Hamburg support the project as cooperation partners.
Specifically, multi-professional and interdisciplinary teams of sports therapists, nutritional counselors and psycho oncologists are to be formed at the 14 locations throughout Germany, which together develop an individual prevention concept for cancer patients between 15 and 39 years of age. The concept will include the topics nutrition and sports as well as psychosocial aspects to supplement the medical aftercare by hematologists and oncologists of pediatrics and adult medicine. It is therefore about the integrative prevention of long-term effects after a survived cancer disease at a young age.
The CARE for CAYA prevention program is currently under construction and is set to start in December.
"Particularly for young patients, it is important – in addition to the necessary medical follow-up examinations, in order to recognize disease and therapy consequences at an early stage – to prevent or at least minimize the development of long-term effects by early preventive measures" says Priv.-Doz. Dr. Alexander Stein, head of the German-wide program and deputy director of the University Cancer Center, the Hubertus Wald Tumor Center – University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCCH) of the UKE. "The CARE for CAYA team at UKE's University Cancer Center focuses on fundamental issues such as diet and exercise, but also considers any psychological stress and the re-entry into school or work. The close co-operation and concrete agreement between all departments is thereby indispensable."
Thanks to progress in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer diseases, the number of cancer survivors of all age groups is steadily increasing and is currently estimated at 2.6 million in Germany. A special group includes the patients between 15 and 39, that survived cancer in childhood, youth and as young adults. The survival rates in this group of patients have also risen significantly in recent decades as a result of improved treatment options for cancer patients, so that the group of cancer survivors between 15 and 39 years is also continuously growing.
This development increases the risk of long-term consequences, which can also occur decades after the therapy. Patients between the ages of 15 and 39 are particularly affected. Two-thirds of these patients develop follow-up diseases caused by the cancer therapy. These can include physical problems (e.g. chronic pain, exhaustion, cardiovascular diseases), mental health problems (e.g. anxiety, depression, adaptation disorders), social problems (e.g. abortion of school or vocational training, lack of reintegration into the working world, financial difficulties) and cognitive or neurological impairments (e.g. concentration or memory disorders). They also have a significantly increased risk of suffering another cancer disease.
"For far more than half of the cancer survivors, however, the need for support remains unfulfilled, particularly in the case of physical or psychosocial areas," says Priv.-Doz. Dr. Stein. As a rule, the patient is usually treated with a tumor aftercare, which is usually only performed by a doctor. "Our follow-up program, CARE for CAYA, is designed to sustainably improve the interdisciplinary and cross-linked care and long-term prognosis for young cancer survivors through the establishment of prevention teams at central locations in Germany," says Stein.
After another successful and extensive review by an international expert group, the UCCH was once again recognized as an oncological center of excellence by the German Cancer Aid in July last year. The now third funding period starts on April 1st 2017. At the same time, the UCCH has reoriented itself in the management structure in order to be able to tackle the many diverse future tasks even more effectively.
The new management structure of the UCCH is initially set for two years, and the substantive work of the Hubertus Wald Tumor Center is managed by the UCCH Board as before.
The annual Benefit Regatta "Rowing against Cancer" on the Outer Alster has developed into a permanent institution in the year's sporting calendar of the city of Hamburg. For as long as seven years now, the broad-based athletes and cancer patients have been training and rowing together for a good cause. The "Active Life - through Movement" program of the Hubertus Wald Tumor Center - University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCCH) is funded hereby – with the support of the foundation "Leben mit Krebs" and the rowing club HANSA e.V.
This program is this year being expanded on the initiative of the foundation "Leben mit Krebs" with a year-long rowing training for cancer patients. Patients have the opportunity to take part in rowing training all year round with others, and to integrate into a rowing community. The rowing training takes place 1–2x per week at the landing stage of the rowing club HANSA e.V. and is free for all patients. The training units are guided by experienced trainers.
Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer, UCCH Director and Spokesman, says: "The goal of these exercise and training programs is to improve the physical performance of patients and to reduce symptoms such as fatigue or pain. A large number of oncological patients have already accepted our sports programs with great enthusiasm, thanks to the extraordinary commitment of the foundation "Leben mit Krebs"." Katharina von Kodolitsch, CEO of the HANSA rowing club, adds: "Our rowing organization has always been committed to the promotion of projects for a good cause. This is only because of the great joint commitment of all our members. We are grateful to the foundation "Leben mit Krebs", without which we cannot realize this great project." Claus Feucht, Member of the Board of the Foundation, summarizes: "I am very pleased that the good cooperation with the UCCH and the HANSA e.V. in the recent years has led to the point where we are able to provide the rowing training to all cancer patients free of charge year-round."
The Krankenhaus Reinbek St. Adolf-Stift GmbH is a not-for-profit company of the Elisabeth Vinzenz Group. The number of beds was recently increased from 320 to 351 by the Kiel Ministry of Health and the area of internal oncology was expanded. In addition, the St. Adolf-Stift Reinbek is an academic teaching hospital of the University of Hamburg.
In the course of the focus area creation, the management composed of Prof. Dr. Stefan Jäckle (Medical Director), Martin Klein (Director of Nursing) and Björn Pestinger (Commercial Director) recently signed the contract as a partner of the UCCH. Important components in the cooperation are the joint development of treatment routes, the exchange concerning scientific studies and the care of patients with rare or complex cancer diseases.
Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer says: "A further clinical cooperation partner strengthens the UCCH network – we would like to welcome the Reinbek hospital cordially and look forward to a productive, interdisciplinary cooperation in the care of our common patients."
Testicular tumors are the most common malignant disease in young men. However, they can also be recognized very early in the process and can be cured in a large proportion of patients even in a very advanced disease situation.
On the occasion of the testicular cancer action week of the German Society for Urology, the UKE team invited to a network meeting. Patients and relatives were able to find out about the most important news. In addition the further interdisciplinary collaboration of the urogenital focus area, within the new funding period of the oncological center, was defined.
The UKE has been offering an interdisciplinary consultation for patients with testicular tumors for more than ten years, in which oncologists and urologists jointly diagnose and plan the therapy – a unique model in Germany. In addition, the UCCH is a second assessment center for diseases in early stages (www.zm-hodentumor.de) as well as advanced and recurrent diseases.
In addition, the UKE has been recognized by the European Commission as part of the "EURACAN Testicular Cancer Branch G 3" consortium to link the therapies of more complex cases across Europe and establish a European register of treatment outcomes. In addition, the UKE is one of the few centers in Germany to participate in a global study for the treatment of recurrent testicular tumors (TIGER study).
The Westküstenkliniken Brunsbüttel und Heide gGmbH is welcomed as a new clinical cooperation partner in the UCCH network. The two hospitals on the North Sea coast of Schleswig-Holstein with their 801 beds are considered to be one of the most important health centers in Schleswig-Holstein.
Joint objectives of the cooperation agreement are the cooperation in the definition of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, the possibility of shared tumor boards and the exchange in the development of clinical studies. Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer, spokesman and director of the UCCH, concludes: "The interregional networking of our members is a central part of our UCCH mission. We are delighted to welcome the Westküstenkliniken in our network. Together we can now jointly pursue our goals to optimize the patient's clinical care."
A winter salad, oven vegetables with rosemary potatoes and a lot more was on the menu, which UCCH nutrition and diet expert Julia von Grundherr prepared for the UCCH cooking class.
The results of the cooking class were shared in a convivial gathering afterwards and the participants could gather more information on different aspects of nutrition.
All diet advices are based on the recommendations of the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) and the German Society for Nutrition (DGE) as well as the guidelines of the German Society for Nutrition Medicine (DGEM).
At the moment, patients from the UCCH Survivorship program have the opportunity to get a counseling on diet from Julia von Grundherr.
In front of sold out rows the actress Hannelore Hoger read texts from Siegfried Lenz on Friday February 24th, at the Erika-Haus on the UKE campus. She is the patronage of the Friends Circle of the Outpatient Clinic for Psycho-Oncology and is actively involved in the charity events of the friends circle.
"Cancer patients and their loved ones need good psychological and social support", says Hoger. The death due to cancer of the actor Hermann Lause – "one of my dearest colleagues" – touched her. Later, when she was asked by his wife Beate Lause, if she likes to support the outpatient clinic for psycho-oncology, she enjoyed helping.
Getting Hannelore Hoger as the patronage for the friends circle is a stroke of luck. This could be seen at her impressive and thrilling performance at the Erika Haus. The reading was accompanied by the harpist Mariana Paccagnelle, who played a song from Marco Antonio Sumann from her hometown, and the choir of the friends circle.
In the outpatient clinic for psycho-oncology cancer patients and their relatives will get support in difficult times by an interdisciplinary team consisting of psychologists, physicians and therapists. They help in coping the stressing and side effects rich therapy, give handy daily help and offer a wide range of complementary treatments.
The outpatient clinic for psycho-oncology is a member of the Hubertus-Wald Tumor Center – University Cancer Center (UCCH) network.
"When we decided for the topic "familiy and cancer" as an opening for this conference series, we did not expect that much positive response. Already after a few weeks the event and all workshops were fully booked out. Thus, there is no doubt, that the aspects behind this conference are important", says Prof. Martin Härter, Director of the Institute and Policlinic for Medical Psychology in his opening speech.
In four different workshops participants could exchanges their views on family and cancer in small groups and in the afternoon there was a program including keynotes and speeches about the outpatient routine work and scientific research.
"We, the Hamburger Krebsgesellschaft, enjoyed organizing such a project hand in hand with the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf. We experience in our daily work, that there is a need for exchange among specialists only as well as with patients and relatives", says PD Dr. Georgia Schilling, managing director of the Hamburger Krebsgesellschaft.
"Over the last years we have gained the experience in providing support for families and especially children – it is a pleasure to share these experiences and to discuss the observations of the participants", says Dr. Frank Schulz-Kindermann, head of the outpatient clinic for psycho-oncology at the UKE.
The conference shall take place annually with different focusses and demonstrates the broad cooperation within the network of the University Cancer Center Hamburg.
The Hans-Dietrich Herrmann Lecture for Neuro-Oncology has got a different ankle each year, where topics are chosen in a rotating system from the three major scientific areas: oncology, neuro-surgery and basis research.
This year Prof. Dr. Manfred Westphal, director of the clinic and policlinic for neuro-surgery invited Prof. E. Antonio Chiocca as the speaker. Prof. Chiocca is the director of the clinic for neuro-surgery at the Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston and is therefore the successor of Harvey Cushing, who is seen as the founder of modern neuro-surgery around 100 years ago. Furthermore, Prof. Chiocca has got a teaching and researching position at the Harvard Medical School and currently president of the largest scientific organization for neuro-oncology – the Society for Neuro-Oncology. The University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf is in close contact with his research laboratory, like sending post-graduated reseachers.
Although, neuro-surgery can tremendously developed in the last 100 years, the perspective of patients with glioblastoma, a malignant brain tumor, is still unsatisfied. In the last years different ways of therapy of this disease have been researched and presented. It was shown that glioblastoma are tumors of a big heterogeneity, have complex genomic structures and act divers in their adaptive reactions, which makes it hard to apply a targeted therapy.
Prof. Chiocca researches on oncolytic virus therapy of these brain tumors, and today even biological and chemical agents for the clinical therapy have been developed. These inventions in oncology involving tumor immunology and the identification of bio markers, have already shown first positive results in post-surgery glioblastoma patients.
The actress Hannelore Hoger will be reading from the author Siegfried Lenz novels on February, 24 at the University Medical Center Hamburg (UKE) at the charity event for the benefit of the special outpatient clinic for psycho-oncology. There will also be musical backdrop by the harpist Mariana Paccagnella and the choir of "Freundeskreis der Psychoonkologie". The charity event starts at 7:00pm at the festive hall at the Erikahaus (W29). Tickets cost 25 euros and are available at all Heymann bookstores. The money raised by the ticket prices will be donated towards the special outpatient clinic for psycho-oncology.
The event takes place within the framework of the First Hamburg Day of Psycho-Oncology. This year's topic is family and cancer. Around 150 participants are expected for the congress, which means the events is sold out since weeks.
Cancer patients often experience a big change in their daily lives and life-quality. Currently there is no suitable - short and easy to handle - instrument to measure this health-related life-quality during the disease stages. Therefore, many patient's needs stay undetected and untreated und there no verification if the problems have been successfully solved.
In the project a short instrument to measure health-related life-quality for specifically for cancer patients will be developed and tested. The patients will mark their general loading strength in five cancer-relevant areas. The tool shall detect problem areas like pain or social relationships much earlier and illustrate treatment progress better.
To identify relevant topic areas for the tool, there will be a comprehensive literature search and discussions and interviews with patients, clinicians and experts will be made. Using this information as a basis, the instrument for patient reported outcomes will be developed. Using the new tool, patients will be asked about their conditions at the beginning, during and at the end of their therapy.
Furthermore, the information will be saved in the electronic patient file, giving all involved physicians the possibility to access these details. This shall improve and steer the medical and psychosocial treatment of cancer patients. In case of success, the tool can be transformed for outpatient services or other chronic diseases as well.
The projected being funded by the innovation fund of the Federal Ministry of health is led by Prof. Dr. Holger Schulz and Dr. Christiane Bleich (endowment chair Clinical Healthcare Research, Institute and Policlinic for Medical Psychology, UKE) and will take place at the UKE in cooperation with the II. Medical Clinic and Policlinic (Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer, deputy project head), the Clinic and Policlinic for Gynecology , UKE (Prof. Dr. Volkmar Müller), Clinic for Radiation and Radio-Oncology (Prof. Dr. Cordula Petersen) and the interdisciplinary Clinic for Stem Cell Transplantation (Prof. Nicolaus Kröger). Responsible for the biometry is PD Dr. Levente Kriston (Institute and Policlinic for Medical Psychology).
Already for the eighth time the Head-Neck Tumor Center held their seminar on drug treatment of head and neck tumors at the Dorint-Hotel.
The Head-Neck Tumor Center as one of the organ center of the UCCH developed active over the last years and will continue to play a major role. For example new innovative studies were initiated on radio therapy and the role of immune therapy of far progressed patients, which will contribute towards knowledge gaining in the field.
The program of this year's seminar showed the steps forward and developments. PD Dr. Adrian Münscher, temporary director of the department of Otolaryngology, Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemyer, head of the oncological center, director of the second department of medicine and speaker of the UCCH as well as Prof. Dr. Rainer Fietkau, director of the department of Radiotherapy at the University Medical Center Erlangen, were the hosts of the event.
The feedback was very good – there were participants even from Austria and Switzerland, taking part at the seminar to inform themselves on the latest developments, principles and basics of head and neck tumors.
"Together against cancer" the slogan of this year's information day in line with the World Cancer Day on February 04, 2017 showed the different possibilities and treatment ways for cancer patients.
Around 100 patients, relatives and people being interested came to inform themselves by listening to presentations, talking to physicians and exchanging knowledge with self-help groups. Participants were highly interested in the talks on supportive therapies, like complementary medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, sports, nutrition and psycho-oncological therapy.
Many personal questions referring to everyone's individual disease could be asked during the "Meet the Expert" session, where specialists from all disciplines were present. Various networking partners presented themselves, like a patient and Dr. Erik Engel, who is outpatient UCCH cooperation partner from HOPA, and talked about their experiences. Furthermore, many self-help groups, booster clubs and institutions presented their services. The special part this year: four people won a cooking class with our UCCH nutrition expert, which is especially design for cancer patients.
On January 31, 2017 the UCCH invited participants of the cooperating self-help groups to the New Year's Welcome to exchange ideas on new therapy options and new projects for the upcoming year.
The annual New Year's Welcome for the representatives of the self-help groups cooperating with the UCCH has become a steady tradition. This year around 40 participants followed the invitation. As a welcome Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer and PD Dr. Andreas Block, self-group coordinator at the UCCH, summarized the past year and gave an overview for 2017.
After evaluating the feedback of the self-help group questionnaires and the self-help group's workshop, this year's talks were focused on the network. Avin Hell, UCCH communications manager, talked about network communications, gave advices for the self-presentation on the UCCH platform and highlighted communication topics for this year. Michaela Eggers, UCCH quality manager, gave an introduction on risk and error management at the UKE and explained the processes which lead to a successful systematic handling of errors and risks as well as the recognition of improvement potential.
The exchange afterwards showed a high interest in a close cooperation and further wishes, like a regular self-help group regulars, were discussed.
The multi-disciplinary center for malignant germ cell tumors of men at the UKE is a competence center of the Martin Zeitz Center for Rare Diseases and member of the network of the University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCCH). There is a close cooperation between internal oncologists, urologists, radiation therapists, surgeons, pathologists, nuclear physicians, scientists and psychologists.
This competence team was recently announced to become part of the consortium "EUROCAN Testicular Cancer Branch G 3" of the European Commission. The aim of this funding is to archive the best possible treatment success for rare tumor diseases of germ cell tumors of the testicles.
In order to archive this, a Europe-wide cross-linked structure for therapy of complex cases is currently build up under the participation of Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer, head of the oncological center of the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE). Furthermore, a European registry of treatment results is planned. Besides the improvement of curing rates, the prevention of potential late effects of the therapy for this group of usually relatively young cancer patients is another focus.
The project is one of the five new big health care projects that the UKE is involved in at European level.
"Together against cancer" – the theme of this year's information day regarding the World Cancer Day on February, 04, stands for the various possibilities and approaches of treating cancer patients.
Patients, relatives and people being interested can look forward to an interesting program consisting of presentations, panel discussions and information counters, which show the broad variety of the UCCH services.
Participants can inform themselves in presentations about supportive treatments like natural therapies, traditional Chinese medicine, sports and nutrition as well as psycho-oncological therapy. Furthermore, experts from the different fields are there to answer personal questions during the event.
Different networking partners will present themselves. A patient and an office-based physician will talk about their experiences. Moreover, many self-help groups, booster clubs and institutions will present their offers.
The special part this year – we are raffling slots for a cooking class with our nutrition expert, which are especially designed for cancer patients.
With the end of the year the Hubertus Wald Tumorzentrum – University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCCH) expands its network of outpatient cooperation partners. The joint practice for oncology and urology Wilhelmshaven under head of Dr. med. Gerald Rodemer and Dr. Navid Berdjis joined the network this December.
"We have the aim to reinforce and integrate the numerous special fields of oncology into the network. We warmly welcome Dr. Rodemer and Dr. Berdjies with their team." said Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer, speaker of the UCCH.
At the University Cancer Center Hamburg the UKE intern departments and institutes work closely together with all external cooperation partners in an active competence network. The network recently expanded: The Medical Center Wilhelmshaven is now the twelves clinical cooperation partner of the UCCH.
Reinhold Keil, senior manager of the Medical Center Wilhelmshaven, Dr. Tanja Trarbach, managing director of the center for tumor biology and integrative medicine, and PD Dr. Alexandra König, managing director of the center for general surgery, visceral, thorax and vascular surgery signed the cooperation contract with the UKE. The goal is, to offer second opinion possibilities and further services of the UCCH.
The UKE is 200 kilometers located from Wilhelmshaven, which is the nearest competence center for cancer and underlines with the cooperation its position as a supra-regional maximum care hospital.
How do tumor cells of brain tumors (Glioblastoma) influence the immune reaction of the human body? Which immuno-modulating processes are behind this? These are questions that Dr. med. Malte Mohme, assistant physician at the department for neuro surgery and scientist at the Hans Dietrich Herrmann Laboratory for brain tumor biology as well as the Institute for Tumor Biology researches on.
At this year's UCCH Science Retreat in September Mohme was chosen for the Hubertus Wald Award for junior scientist by all participating scientists after giving a presentation including his results.
His UCCH colleague Levin Schriewer, PhD medical student at the Institute for Immunology and at the Department and policlinic for diagnostic and interventional radiology and nuclear medicine, was also chosen for the award rewarding his research on nano-antibodys extracted from lamas, which are used in the lymphoma therapy.
Both researchers got their Hubertus Wand Award handed over on December, 02, by Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer, speaker of the UCCH, and Prof. Dr. Klaus Pantel, UCCH board member for research topics. The 5.000 euro endowed prize stands for the outstanding work and monetary support for future research. Many people came to the ceremony and congratulated the scientists for their research activities.
Furthermore, the UCCH research scholarships for 2017 were officially announced at the ceremony.
We congratulate all awardees and scholarship recipients!
"Giving days more life" – is the maxim of the palliative ward at the UKE. On November 21, the division for palliative care and the supportive association of the palliative medicine at the UKE organized a celebration at the Erika-House.
Actually, it was a double festivity: The first steps towards a palliative care division at the UKE were made ten years ago and the independent ward itself was opened five years ago. Prof. Dr. Karin Oechsle and Cornelia Hlawatsch, medical and care director of the palliative care the UKE, who had the co-ordinating responsibility, contributed enormously to the major developments in the last five years and warmly thanked everyone else being involved.
The board of the UKE, represented by Prof. Dr. Uwe Koch-Gromus and Joachim Prölß, did honor the outstanding work of the UKE palliative care team in the last years – especially in times of high-performance medicine, where there is also a need for human care for chronic suffering.
Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer, in function as director of the oncological center, talked about the development of palliative care at the UKE as an important element of care. In addition to the impatient, outpatient and consolidation services, various multi-professional lecture and training concepts as well as a broad research field in palliative care have developed at the UKE.
Also Prof. Dr Ulrich Kleeberg, head of the board at the Hamburger Cancer Society, praised the humanitarian work of the palliative team and the good joint work. Laudatory speaker Dr. Dr. Jürgen Lüthje, head of the board of the supportive association, talked about the beginning of the palliative ward and was happy about the respect and the atmosphere at the event.
In his speech on "The good end. Respectful dying in history and now" Prof. Dr. Gerhard Schulze, retired professor at the University Bamberg, talked about the way dying has changed over time, which social paradigms there are today referring to dying and which effects those paradigms have on patients, loved ones and palliative care.
At the palliative ward there is an interdisciplinary team of specialized physicians, care takers, psychologists, social workers, physio, music and art therapists as well as pastoral and voluntary workers making sure to give the best care to all terminal ill patients and their relatives. The goal is to create the best life quality as long as possible through that comprehensive care. Additionally, the palliative team offers besides its impatient care also consular help and outpatient consultation hours. The palliative medicine at the UKE is part of the Hamburg hospice and palliative network. There are cooperations with all hospices, specialized outpatient palliative services (SAPV) and further hospice and palliative services in Hamburg.
Ms. Prof. Dr. med. Habil. Andrea Morgner-Miehlke, MHM, (45) took up position as the commercial director of the oncological center and the UCCH on October, 01. The Oldenburg-born Morgner-Miehlke was division manager for research and development at Asklepios Kliniken Hamburg most recently. Frau Prof. Morgner-Miehlke studied medicine at the Ludwig-Maximilian-University Munich and was a senior physician in the gastroenterology department at the University Medical Center Carl Gustav Carus at the TU Dresden for many years.
After completing a master's degree in health economics, she took up position in the board business unit responsible for organizational development with a focus on networks and cooperations. Furthermore, she holds a lectureship in knowledge management at the APOLLON University of Applied Science for health economics.
Within the scope of the breast cancer month October, the breast cancer center and the UCCH organized a breast cancer information day on October 5, at the Neues Klinikum. The many visitors had the choice of 27 talks to listen to and three workshops to participate in to inform themselves about all aspects of the disease. Self-help groups, umbrella organizations, foundations and societies offered a broad spectrum of information and hands-on activities. It was the aim to reinforce the direct exchange with people being interested.
Each year the UCCH organizes an international seminar on colorectal cancer under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer, Prof. Dr. Dirk Arnold and private lecturer Dr. Alexander Stein. After visits from China and Portugal, this year two groups from Arabic countries came for a professional exchange to Hamburg. The Arabic oncologists from Saudi-Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Oman, Kuwait, Egypt and Dubai were very interested in the interdisciplinary treatment of cancer patients and had many questions on various aspects of the research, diagnostics and therapy of colorectal cancer.
Already for the eighth time the annual UCCH Research Retreat took place at the conference center Jesteburg. Around 70 UCCH researcher and physicians met for two days to exchange about their current cancer research projects, trials and publications.
"The Research Retreat is the most vital research event in the UCCH annual calendar. Nowhere else our researchers and physicians get such a comprehensive but also dense overview about the UCCH research landscape" says Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer, Speaker of the UCCH. "Over 40 presentations from eleven research areas show a keen scientific activity at the UCCH, which we like to support" adds Prof. Dr. Jörg Haier, Director of the UCCH.
Dr. Malte Mohme (Neurosurgery) and Levin Schriewer (Immunology/diagnostic radiology).
Antonia Beitzen-Heineke (II. Med) and Dr. Lara Bußmann (otorhinolaryngology) received the UCCH Research Fellowship.
With bright sunshine, last Saturday, September 10, many visitors, including many children, came to the University Medical Center Hamburg (UKE, Campus Lehre) to gain knowledge, to get astonished and to perform small experiments. Focus of the Hamburg-wide event was the topic "Life Science". Many companies and institutes in the region, which are involved in science, prepared hands-on activities and demonstrating experiments.
The Senator for Science and Research, Katharina Fegebank, the UKE board and dean Prof. Dr. Dr. Uwe Koch-Gromus opened the event by showing an experiment together with the NDR-science show "Plietsch".
At Campus Lehre visitors had the opportunity to look scientists over their shoulder or carry out small experiments on their own.
The University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCCH) was also present with a quiz for children, a game to explore risk and prevention factors regarding cancer diseases and a microscope station, where visitors could see the differences between healthy and tumor cells.
Furthermore, Prof. Dr. Pantel, head of department of the Institute for Tumor Biology, gave a presentation on the latest information on personalized cancer diagnostics and therapy.
The duties of an oncological center of excellence are diverse and complex. Therefore, the UCCH works together with an external advisory board consisting of internationally known cancer experts, who come up with new impulses and ideas for strategic and fundamental questions.
The international dialog is an essential part of the work of an oncological center of excellence. Of course, health systems differ from country to country but the design of scientific key issues and programs gets livelier through this exchange. Topics discussed were clinical research, the development of new clinical trials and the strategic strategy. Moreover, one key point was the positioning regarding "precision medicine".
The external scientific advisory board meeting takes place every other year.
July 27th is the worldwide head and neck cancer day. In the United States stars like US-actor Michael Douglas and the former US-president Bill Clinton are engaged in the event. German-wide Prof. Dr. Rainald Knecht, head of the Head and Neck Tumor Center of the University Cancer Center Hamburg was in charge of the organization. Contributing the global awareness raising, the University Medical Center Hamburg organized a patient information day for interested people to gain knowledge about these cancer types.
Numerous visitors followed the invitation and took the chance to inform themselves in short presentations, explored the oral cavity model and talked to self-aid groups. Particular popular were the free medical examinations like ultrasound scan, HPV-testing and endoscopy of the larynx and the throat.
There was also a possibility of a consultancy for nursing relatives and information on a palliative situation. Besides that the University Cancer Center Hamburg informed about extra treatments for cancer patients like complementary medicine, sports and art therapy.
A huge success for the cancer department at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE): The German Cancer Aid awarded the Hubertus Wald Tumor Center – University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCCH) again as a center of excellence after a long and detailed assessment by international experts.
Along with this honor, the UCCH receives a funding of 1.5 million Euro for the next two years and possibly another 1.5 million Euro after a positive mid-term evaluation. The UCCH unites all clinics and institutes at the UKE that are involved in diagnostic, therapy and research of cancer as well as works together with a number of specialists in the metropolitan area of Hamburg.
For the seventh time the charity rowing regatta "Rowing against Cancer" took place at the Außenalster Hamburg. Under the patronage of Andy Grote, Senator for the Interior and Sport of Hamburg, 58 teams competed against each other for a good purpose. The revenue gained will go to the sports program of the Hubertus Wald Tumor Center – University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCCH) at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE). The goal of the project is to increase the life quality of cancer patients in a significant way.
"Rowing against Cancer" is organized by the foundation "Living with Cancer" in cooperation with the Hubertus Wald Tumor Center – University Cancer Center Hamburg and the rowing club RG Hansa.
The winners of the patient teams - Congratulations!
The 2016 UCCH training program "Translational Cancer Research for Junior Scientists" is now open for registration!
"Translational Cancer Research for Junior Basic Scientists" is a training program especially designed for UCCH early-career scientists (doctoral students and postdoctoral fellows with a training background in life sciences) who are particularly interested in translational cancer research. The program's various modules which we offer our participants will provide basic research scientists with a better understanding of translational science and with impulses for possible adaptions of their own current or future research for maximum clinical impact.
Please note that this training program is no PhD program in the classical sense. It is not possible to obtain an academic degree via participation in the program. However, it is a great opportunity to widen one's horizon and to network with researchers and clinicians in the field of translational cancer medicine. It provides modules that can be attended concomitantly to one's regular lab work in agreement with the individual PI. As participation is limited registration is mandatory. Please scroll down for all further details (curriculum, registration process, certification).
Detailed information on the curriculum and the registration process is available here .
The Hubertus Wald Tumorzentrum - University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCCH) is once again requesting applications for the UCCH Research Fellowships for Junior Physician Scientists (UCCH-Drittelstipendien). Eligible for these fellowships are physicians in their 2nd to 5th year of specialist medical training who have a strong interest in experimental cancer research. Start time for research projects is January 2017 and the fellowships are provided for up to one year. During this time the clinician will be fully exempted from clinical duties in order to work full time in the hosting laboratory.
A defining element and specific aim of the UCCH Research Fellowship is to strengthen existing and facilitate future collaborations and research links between clinical UCCH departments and experimental UCCH research departments. For that reason the hosting laboratory may not be located in the applicant's current clinical department.
Applicants are required to present their project proposals at this year's UCCH Research Retreat in Jesteburg, Lüneburger Heide on September 23/24. Applications will be reviewed by a committee of UCCH senior scientists and the successful candidates will be announced at the UCCH Research Retreat.
Deadline for Research Fellowship application, Research Retreat registration and abstract submission is July 29, 2016!
Online registration for the UCCH Research Retreat is possible at www.uke.de/ucch-research-retreat .
The VIII. UCCH Research Retreat 2016 is now open for registration!
The University Cancer Center Hamburg – Hubertus Wald Tumorzentrum once again welcomes UKE/UCCH scientists and clinicians involved in cancer-relevant research to meet for talks and discussions on basic, translational, clinical and epidemiological/outcome cancer research for one and a half days in the beautiful Lüneburger Heide. Participation is free of charge, regardless of whether you will give a scientific talk or not.
If you consider to take part, please visit our website under www.uke.de/ucch-research-retreat which provides all further information on the event, our online registration form and all templates necessary for participation. There you will also find information concerning the application for the UCCH Research Fellowship for junior physician scientists and the Hubertus Wald Junior Investigator Award for Oncology Research.
We are looking forward to welcome you in Jesteburg in September!
If you have a case of breast or ovary cancer in your family and like to receive information about your own cancer risk, the Breast Center at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf now offers consultation and care for people with genetic predisposition for breast and ovary cancer.
Using family tree analysis, computer analysis an genetic blood test, you risk can be evaluated and we will discuss possible prevention or treatment options with you.
You can find more information on the webpages of our Breast Center , one of our five organ cancer centers of the UCCH: Breast Center The Breast Center is a center of the German Consortium of hereditary breast and ovary cancer oft he German Cancer Aid.
The annual World Cancer Day stood under the slogan "We Can. I Can." The collaborative partnership between physicians and patients was put into focus as well as the idea that every single person can contribute to an improvement in cancer fighting.
Many visitors attended our annual patient information day to inform themselves about the latest research in cancer medicine and about the options offered at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf. The comprehensive presentation and information program was designed according to the motto to strengthen the dialogue between patient, relatives and our physicians. During the "Meet the expert" session visitors had the chance to directly talk to our specialists.
Prof. Dr. Jörg Haier takes on the position as the UCCH Director on December 1, 2015.
His role will be performed together with the speaker of the UCCH, Prof Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer, as well as the members of the executive board. Before joining the UCCH he worked at the University Medical Center Münster, where he held the position of the Coordinating Manager of the Comprehensive Cancer Center for nine years.
He will be contributing his scientific expertise in the field of tumor epidemiology and tumor documentation as well as his knowledge of translational research of biomarkers.
The team of the UCCH wishes him a warm welcome!
The University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf presents the new website in December 2015.
Over 10.000 subpages have been revised and edited - several hundreds of employees co-worked on this major project.
These activities included also the review of the UCCH web presence. The goal was to maintain a clear visual design as well as an improved access to the information and multiple structures of the UCCH.
We are looking forward to any questions or suggestions via email .
Every second year the University Cancer Center Hamburg – Hubertus Wald Tumor Center (UCCH) awards international researchers for their contributions to modern cancer medicine with the Hubertus Wald Prize for Oncology. The prize was awarded for the fifth time on September 17, 2015. The winner, Prof. Dr. Lisa Licitra works at the National Tumor Center in Milan, Italy and was honored for her outstanding achievements in the field of head-neck tumors. The prize was presented by Dr. Günther Hess, the Chairman of the board of trustees of the Hubertus Wald Foundation, Prof. Dr. Uwe Koch-Gromus, the Dean of the medical departments of the University of Hamburg and by Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer, Speaker of the Hubertus Wald Tumor Center. Prof. Dr. Rainald Knecht, Head of the head-neck tumor center at the UKE held a very personalized speech for the visibly moved winner.
Additionally, it is a major concern of the tumor center to honor inhouse researchers for their contributions to translational cancer research, meaning the translation of their research into improved treatments for patients.
The Hubertus Wald Junior Investigator Award for Oncology Research was awarded to Dr. Stefan Horn, Research Department for Cell and Gene Therapy at the Clinic for Stem Cell Transplantation and Dr. Wael Mansour, Laboratory for Radiobiology & Experimental Radiation Oncology, Clinic for Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology. The UCCH Research Fellowship was given to Simon Schliffke, II. Medical Clinic, Janna-Lisa Velthaus, II. Medical Clinic, Dr. Yvonne Goy, Outpatient Center (Radiotherapy) and Dr. Lara Bußmann, Clinic for Otorhinolaryngology.
The prevention program "Non-smoking is cool" celebrated its 10th anniversary in early summer at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf. Since its start more than 80 000 pupils between the age of 10 and 13 of more than 250 schools in Northern Germany were educated about the dangers of smoking by doctors of the UKE.
Numerous celebrities support "Non-smoking is cool". Some of them attended the anniversary celebrations on May 28, 2015 in the auditorium at the Alte Fraunklinik and the press conference afterwards: the music band Revolverheld and the actors Svenja Beneke and Sky du Mont took part.
In the audience of the anniversary celebrations were about 200 pupils from different schools in Hamburg – showing high interest in the topic by commenting and asking questions. When a young patient, who did smoke and developed lung cancer, told her story, it was silent in the audience.
Also celebrities spoke about the experiences with smoking: e.g. the music band Revolverheld, which now promotes non-smoking concerts.
"Non-smoking is cool" is jointly organized by the II. Medical Clinic and Policlinic and the German Center for Addiction Research in Childhood and Adolescence (DZSKJ) of the UKE and is a fixed component of the prevention programs of the University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCCH).