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December 2025

2025 Research Awards from the Hamburg Cancer Society

Research teams from UCC Hamburg awarded a total of €15,000 in prize money for outstanding scientific work.

Three excellent scientific papers were awarded the Hamburg Cancer Society (HKG) Research Prize in a ceremony on December 12, 2025. Due to the exceptional quality of the projects submitted, the prize money was increased to a total of €15,000—€5,000 more than originally planned.

The research prize is awarded to young scientists in Hamburg for outstanding scientific work in the field of cancer research.

This year, the jury selected from 12 applications. This once again underscores the high scientific standard of cancer research in Hamburg, which is strongly interdisciplinary and networked. Given the large number of outstanding works, the jury faced a difficult choice and ultimately decided to honor three equally deserving winning teams.

The 2025 award winners:

• Dr. Richard Drexler and Prof. Franz Lennard Ricklefs, FEBNSA prognostic neural epigenetic signature in high-grade glioma
  This work provides new approaches for prognostic testing and targeted therapies for high-grade gliomas, a particularly aggressive form of brain tumor, and has high potential for future clinical application.
• Simon Elmers, M.A., Julia von Grundherr, MPH, and the Care for CAYA team:The CARE for CAYA Program – A Randomized Clinical Trial Embedded in a Longitudinal Cohort Study
  The team is researching the special patient group of CAYA survivors (children, adolescents, and young adults). Their work brings a previously underrepresented topic into the focus of scientific attention and thus makes an important contribution to health services research, especially for young cancer patients.
• Priv.-Doz. Dr. rer. nat. Stefan Werner and Dr. rer. nat. Nishit Goradia:Master corepressor inactivation through multivalent SLiM-induced polymerization mediated by the oncogene suppressor RAI2
  This experimental study opens up new perspectives on the mechanisms of gene regulation. The interdisciplinary research team is thus providing innovative impetus for future diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in oncology.

We warmly congratulate all the award winners and wish them every success in their future research projects.

Further information:
Awarding of the 2025 Research Prize – Hamburg Cancer Society
Call for entries for the 2026 Research Prize and summary of the award-winning works

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December 2025

Active Onko Kids at the St. Nicholas Day rowing event, marking the end of the year for the new rowing program offered by the Favorite Hammonia Rowing Club.

On December 8, all children, teenagers, and young adults gathered for St. Nicholas Day rowing at the Favorite Hammonia boathouse to take to the water wearing St. Nicholas hats.

The rowing club Favorite Hammonia, or FARI for short, has been offering rowing training for children, teenagers, and young adults since this year—an offering that complements the rowing training for adults provided by the rowing club HANSA e.V. (we reported). Many rowing clubs organize a St. Nicholas Day rowing event for their boat crews in December—and this training group is no exception. An eight-man rowing team set off from the Outer Alster and rowed to the famous Christmas tree on the Inner Alster, wearing Santa hats as a matter of honor.

The team was then able to warm up in the FARI boathouse, where punch, cookies, and mandarins were served. The UCC Hamburg team, Simon Elmers and Avin Hell, took the opportunity to thank the FARI team—Dierk Fahrenkrog, the deputy chairman, and boat builder Stefan Ungerath—for their commitment. Jens Beckmann was also there as a representative of the HANSA e.V. rowing club to emphasize the connection between the two clubs.

On Mondays, young adults and on Fridays, children have the opportunity to take part in free rowing training at the Favorite Hammonia Rowing Club on Hamburg's Außenalster lake, which is specially tailored to their needs. In summer on the water, and from winter onwards on the training area available in the rowing club's club rooms. Further projects are planned for next year, such as a multi-day rowing trip.

If you would like to join the training sessions, please contact Simon Elmers at s.elmers@uke.de

Further information:
Active Onko Kids
Rowing Club Favorite Hammonia (german)

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December 2025

Four million euros for UKE cancer researchers in early stages of their careers

Career advancement for researchers in oncology To support cancer researchers in the early and middle stages of their careers, the Mildred Scheel Young Investigators Center (MSNZ) at the University Cancer Center (UCC) Hamburg will receive an additional €3.2 million from German Cancer Aid starting January 1, 2026. In addition, the Faculty of Medicine and the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) are providing €800,000 of their own funds. With this renewed funding, existing programs and collaborations can be expanded, new research positions created, and the scientific visibility of the location further strengthened.

“The MSNZ is a key driver of our oncological research. Thanks to the support of German Cancer Aid, we are able to provide targeted funding to promising cancer researchers after they have completed their doctorates and give them space for innovative research projects. In this way, we are making a significant contribution to the future of cancer medicine in Hamburg,” says Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer, Director of the UCC Hamburg and spokesperson for the MSNZ.

The MSNZ Hamburg is one of only five nationally funded career centers in cancer research. The two-year extension of funding that has now been granted follows on from the German Cancer Aid funding program launched in 2019 to establish the Mildred Scheel Young Investigator Centers. The aim is to support long-term career paths and sustainable research structures in translational cancer research at German university hospitals.

Since its founding, MSNZ Hamburg has already supported numerous clinician scientists and medical scientists on their path to independent scientific work, thereby making a decisive contribution to scientific recruitment and development as well as to raising the profile of oncology at the UKE. The MSNZ offers its fellows protected research time, access to central support structures, a strong network, a wide range of continuing education opportunities, and measures to promote work-life balance. There is a particular focus on actively involving young researchers in the strategic development of the UCC Hamburg's oncology research priorities. In addition, Hamburg is closely integrated into the nationwide network of five Mildred Scheel Centers for Young Researchers – together, the centers develop best practice models for the sustainable promotion of the next generation of researchers in oncology.

During the first funding period, two new professorships were established at the UKE: On May 1, 2024, Prof. Dr. Wael Mansour took up the W2 professorship for DNA repair mechanisms as target structures for systemic and radiation therapy of tumor diseases. His research focuses in particular on new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for prostate cancer. On July 1, 2025, Prof. Dr. Martin Mynarek succeeded to the W2 professorship for translational pediatric neuro-oncology, with a focus on innovative therapeutic strategies for pediatric brain tumors – a central research topic in the neuro-oncology focus of the UCC Hamburg.

UKE press release (german)

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November 2025

Cancer researcher Prof. Dr. Karim Fizazi receives Hubertus Wald Prize for Oncology 2025

University Cancer Center Hamburg at the UKE honors research on prostate and testicular tumors

Oncologist and scientist Prof. Dr. Karim Fizazi, Gustave Roussy Institute Paris, was today awarded the Hubertus Wald Prize for Oncology 2025 for his many years of commitment and outstanding achievements in the field of prostate and testicular tumor therapy. The prize is endowed with €10,000 and is awarded every two years by the Hubertus Wald Tumor Center – University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCC Hamburg). In addition, several young researchers from the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) received awards for young talent and scholarships.

Prof. Fizazi is an international expert in the field of urological oncology. Germ cell tumors of the testis are among the most curable types of cancer. Through his scientific work, Prof. Fizazi has contributed to further improving the prognosis for the most difficult-to-treat subgroup of this disease. His numerous clinical studies on advanced prostate cancer have changed practice and have been incorporated into the guidelines for hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy for prostate cancer, thereby improving the prognosis for many patients in the long term. We congratulate him warmly on this award, says Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer, Director of the Hubertus Wald Tumor Center - UCC Hamburg.

Prof. Fizazi works as an oncologist at the Gustave Roussy Institute in Paris and is a professor at the University of Paris-Saclay. He has had a significant impact on research and treatment of prostate and testicular tumors in recent years. As head of the Genitourinary Oncology Group at the Gustave Roussy Institute and president of the French Genitourinary Study Group, he combines clinical excellence with academic leadership.

Hubertus Forest Young Talent Awards presented to UKE researchers

The Hubertus Wald Young Scientist Award for oncological research went to Ali Zeinal Abedini, a doctoral student at the Fleur Hiege Center for Skin Cancer Research at the Clinic and Polyclinic for Dermatology and Venereology. In addition, awards were presented for psychosocial cancer research, the best poster, and the best science communication, as well as scholarships for clinician scientists and doctoral students. "For years, it has been a matter close to our hearts in Hamburg to support young scientists in oncology. Excellent scientific research is no longer a solo endeavor, but thrives on networking. With our funding, we enable doctors to invest working hours in their research and scientists to learn about relevant clinical issues and translational links. Only in this way can a forward-looking partnership between medicine and science be made possible," says Prof. Dr. Kai Rothkamm, Deputy Director for Science and Research at the Hubertus Wald Tumor Center.

MSNZ meets Pioneers in Cancer Research

Prior to the award ceremony, various scientists met with Prof. Dr. Karim Fizazi for coffee and cake. As part of the ‘... meets Pioneers in Cancer Research’ event format organized by the Mildred Scheel Young Investigators Center at the UCC Hamburg, networking within the scientific community is promoted across all career levels—both within one's own field and across interdisciplinary boundaries. In addition to technical issues, the focus was on personal career paths, practical tips for internships, and recommendations for professional development.

Hubertus Wald Foundation

The Hubertus Wald Tumor Center receives significant funding from the Hubertus Wald Foundation. In addition to awarding research prizes, the foundation focuses on providing clinical care for people with cancer. Hanseatic entrepreneur Hubertus Wald and his wife Renate have been committed to promoting culture and medicine for decades, which led to the establishment of the Hubertus Wald Foundation in 1993.

Further information:

To the UKE press release Hubertus Wald Prize 2025 (german)

Group photo:
From left to right: Dr. Volkmar Herms (Foundation), Prof. Dr. Katja Weisel (Deputy Director, UCC Hamburg), Prof. Sabine Schulze (Foundation), Prof. Karim Fizazi (award winner), Prof. Blanche Schwappach-Pignataro (Dean UKE), Prof. Hartwig Huland (Foundation), Prof. Carsten Bokemeyer (Director UCC Hamburg), and Prof. Kai Rothkamm (Deputy Director UCC Hamburg)

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October 2025

Virtual 3D model for improved patient education and surgical planning in clinical trials

Modern imaging techniques such as PSMA-PET already enable the detection of even the smallest tumor metastases in prostate cancer. However, if these are to be removed, it can be difficult to detect them during surgery. That is why researchers at the Martini Clinic are planning to use a virtual 3D model in preoperative imaging in addition to PSMA-PET for both patient education and surgeons in a study funded by German Cancer Aid. The researchers hope that this will give both patients and surgeons a better understanding of the anatomical location of the tumor metastases, which could have a positive effect on the surgery and the course of the disease in patients. The monocentric clinical study entitled “Navigation, Outcomes, and Quality of Life in Prostate Cancer Patients after PSMA-Targeted Surgery (NICE-PSMA),” which also involves the UKE clinics for urology, radiology, and nuclear medicine, as well as researchers from the Technical University of Hamburg, is being funded by German Cancer Aid for three years with a total of €465,000.

Contact for inquiries: Prof. Dr. Tobias Maurer Martini-Klinik

EU funds research project on ovarian cancer

The European Union is funding a research project led by researchers at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) to improve the treatment of ovarian cancer. The aim is to develop complex ex vivo models – known as patient avatars – that replicate the tumor microenvironment of patients with ovarian cancer as realistically as possible. These models will enable the research and testing of innovative immuno-oncological therapeutic approaches that specifically modulate tumor-associated macrophages and dendritic cells in order to induce effective and long-term anti-tumor immunity in ovarian cancer.

The ioAVATAR research project (“Immune Oncology Drug Discovery & Decision – Advanced ex Vivo Approach To Accelerate Response Prediction for Combined Therapies in Ovarian Cancer”) will receive a total of €960,000 in funding over a period of three years. Four research institutions from four European countries are participating in the consortium. The project coordinator is Prof. Dr. Leticia Oliveira-Ferrer, Department of Gynecology at the UKE; Dr. Franziska Brauneck, Priv.-Doz. Dr. Jasmin Wellbrock, and Prof. Dr. Linda Diehl are also part of the UKE management team. The other researchers come from Lyon (France), Izmir (Turkey), and Aragón (Spain).

Contact for inquiries Prof. Dr. Leticia Oliveira-Ferrer, Klinik und Poliklinik für Gynäkologie

To the UKE press release

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October 2025

World Hospice Day: Palliative care is the treatment and support of patients and their families

Questions for... Prof. Dr. Karin OechsleAt the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), palliative medicine encompasses more than just providing trustworthy support to people with incurable, progressive diseases. Family members are also supported and involved in the multi-professional care process. As part of a university professorship focusing on family member research, a research group is also investigating the needs and problems of family members in palliative care, as well as the resulting concerns, burdens, and needs. The holder of the university professorship and head of palliative care at the UKE is Prof. Dr. Karin Oechsle, who explains what palliative care is and how the UKE is participating in World Hospice Day (October 11).

What exactly is palliative care and who is it intended for?

Prof. Dr. Karin Oechsle: Palliative medicine and palliative care refer to the active, comprehensive treatment, care, and support of patients with incurable, progressive diseases. These patients often suffer from pain and other distressing symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea, weakness, and anxiety. Our focus is on alleviating these symptoms. At the same time, we also consider the individual psychological and social situation. We want to enable our patients to live as comfortable and symptom-free a life as possible in their desired environment until the end.

When does palliative care begin?

Palliative medicine is not only important at the end of life. It can provide support much earlier—often months or even years before the end of life, alongside other treatments. It can be integrated into patient care at the UKE at any time, from the diagnosis of incurability to the time of death, depending on the patient's needs.

How exactly are relatives involved in palliative care?

Palliative care also includes empathetic support and involvement of relatives, i.e., all close associates. When a person suffers from an incurable, progressive illness, this also affects their social environment. Family members can be an important resource for the well-being and quality of life of patients, but at the same time they are also affected themselves. We want to relieve the burden on family members, strengthen them, and show them appreciation and recognition for what they are going through. We offer family members a training program, grief support, and counseling.

How is palliative care organized at the UKE?

Palliative care at the UKE is structurally part of the II. Medical Clinic and is part of the University Cancer Center Hamburg, but cares for all people with incurable progressive diseases, including many patients with cancer. It consists of an independent ward with 12 beds, a multi-professional palliative care service operating throughout the UKE, a palliative care consultation hour, and a 24/7 on-call service. In addition, the Children's UKE has had a pediatric palliative care team for several years, led by Dr. Annika Bronsema. This team cares for critically ill children from birth to adulthood. Palliative care at the UKE is an integral part of the Hamburg network of palliative and hospice care and is active in numerous committees throughout Germany. In addition, a research group is conducting research on palliative care for relatives. At the same time, palliative care is a compulsory subject in the medical studies program at the UKE's Faculty of Medicine and is involved in the training, continuing education, and further education of various professional groups.

How is the UKE participating in World Hospice Day?

On World Hospice Day (October 11), which reminds us all once a year that we all have a finite life, the multi-professional palliative care team at the UKE will be introducing themselves to employees, patients, and visitors on Monday, October 13, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the foyer of the UKE main building (O10). Together with the Förderverein der Palliativversorgung am UKE e.V. (Friends of Palliative Care at the UKE), the team will provide information about the various care structures and services available, as well as the objectives and approach of palliative medicine at the UKE and hospice and palliative care in Hamburg.

To the UKE press release

v.l.: Simon Elmers, Dierk Fahrenkrog, Stefan Ungerath, Avin Hell

Tour of the Children's UKE

Very popular among children: hobby horsing at the station

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September 2025

Favorite Hammonia Rowing Club visits UCC Hamburg

Since this summer, children and young adults with cancer have been able to take part in weekly training sessions at the Favorite Hammonia Rowing Club, or FARI for short. Representatives from the rowing club visited to get an idea of the clinical recovery process of their training participants.

On-site visit: FARI Vice Chairman Dierk Fahrenkrog and boat builder Stefan Ungerath met with Simon Elmers, movement scientist at UCC Hamburg, and Avin Hell, presenter of the Hamburg Rowing Against Cancer Regattas. The aim was to discuss the training opportunities that have been available at FARI since this summer. On Mondays, young adults and on Fridays, children have the opportunity to take part in free rowing training at the Ruder-Club Favorite Hammonia on Hamburg's Außenalster, which is specially tailored to their needs. In summer on the water, and from next winter onwards on the training area available in the rowing club's club rooms.

Simon Elmers invited the guests on a tour and showed them his work in pediatric oncology at the Children's UKE, where he facilitates inpatient exercise programs for young cancer patients. Whether it's table tennis, soccer in the hallway, or an exercise computer game, the optimal solution is found for each child with the goal of keeping them active even during therapy. After all, a stay in the clinic can last several weeks, so exercise plays an important role. The Children's Cancer Center Hamburg research institute makes this continuous program possible. Simon Elmers describes: We either go directly to the bedside, sometimes under particularly sterile conditions, or liven up the corridors with a soccer or bowling match. As part of the ActiveOncokids network, we can also offer various activities after the inpatient stay, such as rowing, sailing, soccer, or horseback riding. We are really thrilled about the support we receive in the region, such as from FARI.

I am grateful that we were able to get an idea of the inpatient situation of the children and adolescents during today's on-site visit. It helps a lot in training to understand the journey the children have been through on their path to recovery, says Stefan Ungerath, who leads the training sessions at FARI.

Two of the training teams already participated in the “Rowing Against Cancer” regatta (an event organized by the Living with Cancer Foundation) this summer with great success. For several years now, adults with cancer have had the opportunity to participate in year-round rowing training at the regatta's host rowing club, Ruder-Gesellschaft HANSA e.V. The new FARI program complements this offering for the younger target group, underscoring the friendly relations between the Alster rowing clubs.

We would like to expand our training opportunities—to this end, we are in contact with the Living with Cancer Foundation—so that we can take the children and young people on hiking and rowing trips during the summer months, for example. Dierk Fahrenkrog hopes from the rowing club's perspective.

Anyone interested in participating in a training session can contact Simon Elmers at s.elmers@uke.de .

Further information:
Forschungsinstitut Kinderkrebs-Zentrum Hamburg
Favorite Hammonia
Zentrum Nord - Netzwerk ActiveOncoKids
Start - Rudern gegen Krebs

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September 2025

Strategy meeting of the patient advisory boards of the Cancer Centers Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein

Speaking with one voice from the north, also from the patient's perspective. At the strategy meeting of the advisory boards in Bad Segeberg, common topics were identified in order to shape future cooperation.

With a view of the beautiful Lake Bad Segeberg, the patient advisory boards of the two cancer centers in Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein held a closed-door meeting on Saturday, September 13, to get to know each other better and work together on projects that, from the advisory board's perspective, could be implemented across the board in the future.

Thanks to the many encounters throughout the year, whether during training or at joint events, the first in-person advisory board meeting was a reunion with many familiar faces. The Patient Advisory Board of the UCC Hamburg has consisted of 12 members since 2020, while the Advisory Board of the UCCSH was founded in 2022 with 11 members. This closeness immediately created a basis for a good working atmosphere in which to develop projects in various workshops on networking, public relations, and digital platforms.

Our patient advisory board is strategically involved at a wide range of levels—from the processes involved in the daily care of cancer patients to participation in research, public relations, and dialogue on health policy, says Avin Hell, patient participation officer at UCC Hamburg. The cooperation between the patient advisory boards of both cancer centers helps to exploit synergies and learn from each other.

The advisory boards meet four times a year at the respective cancer centers, always in dialogue with the directors/board members—from now on, there will be an additional joint strategy meeting between the two cancer centers each year. Of course, further meetings are not ruled out. :-)

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September 2025

The First International Kinomics Meeting in Hamburg

First Meeting of the International Kinomics Research Community for Intensive Scientific Exchange and the Establishment of New Collaborations.

On September 26 and 27, 2025, approximately 80 participants from 8 different countries convened in Hamburg for the first international Kinomics Meeting. The event was led by PD Dr. Malte Kriegs, Head of the Signal Transduction & Targeting Research Group and Director of the Kinomics Core Facility at the University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCC Hamburg), and Prof. Dr. Robert McCullumsmith, Professor of Neuroscience at the Faculty of Medicine and Biological Sciences at the University of Toledo.

The event marked a first step towards bringing this specialized field of research together and providing an opportunity to build new networks.

The analysis of the human kinome represents an exciting complement to other OMICS technologies in many areas of life sciences. Kinases play a key role in numerous cellular regulatory processes such as growth and differentiation. Changes, especially hyperactivity, can contribute to the formation of cancer cells and lead to uncontrolled cell growth. Due to the role of kinases in the development and progression of cancer, kinase inhibitors are an important approach in cancer therapy. These drugs specifically target hyperactive kinases, thereby inhibiting tumor growth.

In addition to the presentation of selected abstracts, numerous experts in the field of kinases and cellular signal transduction were on site to provide a comprehensive overview of the fundamental principles and current developments in the research area through overview lectures, key lectures, and out-of-the-box talks. Over the course of the two days, a total of 35 presentations were given, and many posters were discussed. The meeting was also complemented by a social event held at the Nochtwache event location in St. Pauli.

A big thank you to all the volunteers who made this meeting possible. It fostered intensive scientific exchange and provided the opportunity to welcome numerous national and international guests to Hamburg. A second International Kinomics Meeting is planned for 2027.

Photo: Malte Kriegs

For more information:
UKE - First International Kinomics Meeting: „Get in touch“
UKE - Labor für Strahlenbiologie & Experimentelle Radioonkologie - Signaltransduktion
Cognitive Disorders Research Laboratory

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September 2025

Cancer in the family: Recognizing hereditary risk for breast and ovarian cancer

Questions for... Dr. Alma-Verena Müller-Rausch

In Germany, one in eight women will develop breast cancer during their lifetime. Ovarian cancer is much less common, but it is more difficult to cure. Thanks to modern genetic diagnostics, high-risk patients can now be identified at an early stage. As part of the BRCA Network e.V.'s Hereditary Cancer Awareness Week, Dr. Alma-Verena Müller-Rausch, head of the Center for Familial Breast and Ovarian Cancer at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), explains what can indicate a hereditary predisposition and when genetic counseling is worthwhile.

What exactly is meant by hereditary breast and ovarian cancer?

Dr. Alma-Verena Müller-Rausch: Cancer often occurs more than once in a family. In five to ten percent of those affected, breast cancer develops as a result of a hereditary predisposition. In the case of ovarian cancer, the hereditary proportion is as high as ten to 20 percent. This can be caused, for example, by changes in one of the high-risk genes BRCA1 or BRCA2. If such a change is present, the risk of breast or ovarian cancer can be significantly increased. It is important to note that not every carrier of a mutation will automatically develop the disease—but the probability is higher than in the general population.

For whom is genetic counseling or testing advisable?

Consultation is recommended if there are several cases of breast and ovarian cancer in the family, especially if the diseases occur at a young age or if a man has developed breast cancer. Patients who are already ill can also benefit from testing, as it allows more targeted therapy decisions to be made. The test is performed using a blood sample, and the results are usually available within a few weeks. If the medical criteria are met, health insurance companies generally cover the costs of the test.

What happens if a genetic mutation is detected?

At our Center for Familial Breast and Ovarian Cancer at the UKE, specialists from the fields of gynecology, human genetics, radiology, and psycho-oncology work together on an interdisciplinary basis. First, we discuss the findings in detail and, depending on the individual's life situation, there are different approaches, such as close monitoring programs or surgical interventions. The strategy chosen depends heavily on individual factors and the patient's personal life situation.

What role does prevention play in cases of hereditary predisposition?

Early detection is important: Women who have been identified as being at increased risk receive an intensive early detection program, which includes, for example, annual MRI, ultrasound, and, if necessary, mammography examinations. This allows any changes to be detected and treated at an early stage. There are also medication options available, as targeted therapies are now available for women who carry the BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation. We also advise on prophylactic surgery to reduce risk if a mutation has been detected.

How do you specifically support patients and those seeking advice?

At our Center for Familial Breast and Ovarian Cancer at the UKE, we offer counseling, diagnostics, therapy, and aftercare from a single source. Our interdisciplinary experts usually accompany patients and their families over many years. Our goal is to provide medical certainty, but also to offer the best possible human support and space for personal concerns and questions.

Further information on consultations for familial breast and ovarian cancer can be found here , and further consultations at the UCC Hamburg here .

Zur UKE Pressemitteilung

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September 2025

Oncology strategy retreat in northern Germany – healthcare and research in dialogue with policymakers

Representatives of oncology centers in northern Germany—from Greifswald to Emsland—met with political representatives from the five northern German states to discuss the future of oncology in the north.

What does the future hold for oncological care, university cancer research, and the further development of clinical trials? And how can networking between centers strengthen these areas?

These questions were explored by experts together with political representatives from Hamburg, Lower Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, and Bremen at the Northern Oncology Strategy Retreat, which took place on September 11 in Hanover. The focus was on networking the leading oncology centers—the CCC Lower Saxony Hannover/Göttingen and the UCC Hamburg—with the oncology centers in Kiel/Lübeck, Bremen, Oldenburg, and Rostock/Greifswald.

Networking among themselves and with substantial political support from the federal states will strengthen the north, enabling as many cancer patients in northern Germany as possible—whether in metropolitan areas or rural areas—to receive the best possible treatment, according to Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer, Director of the UCC Hamburg. A specialist meeting like today's brings us into dialogue, we can identify synergies and determine how we can complement each other. Everyone benefits from a common strategy, for example in personalized medicine such as molecular tumor boards and in the conduct of clinical trials. As UCC Hamburg, we are very pleased to be able to make an important contribution here.

Conclusion of the day: The north continues to grow closer together—cooperation and political support are fundamental for the future.

Image: Courtesy of CCC Lower Saxony – Representatives of oncology centers and political representatives of the five northern German states (see text)

Group photo with Dino Herrmann and Stefan Kuntz at the Volksparks

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September 2025

Behind the scenes at HSV: Action day for siblings

A tour of the stadium with Dino Herrmann, star photos on the sidelines, and exciting details about the players' everyday lives—the brothers and sisters of children with cancer and their families could experience all this and much more at the HSV Siblings Day.

Cancer in children and adolescents affects the entire family. And for siblings in particular, their world can be turned upside down overnight. Lengthy hospital treatments disrupt their normal everyday lives, and sometimes their parents' attention has to be focused solely on the sick child for several weeks.

The first Siblings Day on September 15, 2025, at the well-known Hamburger Sport-Verein e.V., or HSV for short, will focus specifically on the siblings of children with cancer. Here, they will be able to enjoy some time off with their parents and immerse themselves in the world of soccer. A total of four families who were being treated at the Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Department of the University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCC Hamburg) at the Children's UKE took part in the event. The day was organized in cooperation with HSV and accompanied by sports scientists Simon Elmers and Stella Störmann at UCC Hamburg. The sports therapy program at the pediatric cancer ward is financed by the Fördergemeinschaft Kinderkrebs-Zentrum Hamburg e.V. (Support Association for the Hamburg Children's Cancer Center).

The first highlight came as soon as they arrived at the Volksparkstadion: mascot Dino Hermann gave the children a warm welcome, immediately bringing a sparkle to their eyes. The significance of this special day became clear when HSV sporting director Stefan Kuntz personally welcomed the group. He spoke to the children and their families with great openness and interest, answered questions, and personally guided the group through various areas of the stadium.

He even opened doors that are normally closed to visitors: the children were allowed to take a look at the top-secret players' changing rooms, the fitness room, and the wellness area. The tour continued in the press room, where interviews are usually held after games, past the table where all professional soccer players sign their contracts, to the VIP box of the board of directors, which is in the best location among the 50 other boxes that the stadium has to offer. They also learned how complex lawn care is, for which 7-8 greenkeepers are responsible. Colorful plant lights were set up throughout the stadium.

The view from the top rows of the 57,000 standing and seated seats was particularly impressive, showing the children the stadium from a completely different perspective. Memorable photos were taken everywhere and impressions were captured with enthusiasm. Another highlight was walking through the players' tunnel directly onto the pitch – a moment that allowed the children to experience what it feels like to walk into the stadium alongside the professionals.

We are delighted with the success of the event, which provided some very special insights into the world of professional soccer, and look forward to further activities.

Further information:
HSV https://www.hsv.de/uebersicht
Support Association for the Children's Cancer Center Hamburg e.V. https://kinderkrebs-hamburg.de/
Clinic and Polyclinic for Pediatric Hematology and Oncology UKE - Pädiatrische Hämatologie und Onkologie
ActiveOncoKids Center North https://www.activeoncokids.org/zentrum/zentrum-nord/

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September 2025

Facts against smoke and vapor

The UCC Hamburg is supporting this year's national Cancer Prevention Week organized by German Cancer Aid on the topic of “Facts against vapor and smoke.”

National Cancer Prevention Week is a joint initiative of German Cancer Aid (DKH), the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), and the German Cancer Society (DKG), and each year focuses on a new lifestyle factor during the campaign week.

This year, the focus is on tobacco prevention. In 2023, around 131,000 people in Germany died from the health consequences of smoking. According to the 2025 Tobacco Atlas for Germany, which was published as part of Prevention Week, cancer is the most common cause of tobacco-related deaths, accounting for 42 percent of cases.

The University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCC Hamburg) has been committed to combating cigarette consumption for many years with various tobacco cessation and smoking prevention programs. In addition to the smoke-free program for patients and employees, which is carried out in cooperation with the University Cancer Center Schleswig-Holstein, the research-based Non-Smoking Alliance has also been formed. Here, for example, the working group led by Dr. Kathleen Gali conducts research on epidemiology and care for oncological and pneumological factors. The working group has published twelve publications since 2020.

This year also marked the 20th anniversary of the interactive student prevention event “Nichtrauchen ist cool” (Not smoking is cool). Between 2005 and 2025, more than 100,000 young people have already taken part. The multimodal educational event is scientifically supported by the German Center for Addiction Issues in Childhood and Adolescence (DZSKJ) at the UKE. In the information event, young people are educated by doctors in an age-appropriate manner about the risks of addiction and the health consequences. In addition to a video on the procedure of a lung biopsy with sample collection, participants have the opportunity to learn about the medical history of patients with lung cancer on site and can ask questions to people who have previously had the disease.

#FaktenUnvernebelt – A website featuring interviews, podcasts, and the Tobacco Atlas has been created for National Cancer Prevention Week. Click here for more facts about smoking and its harmful effects on health, as well as the figures 85 – 7 – 10, which are sure to grab your attention: https://www.krebspraeventionswoche.de

Further information:
German Cancer Aid – Prevention Weeks
Tobacco Atlas Germany 2025
Not smoking is cool

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July 2025

All aboard - Rowing against cancer on the Outer Alster

96 teams rowed in the double four on Sunday, July 20, in the friendly competition of the charity regatta Rowing against Cancer on Hamburg's Outer Alster. This marks 20 years of organizing regattas in Germany for the Leben mit Krebs foundation.

At the water start line, the referee team shouted “Go!”, the flag was lowered, the coxswains gave the command “And pull!” - and off they went into the races on the Outer Alster on Sunday, July 20. The charity regatta Rowing against Cancer had once again attracted numerous rowers, who competed in 96 teams. It didn't matter whether they had any rowing experience - the different classes of “beginners”, ‘experts’ and “masters” guaranteed that they could compete with like-minded people.

Rowing against Cancer has been organized by the Living with Cancer Foundation throughout Germany for 20 years, so it was a special year - certainly worth mentioning in Hamburg that 11 patient boats had registered for the races, as it shows how well the community has grown here.

The organizers of the regatta, Ruder-Gesellschaft HANSA e.V., had been on their feet with the entire club since the early morning to coordinate the races, instruct the teams and also organize the supporting program such as bouncy castle, cake sale etc.. After the previous training sessions offered to all teams in recent weeks, this was certainly a special project for all club members.

The field of participants in the charity regatta also included many hospitals, care and practice facilities and sponsors' companies, who took part with their teams of employees. Many came with family or friends, who loudly joined in the support from the shore.

At the official welcome, Juliane Timmermann, member of the Hamburg Parliament and spokesperson for the sports expert group, sent warm greetings from Christoph Holstein, State Councillor for Sport. The team from the City of Hamburg competed in the show race with representatives from the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, led by Dean Prof. Dr. Blanche Schwappach-Pignataro, Prof. Dr. Katja Weisel (Deputy Director of the UCC Hamburg) and other members of the Cancer Center's Board of Directors. On the fourth lane, the UCC Hamburg Patient Advisory Board, who rowed their way to the finish line with a lot of energy. The fun of the event was written all over their faces.

The finals of the patient races were a particular focus during the course of the day - the oncology colleagues and all the spectators cheered loudly from the shore - it was a great pleasure to see the teams embrace each other afterwards. After all, they had been training for a long time thanks to the year-round rowing training.

New this year: In addition to the year-round rowing training for cancer patients offered by the HANSA Rowing Association, a new training program has been created at the Favorite Hammonia Rowing Club, Fari for short. Children, teenagers and young adults who have been diagnosed with cancer can register for the training sessions. Two boats with the young adults are highly motivated and committed to the sporting cause. This project shows the good networking of the rowing clubs on the Alster, which want to do something good together for the patients and for the city of Hamburg.

The moderation team Sebastian Franke and Avin Hell had their hands full at the award ceremonies - in addition to 11 patient teams, 3 teams were honored in each of the different classes, so it was full house on stage.

Congratulations to the following teams:

Patient final
Gold: Alsterchaoten
Silver: KMT-Ahoi
Bronze: Fish'n Chicks

Final beginners
Gold: Nordbrise (Asklepios Klinik Nord)
Silver: Retina Rowers (Asklepios Klinik Nord)
Bronze: HCOB Atlantis (Hamburg Commercial Bank)

Final Expert
Gold: Heartbeat (University Heart Center, UKE)
Silver: Sophies Racer (Sophie Barat School)
Bronze: HCOB Ajour (Hamburg Commercial Bank)

Master class final
Gold: Power Rower (Sophie Barat School)
Silver: Fifty Shades of Gray (Radiotherapy, UKE)
Bronze: ARV ALANIA (Akademischer Ruderverein Alania zu Hamburg e. V.)

Rowing against Cancer is organized by the Living with Cancer Foundation, and the Hamburg regatta is hosted by the HANSA rowing association. The proceeds will be used to support medically supervised sports and exercise therapies for patients with cancer at the University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCC Hamburg) of the UKE.

Congratulations to all participants!

Picture opening on stage (from left to right):
Avin Hell (Communications and Patient Involvement Officer UCC Hamburg), Prof. Dr. Blanche Schwappach-Pignataro (Dean), Prof. Dr. Katja Weisel (Deputy Director UCC Hamburg), Juliane Timmermann (Member of the Hamburg Parliament), Claus Feucht (Chairman of the Living with Cancer Foundation) and Sebastian Franke (Chairman of the Rowing Society HANSA e.V.).

Group picture on the jetty:
Dean Prof. Schwappach-Pignataro, Prof. Schmalfeldt, Prof. Gebhardt, Prof. Rutkowski, Anne Overlach, Prof. Weisel (Deputy Director) and Prof. Petersen from the UCC Hamburg Board of Directors, as well as patient:in boat KMT Ahoy (Ariane Fischer, Hendrik Huisinga, Karsten Wemheuer, Katrin Wemheuer and Kai-Uwe Parsons-Galka), Dr. Schaffhausen and Juliane Timmermann (Member of the Hamburg Parliament).

Photos: Jasper Ehrich, Living with

Further information:
Benefizregatta Rudern gegen Krebs
Die Stiftung Leben mit Krebs
RG Hansa Hamburg

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July 2025

Network preCDD for preclinical drug development visits Hamburg

The preCDD (preclinical cancer drug development platform) is a network of three consortia funded by German Cancer Aid for university drug development. All participating researchers came together for the first time on July 3 and 4 for a personal exchange in Hamburg.

Despite great progress in the field of targeted cancer therapies, many tumor diseases are still considered incurable. There is an urgent need for medical action in the research of new active substances and innovative therapy concepts for rare and difficult-to-treat cancers. German Cancer Aid has therefore launched the funding priority program for preclinical drug development in order to specifically strengthen the development of innovative cancer drugs at universities.

1.5 years after the founding of the preCDD research network, formed by three funded drug development platforms, the first joint symposium has now taken place in Hamburg. The Germany-wide network comprises three research consortia:

TACTIC - New Cancer Drugs through Transcriptional Inhibition (locations: Frankfurt, Essen, Tübingen, Kiel and Dortmund)

Cancer cells grow uncontrollably because they regulate their genes differently to healthy cells. The TACTIC project is researching how this faulty gene regulation can be specifically blocked with new active substances. Innovative substances are being developed that attack specific proteins that are crucial for tumor growth. A nationwide network of research centers is working together to bring new active substances through to clinical trials.

THUNDER - Nanobodies against cancer (locations: Hamburg and Bonn)

Nanobodies are tiny antibodies that penetrate tumors particularly well and can be used in many ways for therapies and diagnoses. In the THUNDER project, such nanobodies are being developed and optimized against various types of cancer. The team combines cutting-edge research with clinical expertise to create drugs that are also effective against resistant tumors and promise improved efficacy.

CAR FACTORY - Innovative immune cell therapies (locations: Würzburg and Frankfurt)

This project develops genetically modified immune cells that can specifically fight cancer - especially in tumors that are difficult to treat. It accelerates the development of these therapies and combines different immune cell types to increase efficacy and avoid resistance. Numerous experts are working together to provide new, promising cell therapies for clinical application every year.

The UCC Hamburg and various departments of the UKE are represented in the THUNDER project by project spokesperson Prof. Dr. Katja Weisel and co-spokesperson Prof. Dr. Peter Bannas. Click here for the UKE press release on the project launch

On Thursday and Friday, the various working groups presented their current project status in overview presentations and flash talks. After each presentation, a round table provided space for exchange and discussion of the respective challenges.

Thursday evening it was “cast off” - with a boat trip through the port of Hamburg and the Speicherstadt, the guests were able to get to know not only the UKE campus, but also Hamburg city center. With a gentle swell, they not only discussed cellular processes, but also made valuable new contacts.

The close collaboration in the preCDD network is a great benefit for university drug development in Germany. The personal exchange in Hamburg has impressively shown how much scientific creativity, clinical know-how and interdisciplinary commitment there is in our projects. Together we can successfully advance the development of innovative cancer therapies in Germany, and we are very grateful to German Cancer Aid for making this unique funding possible, says Prof. Dr. Katja Weisel, Deputy Director at UCC Hamburg and spokesperson for the THUNDER platform.

Photo: Inga Melzer

Further information:
https://www.precdd.de/
https://www.krebshilfe.de/

Numerous participants of the XVIIth UCC Hamburg Research Retreat

Welcome by the Dean Prof. Dr. Blanche Schwappach-Pignataro

Special talk: Prof. Dr. C. Bokemeyer, Director of the UCC Hamburg

Joint exchange between the sessions in the foyer

Exhibition of scientific posters

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July 2025

XVII UCC Hamburg Research Retreat 2025

On July 11 and 12, around 150 researchers met for the Research Retreat of the University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCC Hamburg) in the Ian K. Karan Lecture Hall on the UKE's Teaching Campus to exchange interdisciplinary ideas and current research findings.

The event began with an official welcome from Prof. Dr. Blanche Schwappach-Pignataro, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the UKE. Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer, Director of the UCC Hamburg, then opened the congress with a presentation of the Cancer Center and an overview of the latest advances in research and patient care.

As part of the Special Talks, PD Dr. Sigrun Vehling from the Institute of Medical Psychology at the UKE presented her study on psychological intervention points in oncology. This was followed by a presentation by Prof. Dr. Julia Neumann from the Center for Molecular Neurobiology, who explained the molecular tumor profiles and AI approaches for the histopathological classification of brain tumors.

As a highlight, participants had the chance to win the Hubertus Wald Foundation's Science Communication Award for the best presentation of a research topic with a graphic abstract. Dr. Sarah Habig from the University Cancer Center Schleswig-Holstein moderated the session and presented the evaluation criteria - especially in comparison to the usual scientific poster. In addition to the Science Communication Award, the Hubertus Wald Foundation also presented other prizes for young scientists for outstanding contributions.

The retreat offered a varied program on both days: there were lectures and discussion panels on research grants, psychosocial cancer research, tumor spread and metastasis, hematology and cell therapy as well as gastrointestinal tumors. These sessions were complemented by contributions on immuno-oncology, neuro-oncology, biomarkers and a wide range of analysis methods and technologies. Participants were able to present their work in the poster session and deepen their exchange at the joint evening BBQ.

The Mildred Scheel Junior Research Centre (MSNZ) had already organized a satellite symposium on the topic of “Glioblastoma in 3D organoids and avatars in translational research”. Dr. Ann-Christin Hau and Dr. Tanja Buhlmann from the Edinger Institute at the University of Frankfurt were guests at the event. In a roundtable discussion with the MSNZ Fellows, they discussed current issues relevant to science and careers.

Both formats made it possible to develop new ideas across disciplinary boundaries and find joint solutions to current research questions. In everyday scientific life, intensive networking makes a decisive contribution to initiating future research ideas.

The Research Retreat 2025 was funded by the Hubertus Wald Foundation and, as part of the MSNZ, by German Cancer Aid.

The following scholarships and prizes were awarded this year:

UCC Hamburg Research Fellowship 2026

Financing through the issuing and receiving department as well as deanery funds (1/3 each):

Dr. med. Friederike Dierks (assistant doctor)
Donating party: II. Medical Clinic and Polyclinic
Receiving party: HCTI, AG Gagliani/Tintelnot
Project: Translational analysis of the STIMULATE trial – Short-term dietary fIber intervention to improve imMUno-chemotherapy efficacy in Lung and esophagogAsTric adenocarcinoma

Leon Liekfeld (assistant physician)
Donating party: Clinic and Polyclinic for Pediatric Hematology and Oncology
Receiving party: Research Institute Children's Cancer Center Hamburg, AG Schüller
Project: Function and relevance of the blood brain barrier and neurovascular unit in medulloblastoma

Henrike Salié (assistant doctor)
Disposing party: I. Medical Clinic and PolyclinicReceiving party: Clinic and Polyclinic for General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery, AG Giannou
Project: Spatial and temporal profiling of the local immune response during combinatorial chemo- and immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma patients

Science Communication Award 2025

1.000 euros personal prize money:

Dr. med. Catena Kresbach (Clinician Scientist)
Institute of Neuropathology
Project: Intratumoral heterogeneity of MPNST has implications for diagnostics

Hubertus Wald Poster Prize 2025

1.000 euros personal prize money:

Dr. rer. biol. hum. Ines Heinen (Psychologist) & Dr. phil. Demet Dingoyan (Psychotherapist)
Institute and Polyclinic for Medical Psychology (Heinen) and Institute for Medical Sociology (Dingoyan)
Project: Diversity sensitivity in (psycho)oncological care

Hubertus Wald Junior Investigator Award for Psychosocial Cancer Research 2025

1.000 euros personal prize money:

Minou Gandras (PhD student) Institute and Polyclinic for Medical Psychology
Project: Physicians' experiences with the death of cancer patients - a qualitative interview study

Hubertus Wald Junior Investigator Award for Oncology Research 2025

6.000 euros in project funding and 1.000 euros in personal prize money:

Ali Zeinal Abedini (PhD student)
Clinic and Polyclinic for Dermatology and Venereology / Fleur Hiege Center for Skin Cancer Research
Project: Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) associate with primary immune resistance in metastatic melanoma

Pictures: Laura Lehmann

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June 2025

Wilhelm Warner Prize 2024 awarded to Prof. Dr. Florian Lordick and Prof. Dr. Martin Eilers

Special award for two outstanding scientists in cancer medicine in the fields of gastrointestinal tumors and cell biology.

On June 13, 2025, two outstanding personalities in German cancer research were honoured with the Wilhelm Warner Prize 2024 for the first time in the Fritz Schumacher Lecture Hall of the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE): Prof. Dr. med. Florian Lordick, Director of the Department of Oncology at the University Hospital Leipzig and Head of the University Cancer Center Leipzig (UCCL), and Prof. Dr. Martin Eilers, Chair of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg. Both prize winners received prize money of 10.000 € each.

Since 1962, the Wilhelm Warner Prize has been awarded annually to scientists who have made outstanding contributions in the field of cancer research and cancer treatment. The foundation goes back to the Hamburg restaurateur Wilhelm Warner, who died of cancer in 1960, and was established in Hamburg in 1961.

Prof. Dr. Florian Lordick's scientific focus is on clinical and translational research in the field of gastrointestinal oncology. He is particularly interested in the multimodal treatment of gastrointestinal cancer and personalized medicine. His research is funded by the German Cancer Aid, the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR), the European Commission and the International Cancer Foundation. Florian Lordick is author and co-author of more than 400 peer-reviewed publications. He was Director of Education at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) and President of the International Gastric Cancer Association (IGCA) from 2019 to 2022, Spokesperson of the EORTC Gastrointestinal Tract Cancer Working Group from 2018 to 2020 and Board Member of the German Cancer Society from 2014 to 2018. Prof. Lordick is also the newly appointed Editor-in-Chief of ESMO Gastrointestinal Oncology.

Prof. Dr. Martin Eilers is researching how a normal body cell becomes a cancer cell. In particular, he is investigating the role of Myc proteins, which drive the growth of many human tumors. Myc proteins (proto-oncogenes) stimulate cell growth in healthy cells and are quickly degraded again. They are converted into oncogenes through mutation. In tumor cells, Myc proteins are then present in an “overdose”. Together with colleagues, Martin Eilers has discovered that Myc proteins in tumor cells form a link with another protein (Miz1). Prof. Eilers has been a member of the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina since 2015 and a member of the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) since 2006. Prof. Eilers has been one of the leading international experts in molecular oncology for many years and is involved in numerous scientific committees for translational research.

As in previous years, both award winners took part in a “Meet the Pioneer” with the Fellows of the Mildred Scheel Center for Young Researchers (MSNZ) at UCC Hamburg before the official award ceremony. In a personal atmosphere, researchers had the opportunity to discuss current scientific issues and career paths with the award winners. The format was received with great enthusiasm and left a lasting impression on all participants.
We congratulate the award winners.

Photo (from left to right):
Prof. Carsten Bokemeyer, Prof. Martin Eilers, Prof. Florian Lordick, Diana von der Goltz and Carl-Jan von der Goltz

Further information:
Press release Leipzig University Hospital

Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer opens the kick-off event

Ottmar Kodalle reports as a patient ambassador

Project presentation by PD Dr. Marianne Sinn

Program team and participants of the kick-off event

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June 2025

The Hamburg “Life after Cancer” program has been launched

For life after the disease: individual support for cancer survivors through a comprehensive aftercare program for adults

The new “Life after Cancer” program was officially launched at the University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCC Hamburg) with a kick-off event. The program is made possible by German Cancer Aid (DKH). The aim of the innovative program is to provide people with individual aftercare support following their cancer treatment, thereby improving their health-related quality of life in the long term.

In Germany, 4.5 million people are currently living with a cancer diagnosis or have survived cancer. Of these, around 3 million people have not had a relapse of their cancer for at least five years. For many, the end of active treatment marks the beginning of a new, important phase of life: life after cancer.

This is precisely where the Hamburg “Life after cancer” program comes in. It offers participants tailor-made aftercare that takes into account both medical aspects and psychosocial needs and specifically treats the late and long-term physical consequences of the disease. This is because health restrictions can remain despite successfully surviving cancer treatment.

The program is aimed at adults between the ages of 18 and 65 who have been diagnosed with cancer in adulthood. Participants in the program receive a personal survivorship pilot who accompanies them through all the steps of aftercare - from the joint creation of an individual aftercare plan to regular information events and support in using suitable services. The better informed patients are, the easier it is to access support services, self-help and complementary treatments for life after cancer.

At the kick-off event, which took place both on-site at the UKE and online, the project team, under the medical and scientific direction of PD Dr. Marianne Sinn and Prof. Dr. Isabelle Scholl, informed around 40 participants from the healthcare sector about the content and objectives of the program. Ottmar Kodalle, patient representative and spokesperson for the project's patient advisory board, gave an impressive account from his perspective of how important accompanied aftercare is for everyday life after cancer.

"The ‘Life after Cancer’ program is a big step towards holistic and patient-oriented care. We don't want to leave patients alone even after treatment, but rather provide them with close support and help them to use resources and treat late effects in a targeted manner. The topic of aftercare and cancer survivorship has become increasingly important in recent years, as patients are surviving the disease more often and living better and longer due to the constantly improving treatment options," emphasized Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer, Director and Spokesperson of the UCC Hamburg.

The program will be scientifically evaluated alongside its practical implementation. A structured survey will be carried out over the course of three years in order to improve the quality of oncological aftercare in the long term and to further develop the services for patients. The study is also being conducted in collaboration with the University Cancer Center Schleswig-Holstein (UCCSH).

At the end of the event, the participants took the opportunity for a personal exchange over a buffet - a successful start to a program that should make the new start after cancer easier for many of those affected.

Registration for the program:
If you have any questions about the program, please contact lebennachkrebs@uke.de . To participate, please register via the central contact point of the UCC Hamburg. Contact form

Further information:
UKE - University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCC Hamburg) - Hamburg Life after Cancer Program

Pictures: Laura Lehmann

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June 2025

3rd Hamburg Patient Congress Cancer Medicine 2025

You are not alone - cancer patients and their environment” was the focus of this year's Patient:innenkongress. In addition to the many presentations with patient participation, there were various workshops, guided tours and the Market of Opportunities.

On June 20 and 21, 2025, the University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCC Hamburg) hosted the 3rd Hamburg Patient:innenkongress der Krebsmedizin at Erika-Haus in summery temperatures. This year's event focused on the social environment of patients. This includes family, friends, work and partnership - and thus the question of how to deal with the disease together.

The congress was made possible by funding from the German Cancer Aid Foundation and implemented in cooperation with the University Cancer Center Schleswig-Holstein (UCCSH), the Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein State Cancer Societies and the Contact and Information Center for Self-Help Groups (KISS Hamburg).

The first day of the congress, entitled “Environment in the work context”, was dedicated to everyday working life with and after cancer. In addition to medical insights into current therapies, the focus was on topics such as returning to work, support services for relatives and the role of employers, presented here by Beiersdorf's in-house health management team. The market of opportunities with information stands from Hamburg institutions such as the Hamburg Cancer Registry and self-help groups was particularly well received. A presentation by the German Cancer Society on the current hospital reform and the development of center certifications offered a look beyond the horizon. In addition, five people, each with a family member, were able to win a place on a cooking course run by the UCC Hamburg nutritionists in the fall. The event concluded with a summer get-together with space for exchange and networking.

On Saturday, everything revolved around the question “How do I find my way?”. Workshops on therapeutic writing, dealing with the authorities and tips against loneliness invited participants to join in. A lecture on partnership during illness and a moving award ceremony for the “At your side” prize for relatives from the BMS Immuno-Oncology Foundation touched the audience. Once again this year, the activities took place outdoors in glorious weather, and physical fitness could be tested on pimple cushions behind the Erika House.

On both days, around 100 participants learned about a wide range of topics relating to living with cancer. As in previous years, each topic was presented in tandem, consisting of a specialist lecture and the perspective of patient representatives - a concept that promotes exchange at eye level in a special way. A poster exhibition provided information about the further work of the patient ambassadors, and a jointly developed research project “Healing Soundscapes” was also exhibited on site.

We are delighted with the large number of visitors and look forward to next year's Patient Congress.

About German Cancer Aid: German Cancer Aid was founded over 50 years ago - on September 25, 1974 - by Dr. Mildred Scheel. The aim of the non-profit organization is to fight cancer in all its forms. Under the motto "Help. Research. Inform." German Cancer Aid promotes projects to improve prevention, early detection, diagnosis, therapy, medical aftercare and psychosocial care, including cancer self-help. Its tasks also extend to research and health policy activities. It is also a co-initiator of the National Cancer Plan and a partner of the “National Decade Against Cancer”. German Cancer Aid is the largest private donor in the fight against cancer - including cancer research - in Germany. It finances all its activities exclusively from donations and voluntary contributions from the public.

Further information:
UKE - University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCC Hamburg) - 3rd Hamburg Patient:innenkongress Krebsmedizin 2025

www.krebshilfe.de

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June 2025

German Cancer Survivors Week 2025

What happens after surviving cancer? How do you get back into everyday life? These and other questions were the focus of this year's German Cancer Survivors Week.

A cancer diagnosis fundamentally changes your life - not only physically, but also psychologically, socially and professionally. The effects often affect the entire environment: family, circle of friends and working life. The German Cancer Foundation would like to promote communication between those affected and raise public awareness of the topic of “living with cancer”. The German Cancer Survivors Week has been held annually since 2015.

This year's campaign week focused on the motto: “Cancer Survivors - living with cancer”. Even though modern therapies significantly improve the chances of survival, returning to everyday life after the disease brings with it many challenges. From June 2 to 6, 2025, interested parties were able to find out more in a variety of online presentations. The cancer associations from Bavaria, Berlin, Hamburg, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate and Thuringia took part.

The action week began with the question “After therapy - what happens next?” and covered topics such as psycho-oncological support, “AftercarePLUS!” for cancer survivors, the power of creativity and finding new perspectives on life.

On Thursday, the focus was on the needs of cancer survivors and the current state of research and psycho-oncological input. PD Dr. Marianne Sinn, Head of Survivorships at UCC Hamburg, explained the short and long-term physical, psychological, social and economic consequences of cancer. Corresponding survivorship programs therefore focus on behavior modification as well as psychological and psychosocial support - aspects that are also reflected in the counseling services.

With over 80 participants, the event was a complete success. The presentations can now be viewed online on the YouTube video platform: German Cancer Survivors Week (GCSW) 2025

Picture: Catrin-Anja Eichinger

Further information:
Invitation to the digital German Cancer Survivors Week from June 2 to 6, 2025 - Hamburger Krebsgesellschaft e.V.

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May 2025

Together against cancer at the run between the seas

The North together against cancer: The Cancer Center Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein run together from Husum to Damp.

92.2 km across Schleswig-Holstein - that was the challenge of the run between the seas. On 24 May 2025, two joint teams from the two University Cancer Centers in Schleswig-Holstein and Hamburg (UCCSH and UCC Hamburg) successfully took part in the running competition organized by Zippel's Läuferwelt. The joint participation was under the motto “Together against cancer” and sets an example for the joint efforts to secure and improve the care of people with cancer in northern Germany and to pursue innovative research projects in the consortium.

The first runners started at 9 a.m. at the ship's bridge in Husum. Over 10 sections and thus up to 10 runners made their way to the action beach in Damp. At each handover station, the participants were well looked after and cheered on by onlookers or team members. The mixed teams from the UCCSH and UCC Hamburg were made up of students, researchers, coordinators and members of the Board of Directors and Executive Board, among others, and demonstrated great team spirit so that they could celebrate together at the finish line on the beach.

Also taking part were:
Team 1: Kim-Alina Espey, Prof. Sabrina Jabs, Tobias Thumm (two sections), Katharina Stevens, Laura Nowack, Solveig Auth, Charlotte Kayser, Maja Kowol, Dr. Inga Melzer

Team 2: Dr. Christine Nitschke, Henning Dusche, Dr. Lina Hildebrandt, Prof. Susanne Sebens, Prof. Kai Rot-hkamm, Dr. Franziska Modemann, Dr. Christoph Schaefers, Prof. Katja Weisel, Prof. Cordula Petersen, Prof. Cyrus Khandanpour

Photo: Avin Hell, Antonia Lucas

Further information:
Lauf zwischen den Meeren (LzdM) | Lauf zwischen den Meeren UCCSH
Universitäres Cancer Center Schleswig-Holstein

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May 2025

Successful founding event of the AdP regional group Hamburg at the UKE

The University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) today hosted a successful patient information event on the subject of the pancreas. The event, which also served as the founding event for a further regional group of the Arbeitskreis der Pankreatektomierten e.V. Bonn (AdP) in the Hamburg area, attracted around 100 patients, relatives and interested parties. The high level of interest confirmed the AdP's intention to establish the Hamburg regional group as an independent group and no longer to be looked after by the Harburg regional group, as was previously the case.

The event kicked off at midday with two consecutive practice-oriented “Culinary Therapy” cooking courses in the Martini Klinik's new and ultra-modern training kitchen. The team of experts led by Ewelina Rademacher, Marvin Meyer and Kristin Tiemann taught the participants the essential basics of an adapted diet - a particularly important aspect for people who have to live with a diseased pancreas or no pancreas after an operation.

The lecture part of the event took place in the stylish ambience of the historic Erika House - a last-minute but fortunate change due to the overwhelming response. The imposing ballroom with its classic style elements not only offered enough space for all participants, but also provided a worthy setting for the series of lectures, which began with a slight delay as the participants of the previous cooking course were still being escorted from the main building to Erika House.

After a few introductory words from Avin Hell, who charmingly hosted the entire evening, Prof. Thilo Hackert, Director of the Clinic for General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery, opened the lecture series together with Lutz Otto, Chairman of the AdP e.V.. Matthias Seebo, an assessor on the AdP board, was also present and available for discussions.

The subsequent specialist presentations covered a broad spectrum: from the basics of chronic pancreatitis to modern surgical techniques and personalized treatment approaches for pancreatic cancer. Prof. Hackert's presentation on robotic surgery was particularly well received by the audience.

The cultural finale was an impressive piano concert by young pianists from the Eleonora Sperling piano school. Everyone was extremely satisfied with the event, which was seen as a successful start for the new Hamburg regional group.

Intensive discussions between patients, doctors and AdP representatives took place at the concluding buffet. Several participants expressed interest in becoming regional group leaders in the future. “The discussions will continue in the coming days in order to establish the leadership of the Hamburg regional group,” explained Lutz Otto.

We are very pleased with the success of the event, which was largely made possible by the professional organization and commitment of everyone involved. We would like to thank the AdP representatives for their praise and appreciation. With the planned establishment of the Hamburg regional group, the AdP e.V. network in the Hanseatic city will be further expanded and strengthened, which will further promote cooperation between the UKE and the AdP.

Report and photos: Matthias Seebo, AdP e.V.

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May 2025

Anniversary event “20 years of non-smoking is cool”

The interactive student prevention event “Non-smoking is cool” has been held since 2005 as a multimodal educational event under the umbrella of the University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCC Hamburg) in cooperation with the German Center for Childhood and Adolescent Addiction (DZSKJ) at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE). More than 100,000 5th to 7th grade students from Hamburg and the surrounding area have taken part so far.

The interactive information program “Non-smoking is cool” has been running for 20 years in cooperation with schools in Hamburg and the surrounding area in order to reach young people in an age-appropriate and effective way. The preventative program is carried out by doctors from the II Medical Clinic and Polyclinic of the UKE and is scientifically monitored and evaluated by the DZSKJ. The focus is not only on the addictive risks of tobacco, but also on the serious health consequences.

Early education protects health

According to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, smoking is still the leading cause of premature mortality in industrialized countries. In Germany, around 127,000 people die every year as a result of smoking. Tobacco consumption alone is responsible for a fifth of all new cases of cancer. Another problem is vaping: Since 2022, the consumption of e-cigarettes by children and young people has risen alarmingly and they are now the most commonly used nicotine product. “Many young people underestimate the risks associated with smoking and vaping in particular. E-cigarettes are mistakenly seen as a harmless alternative, but studies show that vaping is often the gateway to regular cigarette smoking,” says Prof. Dr. Rainer Thomasius, Medical Director of the DZSKJ.

“The many carcinogenic substances contained in tobacco can trigger a variety of types of cancer. Current scientific studies indicate that the simultaneous consumption of cigarettes and vapes in particular is associated with a significantly increased risk of lung cancer. This illustrates the importance of education and prevention, especially for the younger generation, who are exposed to a considerable risk due to early smoking initiation,” says Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer, Director of the II Medical Clinic of the UKE and Head of the UCC Hamburg.

Smoking is the main cause of cancer

The lungs are particularly affected: with around 53,000 new cases per year, lung cancer is the most common tobacco-related cancer. According to the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), up to 90 percent of lung cancer cases in men and 75 percent in women can be directly attributed to smoking. However, malignant diseases such as cancer of the larynx, oral cavity, oesophagus, bladder and pancreas are also promoted by tobacco consumption.

“Not smoking is cool”

In the two-hour educational events, students are informed about the medical effects of consuming tobacco, e-cigarettes and shishas and the associated environmental damage. In addition to information about the short- and long-term health consequences of smoking, the social influence approach is used to teach students about the influence of smoking peers and the marketing strategies of vendors. The event is complemented by a film that provides insights into the treatment and medical histories of patients with lung cancer. The effectiveness of the prevention event has been scientifically proven by the DZSKJ. It was shown that young people who took part in a “Non-smoking is cool” event only started smoking half as often as in the comparable control group.

Further information:
To the UKE press release

Group photo (from left to right): Alexandra von Rehlingen, Dr. Christoph Schaefers, PD Dr. Minna Voigtländer, Bibiana Barth, Prof. Rainer Thomasius, Prof. Carsten Bokemeyer, Gerhard Delling, PD Dr. Hans Klose, Dr. Sören Galow, Birte Lorenzen-Herrmann & Avin Hell

Photos: Jan Pries

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May 2025

We were there! Hamburg day of action against breast cancer

With typical pink gerberas and a large-scale stage program on Gerhart-Hauptmann-Platz in Hamburg's city center, UCC Hamburg was part of the Germany-wide “I'm in” campaign on May 17.

With around 70,000 new cases per year, breast cancer is by far the most common cancer among women in Germany. Over the course of a lifetime, around one in eight women develop the disease. In rare cases, men also develop the disease. This makes early detection, modern treatment methods and accompanying support services for those affected and their relatives all the more important.

The “I'm in.” campaign day, under the patronage of Katharina Fegebank, Second Mayor and Senator for the Environment, Climate, Energy and Agriculture (formerly Science, Research and Equality), took place in Hamburg for the first time this year - it has been taking place in other major German cities such as Munich, Frankfurt, Düsseldorf and Leipzig since 2013. The campaign days are funded solely by breast centers, screening units and exhibitors.

Hosted by Bärbel Schäfer, known from the RTL talk show, the day started with a Qi Gong session by Merry Gong. Dr. med. Alma-Verena Müller-Rausch, Head of the Center for Familial Breast and Ovarian Cancer at UCC Hamburg, provided information on genetic risk factors and the importance of family counseling. Hayriye Oguz was there as a patient ambassador and gave a moving insight into how boxing training gave her new courage to face life after her diagnosis. Dr. Lisa Steinhilper, Head of the University Breast Center at UCC Hamburg, explained the opportunities and processes of clinical trials - a key topic for innovative therapies and the further development of treatment.

The joint stand of the UCC Hamburg, the University Breast Center and the Center for Familial Breast and Ovarian Cancer offered visitors various information boards on risk factors for gynecological cancers, BRCA tests and current research projects at the UKE. Doctors were on hand to answer specialist questions.

The “I'm in!” campaign day impressively demonstrated how multi-professional collaboration raises awareness of breast cancer in Hamburg, spreads knowledge and shows new ways of prevention and treatment. Despite the changeable weather, numerous visitors came to the city center and made the campaign day a great success.

Pictures: Avin Hell

Further information:
UKE - Universitäres Brustzentrum Hamburg
UKE - Familiärer Brust- & Eierstockkrebs
SCHIRMHERRSCHAFT - ICH BIN DABEI!

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May 2025

Smoke-free in May - No thanks to nicotine

UCC Hamburg and UCCSH are supporting the nationwide campaign with online lectures and courses on smoking cessation.

Smoking remains one of the greatest avoidable health risks. 20 percent of all cancers are directly linked to tobacco consumption. Every year, over 40,000 people in Germany die from smoking-related cardiovascular diseases. Although the health risks are fundamentally known, many people still find it difficult to stop smoking. The University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCC Hamburg) and the University Cancer Center Schleswig-Holstein (UCCSH) offer help. Smoking cessation courses, discussions in a consultation hour on smoking cessation or participation in “Smoke-free in May” are part of the offer. It is always worthwhile, because the human body can recover very well after quitting smoking - even after years of consumption. Lung function improves after just a few weeks and the risk of cancer is reduced in the long term.

The nationwide “Smoke-free in May” campaign organized by German Cancer Aid, the Federal Institute of Public Health and the Institute for Therapy and Health Research (IFT-NORD) encourages smokers to say goodbye to cigarettes and other nicotine products.

Until the end of April, people who regularly smoke (cigarettes, cigars, pipes or water pipes), use e-cigarettes or tobacco heaters could register free of charge at www.rauchfrei-im-mai.de. Those who take part receive daily motivational content, practical tips and support on their way to a nicotine-free life - and also have the chance to win up to 1,000 euros. The campaign takes place annually. The UCC Hamburg and the UCCSH actively support the campaign and offer additional smoking cessation services such as an online information event. In order to counteract nicotine addiction at a young age, the UCC Hamburg, together with the association Nichtrauchen ist cool, is committed to the prevention of nicotine addiction in children and young people through regular lectures at the UKE. This May, the campaign celebrates its 20th anniversary.

Many smokers have already made one or more unsuccessful attempts to quit smoking. The decisive factor is that every attempt brings new insights and increases the chances of long-term success - especially with professional support. The UCC Hamburg and the UCCSH are therefore consistently committed to the expansion and visibility of effective smoking cessation services and prevention programs.

Further information:
Smoke-free in May
Non-smoking is cool - Association for the Prevention of Nicotine Addiction in Children & Adolescents
UKE - University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCC Hamburg) - Prevention

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April 2025

Palliative Medicine Symposium 2025: Focus on the synergy of oncology and palliative care

Annual symposium organized by the Hamburg Cancer Society and the UCC Hamburg on the topic of palliative medicine with around 70 participants.

On April 23, 2025, the annual digital palliative care symposium of the University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCC Hamburg) and the Hamburg Cancer Society took place. The event was dedicated to the close cooperation between oncology and palliative medicine in order to ensure the best possible care for oncologically ill patients and their relatives.

In keeping with the tradition of this event, which aims to strengthen the integrated cooperation between oncology and palliative medicine in the best interests of oncology patients and their relatives, Prof. Dr. Ulrich Wedding, Chief Physician of Palliative Medicine at Jena University Hospital, opened the event with an update on the evidence and current recommendations for the integration of palliative medicine into the comprehensive care of patients with incurable oncological and haematological diseases.

Another highlight of the symposium was the presentation by PD Dr. David Krug, the new head of the MVZ Radiation Therapy and Radiotherapy at the UCC Hamburg. He presented the modern possibilities of palliative radiotherapy to alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life of patients with advanced cancer.

Dr. Ute Goerling, Head of Psycho-Oncology at the Charité in Berlin, then discussed the concept of “prognostic awareness”. She explained why it is completely normal psychologically that patients are not always able to fully understand their medically communicated prognosis - a challenge that is important for palliative care.

Dipl.-Psych. Wiebke Geertz from the cancer counseling service for families at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) gave practical insights into supporting parents with cancer and their underage children. She emphasized the importance of individual support in this challenging situation. Dipl.-Psych. Monika Bohrmann from the Hamburg Cancer Society also presented the importance of cancer counseling centers, which offer valuable support to both cancer patients and their relatives.

The symposium once again highlighted the importance of networking and interdisciplinary exchange between oncology, palliative medicine and psycho-oncology. It not only provided in-depth insights into the latest scientific findings, but also into the practical aspects of palliative medical care. We look forward to next year's symposium.

Further information:
UKE - II. Medical Clinic and Polyclinic - Palliative Medicine in Oncology
UKE - University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCC Hamburg) - Palliative Medicine
Home | Förderverein der Palliativversorgung am UKE e.V.
UKE - Cancer Counseling for Families

Group picture in the garden of the Erika House

Opening by Prof Carsten Bokemeyer, Director of the UCC Hamburg

Numerous participants as guests in the Erika House

Lecture by Prof Irene Ghobrial

‘Meet the Speaker’ event on the teaching campus

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April 2025

Cutting-edge research live: ‘Harvard meets UKE’ on the latest developments in the field of multiple myeloma & Waldenström's disease

For the first time, experts in myeloma and Waldenström's disease from Boston, USA, were guests at a joint symposium in Hamburg. With around 90 participants, the first live event in the seminar series was a complete success.

Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the bone marrow and the second most common haematological neoplasm with around 7,000 new cases per year in Germany. Waldenström's disease is one of the rare low-malignant non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. Both diseases are characterised by exemplary innovation with the approval of numerous new drugs over the past two decades, which has directly translated into a significantly improved prognosis for affected patients. Both diseases, which were previously considered incurable, are now on the cusp of being cured. Colleagues from Harvard Medical School/Dana Farber Cancer Institute played a key role in these developments and in the discovery of disease-specific characteristics that made these drug developments possible. There has been a close scientific exchange and joint cooperation projects between the research groups at the UKE and the colleagues in Boston for many years.

Against this backdrop, the ‘Harvard meets UKE’ event took place for the first time on 4 April as an in-person event on the campus of the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE). The online seminar series has been running since 2021 and offers an exchange with researchers from Harvard twice a year.

The guests were the renowned scientists Prof Irene Ghobrial, Prof Nikhil C. Munshi, Prof Ken-neth C. Anderson and Prof Steven P. Treon. They shared their latest findings and studies on multiple myeloma and Waldenström's disease. The presentations and discussions focussed on smoldering myeloma as a treatable precursor of the actual myeloma disease in the future, new generation immunotherapies and their introduction into myeloma treatment as well as possible ways to cure the disease. Thanks to the discovery of key disease mechanisms, targeted treatment alternatives are now available for Waldenström's disease, enabling long-term disease control. The research group led by Prof Katja Weisel, Deputy Director of the UCC Hamburg, then gave keynote speeches on ongoing scientific projects from Hamburg. Hamburg was recently able to sustainably improve the condition of so-called high-risk patients with multiple myeloma with a self-initiated academic study sponsored by the UKE. Dr Lisa Leypoldt, who presented the results, was recently able to spend two years working on basic research in Boston as part of a postdoctoral fellowship funded by German Cancer Aid.

In the morning, young scientists were able to take part in a ‘Meet the Speaker’ event with Prof Irene Ghobrial and Prof Nikhil Munshi. Medical students and residents took the opportunity to ask questions about research residencies at Harvard Medical School, tips on combining a clinical career with research and how to best prepare for a career in science.

Under the motto ‘Academic Research Across the Atlantic’, the event provided an excellent platform for dialogue with international experts and the intensification of existing research collaborations. We would like to thank them for the successful exchange of knowledge and look forward to welcoming the guests from Harvard back to Hamburg in the future.

Group picture (from left to right): Dr Christopher Patterson, Dr Lisa Leypoldt, Prof Nikhil C. Munshi, Prof Carsten Bo-kemeyer, Prof Kenneth C. Anderson, Prof Katja Weisel, Prof Steven P. TreonPictures: Axel Kirchhof, Laura Lehmann, Inga Melzer

Further information:
UKE - Harvard Meets UKE
Harvard University

Prof. Weisel, F. Holz, Prof. Härter, Prof. Scholl

Opening of the lectures - Prof. Dr I. Scholl

Performance by the choir of the special outpatient psychooncology

Numerous participants at the symposium

Final photo with the speakers and the organisation team

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March 2025

‘Cancer and Culture’ - 7th Hamburg Day of Psychooncology

Cultural perspectives in cancer treatment help to break down barriers and enable a sensitive approach to patients. 125 interested participants came together to discuss this topic.

Last Friday, 28 March 2025, the Institute and Polyclinic for Medical Psychology (IPMP) at the UKE, the Hamburg Cancer Society e.V. and the University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCC Hamburg) organised the seventh Hamburg Day of Psychooncology. This took place in the Ingeborg Rapoport lecture theatre W30 on the grounds of the University Medical Centre Eppendorf (UKE) and was held under the motto ‘Cancer and Culture’.

Accompanied by Hamburg's first sunny spring weather, the symposium focussed on interdisciplinary exchange on cultural and social aspects of psycho-oncology. The focus was on topics such as diversity, culturally sensitive counselling and artistic therapeutic approaches in cancer treatment.

Addressing these topics is particularly important in order to actively promote the fight against prejudice and negative stereotypes and, for example, to question and overcome personal distortions of perception in relation to certain groups of people. This year, the participation of practising psycho-oncologists, psychotherapists, doctors and social workers/educators was again high.

In the morning, the participants had the opportunity to engage intensively and practically with various methods in a variety of workshops. The topics on offer included diversity-sensitive conversation, systemic therapy with inner parts as well as art and theatre therapy and writing therapy impulses.

After a joint lunch break, the programme continued in the afternoon with a series of presentations. Current developments in oncological care and the importance of diversity and discrimination in healthcare were discussed. The opportunities offered by foreign-language psycho-oncological screening, how equal psycho-oncological care for sexual and gender minorities can be guaranteed and where Germany will be in 2025 with regard to culturally sensitive counselling services were also discussed.

In addition to the professional exchange in the workshops and the lunch break, the performance by the a cappella choir from the Special Outpatient Clinic for Psychooncology was another highlight of the programme. We are delighted with the successful exchange and look forward to seeing all participants again in 2027.

Pictures: Laura Lehmann, Janina Freitag

Further information:
UKE - Institute and Polyclinic for Medical Psychology - 7th Hamburg Day of Psychooncology
UKE - Institute and Polyclinic for Medical Psychology
Hamburg Cancer Society e.V.
UKE - University Cancer Centre Hamburg (UCC Hamburg)

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Prof Dr Francis Ayuk and Prof Dr Boris Fehse head the Clinic for Stem Cell Transplantation

On 1 April 2025, Prof. Dr Francis Ayuk and Prof. Dr Boris Fehse took over the joint management of the Interdisciplinary Clinic and Polyclinic for Stem Cell Transplantation at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE). The clinic specialises in particular in cellular procedures and allogeneic transplantation in adults. With Prof Ayuk and Prof Fehse, the UKE has appointed internationally renowned experts in gene and cell-based therapy and research to these positions. They succeed Prof Dr Nicolaus Kröger, who has retired.

Prof Ayuk (51) focuses on the implementation and clinical-translational research to improve allogeneic stem cell transplantation and CAR T-cell therapy. The transplantation of foreign stem cells is a highly specialised and successful therapeutic procedure for defined, primarily malignant diseases of the haematopoietic system. In particular, Prof Ayuk is developing and testing new methods for the prevention and treatment of donor-versus-host disease. He is also researching new approaches for carrying out stem cell transplants while avoiding chemotherapy and radiotherapy. He has headed the clinic's CAR T-cell programme since 2019 and, as part of this, has set up a scientific support programme aimed at predicting and detecting therapy success and side effects at an early stage and improving the treatment strategy based on this.

Prof Ayuk studied human medicine at the Medical Faculty of the University of Hamburg. In his doctoral thesis on gene modification of T lymphocytes, he paved the way for the clinical implementation of the first gene therapy study for the treatment of donor versus host disease in Germany. He has worked at the UKE since 2001, completing his specialist training in internal medicine, haematology and oncology at the University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCC Hamburg). In 2013, he became Senior Consultant at the Interdisciplinary Clinic and Polyclinic for Stem Cell Transplantation and took over as Deputy Clinic Director in 2018. Since 1 April 2025, he has held the newly created W3 professorship for stem cell transplantation and cell-based therapies at the UKE.

Prof Fehse (59) is one of Germany's leading gene therapy experts and conducts research primarily in the field of permanent genetic modification of cells, both for basic research and for therapeutic applications. To this end, he utilises either gene shuttles based on defused retroviruses or newer methods of genome editing, for example with CRISPR/Cas. Another focus of his work is the development and clinical application of innovative cell and molecular biology methods for post-transplantation diagnostics.

Prof Fehse studied biomedicine at Moscow State Medical University and obtained his doctorate at the Leibniz Institute of Virology in 1996. In 1996 he joined the UKE as a scientist at the Centre for Bone Marrow Transplantation, where he established the cell and gene therapy focus, became head of the laboratory in 1999 and habilitated in molecular medicine in 2002. Even at that time, he played a leading role in the development and clinical implementation of the first university gene therapy study in Germany to suppress a severe donor-versus-host disease. In 2007, he was appointed Professor of Experimental Paediatric Oncology and Haematology at the Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Hospital in Frankfurt, and in 2009 he became W3 Professor of Cell and Gene Therapy and Head of the research department of the same name at the UKE's Clinic for Stem Cell Transplantation. He has held visiting professorships at the universities in St. Petersburg/Russia and Wuhan/China.

Both new clinic directors have numerous scientific publications in international specialist journals, are active in leading positions in various national and international specialist societies and associations and have been honoured with numerous scientific awards.

Further information on the topic can be found here

To the UKE press release

The UCC Hamburg congratulates him on his appointment and looks forward to working with him in the future!

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March 2025

MSNZ meets Pioneers in Cancer Research - Hans-Guido Wendel visits UCC Hamburg

Start of a new series of events for dialogue with pioneers in cancer research: Hans-Guido Wendel from the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York was the first guest to visit Hamburg.

Networking in a scientific environment - not only within one's own department, but especially across interdisciplinary boundaries - is both professionally and personally enriching and can have a decisive influence on one's own career path. Lectures and events for scientists organised by the University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCC Hamburg), where national and international researchers are invited, offer an excellent opportunity.

Under the title ‘MSNZ meets Pioneers in Cancer Research’, the Mildred Scheel Centre for Young Scientists (MSNZ Hamburg) at UCC Hamburg is initiating a new series of events to provide early-career scientists with access to a professional network and to create a uniform framework for this. ‘Pioneers’ of oncological research are invited to a personal exchange and/or a lecture. A ‘Meet the Speaker’ event then offers the opportunity to make direct contact with the renowned guests in a small group, ask personal questions and find out about opportunities for collaborations or future guest residencies in (inter)national laboratories.

On 6 March 2025, the first speaker was Hans-Guido Wendel from the renowned Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. Originally from Germany, Wendel moved to the renowned New York institute as head of research after spending time in Scotland and the USA, where he and his team have been researching new treatment options for various cancers ever since. One focus of his research is the identification of biological weak points in cancer cells. One focus of the ‘Meet the Speaker’ event was above all the discussion about opportunities for research stays in the USA and the high value of unsolicited applications.

Despite the late hour, more interested scientists and doctors attended the subsequent lecture in Campus Research I on the grounds of the UKE and learnt about Wendel's current research projects. Afterwards, discussions continued over drinks and pretzels and new contacts were made.

We are delighted with the successful launch of the event series and would like to thank German Cancer Aid for making it possible. Interested researchers who would like to present as guest speakers as part of the series or who have requests for personalities to be invited are welcome to send an e-mail to msnz@uke.de .

Photos: Inga Melzer

Further information:

Upcoming events at the UCC Hamburg: UKE - University Cancer Centre Hamburg (UCC Hamburg) - Events at the UCC Hamburg

Mildred Scheel Junior Research Centre (MSNZ Hamburg): UKE - University Cancer Centre Hamburg (UCC Hamburg) - Mildred Scheel Junior Research Centre

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March 2025

Hamburg clears up: Together against HPV

Every year on 4 March, the importance of vaccination against the human papillomavirus (HPV) is highlighted worldwide. This year, various national and Hamburg partners have joined forces for HPV Action Day to emphasise the importance of the HPV vaccination.

Every 20th cancer is due to an infection with human papillomaviruses. HPV refers to a group of viruses with over 200 different types. Some of these viruses are transmitted through intimate contact and skin and mucous membrane contact and are among the most common sexually transmitted infections.

Almost everyone is infected with the virus in the course of their lives, whereby most infections go unnoticed, without any signs of illness, and usually heal without any consequences. However, the body is not always able to fight off the viruses. One possible consequence of an infection can be cervical or vaginal cancer, penile cancer, mouth and throat cancer or genital warts. Vaccination in adolescence protects against infection. While girls have been vaccinated for some time, the Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) at the Robert Koch Institute has also recommended this for boys since 2018.

A joint campaign by the Social Welfare Department of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, the State Institute for Teacher Training and School Development, the Medical Society for Health Promotion (ÄGGF e.V.), the Hamburg Cancer Society, the Dysplasia Centre at Jerusalem Hospital, the Leibniz Institute for Virology, the Head, Neck and Mouth Cancer Self-Help Network and other patient representatives of the UCC Hamburg network was intended to draw attention to the vaccination deficits.

The professional associations have also committed themselves to this campaign, most of whose chairmen were present in person and emphasised their commitment. The professional association of gynaecologists e.V. (BVF), the professional association of ear, nose and throat doctors e.V., the professional association of paediatricians and adolescent doctors e.V. Hamburg, the German Association of Outpatient Physicians for Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine (dagnä) e.V. were involved, Bundesverband der Deutschen Urologie e.V., the Hausärzteverband Hamburg e.V. and the Be-rufsverband der Niedergelassenen Ärztinnen und Ärzte für Hämatologie und Medizinische Onkologie in Deutschland e.V.

The University Cancer Centre Hamburg (UCC Hamburg) invited guests to the main building O10 of the UKE to provide information on the topic. The event was opened with a joint welcome address by Prof Dr Carsten Bokemeyer, Director of the UCC Hamburg, and State Councillor Tim Angerer from the Social Welfare Department. Councillor Angerer also presented the city's ‘The best time is NOW!’ campaign. The campaign motifs can be seen both digitally and analogue on the city information systems (SIA) and on HVV passenger television throughout Hamburg.

Knowledge - Research - Protect was the motto of the day of action. Presentations and information stands in the foyer explained what exactly is behind the virus and when which age groups should be vaccinated. On the 2nd floor, there was a poster exhibition on scientific projects and research work relating to the treatment of HPV diseases. Here, visitors were able to come into contact with researchers from various fields such as gynaecology, ENT, radiotherapy, urology, paediatrics and dermatology. Vaccination against HPV was a key topic. Parallel to the event, vaccinations were offered at the Infectiology Department at the UKE and at nine health authorities and vaccination centres in the city.

Families were previously made aware of this offer via Ranzenpost. A campaign was launched via the social network TikTok with information about the campaign.

‘With our research into HPV-related cancers, we at the UCC Hamburg are helping to better understand the mechanisms of cancer development and to develop innovative, targeted treatment methods. However, the simplest and most important measure is always prevention: By vaccinating girls and boys of childhood and adolescence against HPV, it is possible to effectively protect against these malignant diseases. We are delighted about the great cooperation in the city with all those involved,’ says Prof Dr Carsten Bokemeyer.

Pictures: Anja-Kathrin Meyer, Laura Lehmann

Further information:
To the press release of the Hamburg Social Welfare Authority
Robert Koch Institute (RKI): Answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ) on pathogens and vaccination
The best time is NOW! Hamburg HPV campaign
Medical Association for Health Promotion (ÄGGF e.V.)
To the website of the action day

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February 2025

Breaking down barriers & creating opportunities: Turkish-speaking onco-locums at the UCC Hamburg

Different languages should not be an obstacle in the treatment of (cancer) diseases. Launch of the Turkish-speaking oncology pilot project for needs-orientated healthcare for cancer patients with a migrant background.

Around 4.7 million people in Germany have been diagnosed with cancer - around one in six cancer patients has a migrant background. In the dialogue between patients and doctors, culture, language and religion play a major role on both sides for trust in the recommended treatment and for the common treatment path, but also for the time after cancer. Patients and their relatives should therefore be well informed about the disease and support services at all times.

The pilot service at the UCC Hamburg has long pursued the goal of helping patients to find their way through the complexity and multi-layered nature of cancer and to provide support in addition to the treatment on offer. For example, the guides help patients sort through the wide range of offers and understand medical content. They also provide an overview of self-help groups and how to apply for social benefits.

The ‘Turkish-speaking Onco-Lots:innen (TOL)’ project, funded by German Cancer Aid (DKH) and headed by the two senior physicians Priv.-Doz. Dr Marianne Sinn and Priv.-Doz. Dr Faik G. Uzunoglu at the UCC Hamburg, addresses the bottleneck of language and offers the pilot and cancer information service in Turkish. The aim is to break down language and cultural barriers, facilitate access to cutting-edge oncological medicine at the UCC Hamburg and find the right services for each patient in the network of cooperation partners.

The project was presented to around 40 representatives of Turkish communities and networks from Hamburg and interested parties from the healthcare landscape at the launch event on 24 February 2025 at the Haus des Sports in Hamburg's Schanzenviertel district.

‘We want to break down barriers in the care of cancer patients with a migration background. It shouldn't be the language that makes access to counselling or treatment difficult or even impossible. The project is a great start to further breaking down these barriers to treatment. We are delighted to be able to offer this service at the University Cancer Centre Hamburg with the support of German Cancer Aid,’ emphasised Prof. Dr Katja Weisel, Deputy Director of the UCC Hamburg.

Rüdiger Hintze from the Social Welfare Department - Office for Health, Head of the Addiction, Health Promotion and Reporting and Bioethics Department, gave a greeting from the political sphere. He also endorsed the project idea and wished the project team every success for the benefit of patients and their families.

The project is being scientifically supported by the Institute of Medical Sociology at the UKE and is to be extended to other languages in the future, so that language barriers and cultural background as obstacles to equal opportunities in treatment can be further reduced.

For questions and interest in the project:
Neslihan Güzelsoy
Project Manager Migration Project
Phone: 040 7410- 58463
n.guezelsoy@uke.de

Opening group photo (from left to right): Prof. Dr Katja Weisel, Deputy Director UCC Hamburg; Rüdiger Hintze, Social Welfare Authority - Office for Health, Head of the Department for Addiction, Health Promotion and Reporting, Bio-ethics; Priv.-Doz. Dr Faik G. Uzunoglu, Senior Physician, and Priv.-Doz. Dr Marianne Sinn, senior physician

Pictures: Laura Lehmann

To the offers:
UKE - Turkish-speaking Onko-Lots:innen (TOL)
UKE - Turkish-speaking oncology pilots (TOL) - Türkçe Onkoloji Rehberliği
UKE - University Cancer Centre Hamburg (UCC Hamburg) - UCC Hamburg Lotsendienst

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February 2025

3D-printed medicines used for the first time at the UKE

Sweet instead of bitter tablets in paediatric oncology

For the first time, patients at the University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) are being treated with medicines that have been produced in the clinic's own pharmacy using a 3D printer. In a joint study by the hospital pharmacy and the paediatric oncology department at the UKE, it is being tested whether the individually dosed 3D chewable tablets are preferred by patients compared to conventional, rather bitter medicines. The tablets contain the active ingredient dexamethasone, which is given as a prophylaxis against nausea before some chemotherapies.

‘We are the first clinic in Germany to have developed 3D-printed medicines ourselves and are now administering them to paediatric oncology patients as part of a study. We want to use it to enable more precise drug dosing,’ explains Dr Adrin Dadkhah, Co-Head of Research and Teaching at the UKE Clinical Pharmacy. The new process has been under development at the UKE for three years. The implementation of 3D printing for the production of individually dosed medicines in the existing medication process was successfully tested in a feasibility study previously carried out by the hospital pharmacy.

Young patients are often unable to swallow tablets

Until now, doctors and carers have come up against limits every day when administering medication in paediatrics. Because most active ingredients are not available as drops or juices, they usually have to resort to tablets. However, many children are unable to swallow these: ‘Some of the little patients find the taste so awful or the tablets too big that they can't swallow them,’ explains Priv.-Doz. Dr Beate Winkler, Senior Physician at the Clinic for Paediatric Haematology and Oncology at the UKE. In addition, many drugs have to be dosed according to weight and therefore halved, quartered or crushed if the patient's body weight is low. This also makes exact dosing difficult.

In the study, children who still have two cycles of particularly nausea-inducing chemotherapy ahead of them are given the conventional tablets and the 3D-printed chewable tablets. Children, parents and carers are then asked about both. ‘It's about acceptance on the one hand and complexity on the other, i.e. overall drug therapy safety,’ explains Priv.-Doz. Dr Claudia Langebrake, research group leader of the hospital pharmacy. If the benefits of 3D-printed medicines for patient safety can be demonstrated for the first time in the study, which is expected to run until 2026, pharmacists and doctors already have other possible applications for 3D-printed medicines in mind: Several active ingredients could be combined in one tablet, or medicines could be customised and their dosage could be repeatedly adjusted during the course of therapy.

UKE press release

You can find a detailed (film) article on the topic in the current issue of our research magazine wissen+forschen
Further information: UKE - University Centre for 3D Printing in Medicine and Pharmacy

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February 2025

Exhibition in honor of Hubertus Wald: About the eventful life of the sponsor of our Tumor Center

Hubertus Wald is one of the outstanding personalities of the German economic miracle and, together with his wife Renate Wald, played a key role in the history and development of the Tumor Center at the UKE, which has been supported by the Hubertus Wald Foundation ever since.

To mark the 20th anniversary of Hubertus Wald's death, the Hubertus Wald Tumor Center - University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCC Hamburg) and the Hubertus Wald Foundation opened an exhibition in the Center for Oncology (O24) on 3 February 2025 that pays tribute to his life and work as a patron of the arts in Hamburg. The 11 exhibition panels provide an insight into Hubertus Wald's eventful life and his economic rise during the period of the economic miracle. Influenced by the post-war years, his family and close friendships, he had a flair for people and society as well as a Hanseatic business sense and an unshakeable will to succeed.

Hubertus Wald founded the “Süddeutsche Filmbetriebe Hubertus Wald & Co.” in 1945 and built up a cinema empire over three decades with more than 20 movie theaters. After selling the cinema chain, he became involved in society, took an interest in art and supported various medical and social projects. In 1993, the Walds' donations led to the establishment of the Hubertus Wald Foundation.

At the opening of the exhibition, a wall quote by Hubertus Wald with his profile was ceremoniously unveiled in the O24 entrance area: “I want to do my part to help those people and institutions that bring good into the lives of others.” This quote reflects his philosophy of life and his great desire to share his success in life.

The exhibition also shows the development of the Hubertus Wald Tumor Center. The establishment of the center in 2007 was largely driven by the tireless commitment of his wife, Renate Wald, after Hubertus Wald passed away in 2005. She was passionately committed to making the Tumor Center an important place for cancer research and treatment. At her request, the orange of the Tumor Center was chosen as a life-affirming color that symbolizes hope and the will to heal. The support from the Hubertus Wald Foundation enables additional care services for cancer patients, such as art, music and sports therapies.

“The commitment of Hubertus and Renate Wald was a decisive pioneer for the innovative project to establish an interdisciplinary cancer center at the UKE. Straightforwardness, warm-heartedness and the joy of helping were fundamental building blocks of their work,” says Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer, Head of the Tumor Center.

Research is also essential in the fight against cancer. With foresight, the Hubertus Wald Foundation, for example, sponsors various annual awards that support young scientists and promote entry into the field of oncology. Every two years, the Hubertus Wald Research Prize for Oncology is also awarded to a renowned international researcher.

In the coming days, the exhibition boards will be on display in the waiting area on the 1st floor of the Central Outpatient Clinic of the Center for Oncology in building O24.
Group picture (from left to right): Prof. Klaus Pantel, Prof. Hartwig Huland, Dr. Volkmar Herms, Prof. Carsten Bokemeyer, Prof. Katja Weisel, Rüdiger Ludwig, Prof. Barbara Schmalfeldt, Rainer Bredenkamp and Prof. Sabine Schulze

Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer

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February 2025

World Cancer Day: Providing the best possible support for patients with cancer

Questions for... Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer

More than 500,000 people are currently diagnosed with cancer in Germany every year, with the most common types being breast, prostate, lung and bowel cancer. On the occasion of World Cancer Day on February 4, Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer, Head of the Center for Oncology and Hematology at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) and the University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCC Hamburg), explains current developments in cancer medicine and the importance of holistic support for patients.

Cancer research and treatment have developed rapidly over the past ten years. Which advances are particularly significant?

Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer: In addition to the previously established methods of cancer treatment, i.e. surgical interventions, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, we now have more options at our disposal to better tailor cancer therapy to the patient, depending on the type of cancer and the molecular requirements of the tumour.

Three developments have significantly improved the treatment and prognosis of cancer patients: firstly, the use of various forms of immunotherapy, which help the body's own immune system to better recognize and fight cancer cells. We have made enormous progress with this, particularly in certain types of cancer such as melanoma, lung cancer and bladder cancer. We are currently working with the University Hospital Bonn on the development of nanobodies as another new type of immunotherapy as part of the German Cancer Aid's focus on preclinical drug development.

Secondly, the further development of genome research has made it possible to develop tailored therapies that specifically target certain genetic changes in cancer cells. For various types of cancer, in particular lung cancer, standard research is now being carried out into how therapies can be individually tailored to the patient based on genetic markers. Certified centers of personalized medicine, which have been created in recent years at large cancer centers such as the UCC Hamburg, are doing pioneering work to advance the field together. These centers are now working together in a national cancer genome network.

And thirdly, the development of methods for the early detection of cancer has made enormous progress. Liquid biopsy technologies in particular can use blood samples, tumor DNA or other markers in the blood to help detect cancer earlier or monitor the effectiveness of a therapy. Our UCC Hamburg is a national leader in the field of liquid biopsy techniques.

What else is important in supporting patients with cancer beyond medical care?

Holistic care not only helps patients medically, but also provides emotional, psychological and social support, which can be crucial for recovery and coping with the disease.

Cancer diagnoses and their treatments can cause emotional stress for patients and their relatives. In addition to professional psycho-oncological support, exchanges with other affected people in the form of self-help groups can also provide relief.

Patients should receive lifestyle advice on nutrition and exercise during and after cancer. Due to the increasing success of treatment, the focus has increasingly shifted to patients who have been cured for a long time, the so-called “cancer survivors”. We offer them advice in our “Life after cancer” program. A major funding project from German Cancer Aid will enable us to further develop research into necessary services for cancer survivors at UCC Hamburg over the next four years. Patients and their relatives should receive further support in the area of social integration, including, for example, the social service, which helps with practical and financial issues, such as applying for support or organizing care.

How important are networks in the treatment of patients?

Oncology centers of excellence such as the UCC Hamburg are not only strongly oriented towards international guidelines and evidence-based standards when it comes to the treatment of patients and the direction of cancer research, they are also constantly shaping and improving these through practice-relevant research. In addition to the basic principles of oncology - treatment according to the latest research findings in multidisciplinary teams, taking into account the individual circumstances of the disease - a strong network is crucial to ensure that the results reach the wider population.

Here in the north, we work together with the University Cancer Center Schleswig-Holstein and our network of cooperation partners in the greater Hamburg area to continuously develop the care of oncology patients. In addition, we are also networked with all German top oncology centers - for example in the ONCOnnect joint project - in order to contribute to good nationwide care for all cancer patients in Germany. It is also particularly important to us to empower patients as partners in our network to play a greater role in the healthcare system. We are therefore committed to training them in a patient academy and involving them in various committees, advisory boards and research projects.

To the UKE press release

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January 2025

Major patient congress on prostate cancer

This year's patient congress at the Martini-Klinik was a resounding success: over 800 patients and relatives took part in the live stream with interactive participation options.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in Germany, with over 60,000 new cases every year. With more than 2,600 prostate cancer operations per year, the Martini Clinic at the UKE is not only the largest prostate cancer centre in Germany, but is also one of the leading centres worldwide. No other clinic performs as many prostate removals as the centre. As a prostate cancer centre, the Martini-Klinik is a member of the UCC Hamburg.

This year's patient congress on 17 January invited interested parties to find out about the latest developments in diagnosis and treatment options in 18 different presentations in the live stream from the Martini-Klinik's new building.

In addition to the presentation of the Stockholm3 test for the early detection of prostate cancer, the necessity of prostate biopsies and how aggressive different forms of cancer are to be assessed were explained. A therapeutic look was taken at robot-assisted surgery, radiotherapy of tumours and the removal of lymph nodes. In addition to complementary medicine and psycho-oncological aspects to support recovery, another focus was on the treatment of advanced prostate cancer.

In separate virtual rooms, participants were able to take part in parallel presentations on the opportunities offered by artificial intelligence and brachytherapy. PROM (Patient-Reported Outcome Measures), i.e. the systematic recording of patient health data to enable conclusions to be drawn about long-term recovery from cancer, was also presented here.The highlight of the virtual patient congress was the opportunity for interactive participation. There were numerous opportunities for discussion and many questions from the floor.

We are delighted with the great participation and the successful dialogue.

Further information (links):
About the Martini-Klinik: Martini-Klinik Hamburg
To the prostate cancer patient congress with complete programme: Prostate cancer patient congress
And - a special service. Here you can see the presentations at a glance: www.martini-klinik.de/patientenkongress/vortraege

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January 2025

Studies on the success of stem cell transplantation in patients with myelofibrosis

Studies on the success of stem cell transplantation in patients with myleofibrosis | Anti-nephrin autoantibodies are the cause of the development of kidney diseases (podocytopathies) | State research funding of two million euros for two consortia led by UKE researchers

Researchers at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) have investigated the success of stem cell transplants in patients suffering from the malignant blood disease myelofibrosis in two studies. They have published their respective results in the New England Journal of Medicine and Nature Communications.

In one study, researchers from the Interdisciplinary Clinic and Polyclinic for Stem Cell Transplantation at the UKE examined the genetic mutations underlying myelofibrosis in the blood of patients after a stem cell transplant and analyzed the temporal disappearance of the mutations with overall survival and the risk of relapse. Using specially developed sensitive detection methods (PCR), the scientists were able to show that the disappearance of the mutation detectable before transplantation on day 30 after transplantation is the most important parameter for successful healing. The results were published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Publikation: Gagelmann und Quarder et al. Clearance of Driver Mutations after Transplantation for Myelofibrosis. New England Journal of Medicine. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2408941

In another prospective cohort study, scientists from the Interdisciplinary Clinic and Polyclinic for Stem Cell Transplantation, the Institute of Osteology and Biomechanics and the Clinic and Polyclinic for Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery at the UKE characterized the skeleton of patients with myelofibrosis before and after stem cell transplantation using high-resolution clinical imaging, laboratory analyses and bone biopsy studies. They observed a comprehensive restoration of bone healing and skeletal homeostasis, the process that keeps bone metabolism in balance. While the restoration of bone marrow through stem cell transplantation was already known, the overarching effect on the skeletal system was previously unclear. The researchers have published their findings in the journal Nature Communications.

Publikation: Schäfersküpper und Simon et al. Reconstructing skeletal homeostasis through allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in myelofibrosis. Nature Communications. 2024. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-55915-w

Myelofibrosis is a malignant blood disorder characterized by pronounced scarring of the bone marrow and a deterioration in blood production in conjunction with an enlarged spleen. A genetic mutation typical of the disease can be detected in around 90 percent of patients. The disease can currently only be cured by an allogeneic stem cell transplant.

To the UKE press release

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January 2025

State research funding for two consortia led by UKE researchers

Two research alliances led by the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) will receive state research funding from the Ministry of Science, Research, Equalities and Districts amounting to around one million euros each over a period of up to three years.

On the one hand, the project led by Prof. Dr. Boris Fehse from the Interdisciplinary Clinic and Polyclinic for Stem Cell Transplantation “Transient CAR effector cells: New approaches to their production and efficient application (transCAR)” and, secondly, the ‘Pathogens and autoimmune diseases’ project led by Prof. Dr. Madeleine Bunders from the III Medical Clinic and Polyclinic. Scientists from the University of Hamburg and researchers from the Leibniz Institute of Virology are also involved in both projects.

More on state research funding: Fourth round of state research funding sends a strong signal for Hamburg as a location for science and innovation

To the UKE press release

December 2024

THE PLUS in the fight against cancer - Christmas campaign 2024

On 17 December, the UCC Hamburg celebrated the end of 2024 with a Christmas campaign in the Centre for Oncology. There were biscuits in the shape of a blue plus - in keeping with the German Cancer Aid's campaign ‘We are the Plus’ against cancer.

At the end of 2024, the Directorate and the Executive Board of the University Cancer Centre Hamburg (UCC Hamburg) invited guests to the end of the year in the entrance area of building O24.

Employees, patients, visitors and relatives were welcome - alcohol-free punch, freshly baked cakes and delicious biscuits ensured a festive atmosphere. Particularly worthy of mention: Prof. Katja Weisel, Deputy Director of the UCC Hamburg, had baked the biscuits herself in the colours of German Cancer Aid as part of the ‘We are the plus in the fight against cancer’ campaign - in blue and in the shape of the ‘plus’ symbol. In addition to the great look, the biscuits were also very popular in terms of flavour.

The Christmas campaign was also an opportunity to hand out small prizes with the new UCC Hamburg logo on a wheel of fortune. The tumour centre has had a new look since July 2024.

We wish everyone a happy and relaxing Christmas season and a peaceful New Year!

Information on the German Cancer Aid campaign: Be THE PLUS
News article UCCH becomes UCC Hamburg

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December 2024

Doctoral prizes 2024 of the UKE funding organisation

Five outstanding young scientists were honoured with the UKE doctoral prizes for their excellent doctoral theses in various areas of oncology research.

Every year, the Friends and Sponsors of the University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf e.V. awards doctoral prizes in various subject areas based on the Faculty of Medicine. The aim is to promote young scientists and support young researchers at the start of their careers. The prize money amounts to 2.500 € in each case. This year, the following doctoral prizes were awarded for oncological dissertations:

Egon Bücheler Doctoral Prize for Radiology
Prize winner: Dr Alexander Joachim Giesbert HeitkampClinic and Polyclinic for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Nuclear Medicine

Renate and Claus-Edmund Danger Doctoral Prize for Dermatological Oncology
Prize winner: Dr med. Nadine Larissa FergenClinic and Polyclinic for Dermatology and Venereology

Dieter Kurt Hossfeld Doctoral Prize for Clinical Oncology and Haematology
Prize winner: Dr Fabian FreislebenII. Medical Clinic and Polyclinic for Oncology, Haematology, Bone Marrow Transplantation with Department of Pneumology

Klaus Thomsen Doctoral Prize for Gynaecology and Obstetrics
Prize winner: Dr Maximilian PietschmannClinic and Polyclinic for Gynaecology

Friedrich Zywietz Doctoral Prize for Medical Radiation Biology Awardee:
Dr rer. biol. hum. Ayham MoustafaDepartment of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology

We would like to congratulate the young scientists and wish them every success in their future careers.

Further information:
UKE - Friends and Sponsors of the UKE e.V.
UKE - Friends and Sponsors of the UKE e.V. - Doctoral prizes

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November 2024

Federal Ministry of Education and Research funds joint project for the intraoperative analysis of remote tumour tissue

BMBF funding of 3.3 million euros for UCCSH and UCC Hamburg for the optimisation of tumour tissue samples and their analysis.

In a joint project, scientists from the UCC Hamburg at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), the University Cancer Center Schleswig-Holstein (UCCSH) at the University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Lübeck campus, and the University of Lübeck want to analyse intraoperatively obtained, fragmented tumour tissue using aspirate histology. The ASPIRAT project is now being funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) as part of the German Health Research Programme, Medical Technology programme, with a total of 3.3 million euros over three years. The joint project is being led by the UKSH's Department of Neurosurgery.

812.000 euros of the total sum will go to Prof. Dr Julia Neumann's working group at the Institute of Neuropathology and the Centre for Molecular Neurobiology Hamburg at the UKE. The aim is to analyse and validate aspiration histology.

An ultrasound aspirator is used in 30 to 40 per cent of all operations to remove tumours from the central nervous system. This shatters the tissue and continuously aspirates the resulting tissue fragments with the addition of an irrigation solution. The tumour tissue fragments accumulate as a ‘waste product’ (aspirate).

The aim of the project is to optimise the removal of tumour tissue and to start personalised therapy much earlier thanks to faster diagnosis. In addition, these aspirates are to be immediately examined neuropathologically to show whether the neurosurgeon is still operating on the tumour or is already in tumour-free areas. In addition, the characterisation of the tumour should be facilitated. To this end, the aspirate is to be analysed with the help of a particularly fast form of multiphoton microscopy (imaging flow histology) with AI support during tissue aspiration. An AI-based evaluation system will then be developed.

The joint project between UKSH and UCC Hamburg is an example of the strong collaboration between the two cancer centres with the aim of improving excellent, cutting-edge oncological care for all patients in the north. For this reason, there is a special academic partnership with networking in the fields of translational research, clinical studies, multidisciplinary care & outreach, task forces, patient participation and various events for patients, (young) scientists and doctors.

To the UKE press release

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November 2024

Hamburg Cancer Society research prize awarded to UCC Hamburg young scientists

The Hamburg Cancer Society (HKG) has awarded its 2024 Research Prize to two young scientists from the University Cancer Centre Hamburg (UCC Hamburg) at the UKE. The award, endowed with a total of 10,000 euros, honours outstanding work in cancer research.

The first prize (6500 euros) goes to Dr Lisa Leypoldt, II Medical Clinic and Polyclinic of the UKE, who was honoured for her pioneering research into the treatment of high-risk myelomas. As principal investigator of the GMMG-CONCEPT study, she is investigating a novel quadruple therapy. The results, which have already been incorporated into international guidelines, have the potential to fundamentally improve the treatment of this disease and significantly prolong the survival of high-risk patients. The second prize (3,500 euros) was awarded to Dr Matthias Dottermusch, Institute of Neuropathology, who impressed the jury with his work on the molecular diagnostic classification of pituitary adenomas. His research optimises the classification of these tumours and thus creates an important basis for new therapeutic approaches.

Further information:
Click here for the portrait of Dr Lisa Leypoldt
To the UKE press release ‘UKE study achieves better prognosis for patients with high-risk myeloma’

Photo: UKE, (from left to right): Prof Dr Carsten Bokemeyer, Dr Lisa Leypoldt, Dr Matthias Dottermusch and Franziska Holz

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November 2024

Strengthening prostate self-help in northern Germany

The UCC Hamburg congratulates on the foundation of the ‘Regional Association Prostate Cancer Self-Help North’. The association is intended to bundle self-help activities relating to prostate cancer throughout the north.

The ‘Regional Association Prostate Cancer Self-Help North’ was founded in November 2024 by Michal Witt, Helmut A. Kurtz and Hans-Joachim Fricke. The overarching association unites the prostate cancer self-help groups from Bremen, Lower Saxony, Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein. The aim is to improve the exchange of information and centralise the needs of patients and relatives across city and state borders.

In addition to the academic collaboration between the two University Cancer Centres in Hamburg (UCC Hamburg) and Schleswig-Holstein (UCCSH), the pooling of self-help activities helps to strengthen support services in northern Germany.

Helmut A. Kurtz and Hans-Joachim Fricke are both trained patient ambassadors of the UCC Hamburg and have been active in self-help for many years. We are delighted for the new association and wish it a successful start.

Picture provided by Regional Association Prostate Cancer Self-Help North.

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November 2024

Better cancer medicine for Germany: ONCOnnect joint project launched in Frankfurt

The centres of excellence in oncology are working together to achieve a high quality of care for cancer patients throughout Germany.We at the UCC Hamburg represent the topic of patient involvement.

Over 120 participants from the 14 top oncology centres in Germany, the National Cancer Prevention Centre and patient representatives met at Frankfurt University Hospital on 11 November 2024. The launch event marked the start of the national collaborative project ONCOnnect, which is funded by the German Cancer Aid Foundation. The meeting focussed on networking between the partners and the presentation of initial results from five key fields of action.

Prof Dr Jürgen Graf, Medical Director and Chairman of the Executive Board of University Medicine Frankfurt, welcomed the project partners on site. He explained: ‘The kick-off meeting of the ONCOnnect network lays the foundation for close cooperation, which will be of central importance for improving the care of cancer patients in Germany in the coming years. University medicine has an important role to play here: on the one hand, to spread the advances in cancer medicine and, on the other, to provide patients with access to specialist knowledge and highly complex treatments at university hospitals via well-developed regional networks.’

Five fields of action for concrete improvements
In the ONCOnnect joint project, the network of Comprehensive Cancer Centres (CCCs) is dedicated to the nationwide improvement of local care for cancer patients, which is to be achieved through stronger networking between the CCCs and with the treatment partners in the respective region, known as ‘outreach’ for short. To this end, transferable and scalable best-practice models in five fields of action will be developed at 26 university CCC locations over the three-year project period:

A digital platform for quality-assured information materials is being created in the area of ‘Prevention and early detection’. Specific prevention projects are also being implemented in the professional environment. These measures also involve occupational health management and the company's communication channels.

The topic of ‘patient involvement’ will be addressed by developing information and support services for cancer patients and their relatives. The development of a curriculum for a Germany-wide ‘Patient Competence College’ is also planned.

Activity in the regional networks in the area of ‘clinical trials’ is to be increased and the possibility of access to clinical trials close to home is to be expanded.

The ‘Quality assurance’ field of action is dedicated to improving cooperation between the CCCs and the state cancer registries and the further development of video tumour boards. In addition, the support services that cancer patients really need will be evaluated.

The stakeholders in the ‘Digitalisation of outreach’ field of action want to develop a platform for digital tools and cross-sector networking in the healthcare context.

Prof. Dr. Christian Brandts, ONCOnnect spokesperson and Director of the University Centre for Tumour Diseases (UCT) Frankfurt, sums up: ‘The discussion of the initial results of the task forces and the constructive exchange with all project partners have shown how much potential there is in networking the centres of excellence in oncology. With ONCOnnect, we want to exploit this potential by promoting the exchange of knowledge and experience between the centres of excellence in oncology and thus sustainably improve patient care in Germany.’

Germany-wide networking and knowledge exchange from Frankfurt
The UCC Hamburg contributes to the ONCOnnect network in field of action 2 ‘Patient participation’. This involves the development of a training programme for patients, the ‘Patient Competence College’. The experience gained is primarily based on the pilot project that has been carried out at the UCC Hamburg in recent years. In addition, the UCC Hamburg is leading a multi-centre study to validate a screening for relatives and to create the basis for creating nationwide services for relatives.

The ONCOnnect office, which is responsible for the central coordination of the joint project, is based in Frankfurt. It also coordinates the new Germany-wide network of outreach managers established as part of ONCOnnect. As central contact persons for the regional co-operation partners, they strengthen the networking of the CCCs in their respective regions and support the local projects. In Hamburg, a multi-member team from care and research will be working with the outreach managers over the next three years.

Image material:
Launch of the ONCOnnect joint project at the University Medical Centre Frankfurt: The project members are working together to provide the best possible comprehensive care for cancer patients in Germany.

Image: University Medicine Frankfurt

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November 2024

Giving patients a voice:
Start of training for the 3rd season of patient ambassadors

Actively shaping oncological research and care - this is what the patient ambassadors are trained for are trained by UCC Hamburg and UCCSH. A new season of the Patient Competence Centre North has now started.

With the 3rd season, the Patient Competence Centre North will once again begin a training programme on 8 November 2024 that will enable cancer patients and relatives to become involved as patient ambassadors in oncology.

Together, the two University Cancer Centres Hamburg (UCC Hamburg) and Schleswig-Holstein (UCCSH) offer practice-oriented training that enables participants to actively contribute to the further development of cancer research and clinical care.

What are the pillars of diagnosis and therapy, how does immunotherapy actually work and what are the current challenges in research? All these questions will be addressed as part of the training programme. In a series of 10 sessions, which take place alternately online and at the Hamburg, Kiel and Lübeck locations, participants will gain a sound understanding of the complex processes of cancer research, clinical care and the healthcare system.

Cancer patients and relatives have a wealth of experience from their own medical history or from accompanying their partners, which is very valuable when it comes to improving care structures. They are familiar with the effects of the disease on daily life, the challenges during treatment and the long-term consequences of cancer.

After completing their training, the patient ambassadors work in research projects, conferences, committees, specialist societies or oncological centres of excellence, for example.

Strengthening the patient voice was already adopted at European level in 2021 and calls for the systematic integration of patients in all areas of research and care. Empowering patients to participate is also a core topic of the National Decade Against Cancer of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). We are very pleased that our concept of the Patient Competence Centre North is also supported by the state governments of Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein.

The ONCOnnect joint project was launched in Frankfurt at the same time as the start of the training programme. The project aims to drive forward the improvement of localised care for cancer patients across the board. The UCC Hamburg is responsible for the field of patient involvement.

We wish all participants a good start to their training - we are delighted that you are taking part!

Further information:
Patient Competence Centre NORD: UKE - University Cancer Centre Hamburg (UCC Hamburg) - UCCH Patient Competence Centre
National Decade against Cancer - patient participation: Empowering patients to participate - The National Decade Against Cancer
UCCSH | University Cancer Centre Schleswig-Holstein UCCSH | University Cancer Centre Schleswig-Holstein

Photo: Laura Lehmann

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November 2024

Not only people who are underweight are malnourished

Questions for Dr Geraldine de Heer on the occasion of ‘Nutrition Day’ to raise awareness of malnutrition.The background to this campaign is that up to 40 per cent of hospitalised patients worldwide are affected by disease-related malnutrition.

Dr de Heer, what does ‘Nutrition Day’ on 14 November draw our attention to?

Dr Geraldine de Heer: Nutrition Day is an international campaign to raise awareness of patient nutrition and malnutrition. Hospitals and care homes around the world can take part in a one-day cross-sectional survey to assess nutritional risks. The data is collected anonymously and then analysed. The background to this campaign is that up to 40 per cent of hospitalised patients worldwide are affected by disease-related malnutrition. A high figure - too high!

What are the most common health problems resulting from malnutrition?

Malnutrition is a complex problem that is unfortunately still often underestimated. Many people can be affected by malnutrition, especially older people and people with chronic illnesses such as cancer. However, the issue also affects young people, often people who are socially isolated, who perhaps cannot afford a healthy diet, people who are overweight or underweight. All of these people can be affected by malnutrition. Malnutrition weakens the immune system, which is why we often see infectious complications in our patients. This can result in wound healing disorders. Long-term malnutrition is associated with a reduction in muscle mass and muscle strength, which means that muscles cannot be used where they are needed. This means that people are less mobile, less able to care for themselves or may not be able to breathe properly at all.

How do you treat patients undergoing nutritional therapy?

We examine the patients and see what they need, what they are suffering from. Then we find out what they need, which nutrients, which macronutrients, which micronutrients and which calories are required. And then we make a plan and consider how we can provide this to the patient, whether we use special foods or whether we need to use artificial nutrition. At the UKE, we have highly competent nutritional therapists in various departments. The University Centre for Nutritional Medicine 2024 was founded in order to network even more closely, bring together expertise and make nutritional therapy more visible and stronger.

Do you have another tip for us from a nutritional medicine perspective?

The most important thing we can do is to recognise nutritional problems, malnutrition and the risk of malnutrition at an early stage and take countermeasures in good time. I would also like to see more educational work on the subject of nutrition for people in our society - from an early age, in schools, in day-care centres, so that the importance of nutrition is clear to everyone as early as possible. In particular, I would also like everyone to be able to eat healthily. Realise how important your diet is for you, for your life, your health, your well-being and that of your family!

Further information:
UKE Press release
To the interview format with Dr Geraldine de Heer

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October 2024

CONNECT - Announcement of the new grants 2025

As part of the CONNECT initiative, four grants of €50,000 each were awarded to cross-site research teams from UKE/UCC Hamburg and UKSH/UCCSH with the participation of researchers in early career stages.

To strengthen the collaboration between the University Cancer Centre Hamburg (UCC Hamburg) and the University Cancer Centre Schleswig-Holstein (UCCSH) and to network scientists, especially in early career phases, the CONNECT (Cooperative NORD-Networking for Early Career Teams) Grants for cross-site projects have been announced for the third time. The funding starts on 1 January 2025 and runs for 12 months. The funding volume is €50,000 per project.

Teams of young researchers from both locations once again had the opportunity to jointly develop and submit a project proposal. This year, a total of 14 applications were submitted and reviewed, describing exciting project ideas from the joint focal points of the locations.

After obtaining a total of four independent expert opinions from Kiel, Lübeck and Hamburg, the following four applications were selected as the best and therefore eligible for funding:

1. Dr. Jan Hahn, Section Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, UKE and Dr. David Holthaus, Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, UKSH, Campus Kiel: Resistance profiling of individual ovarian cancer organoids using an image-guided laser system for comprehensive omics analyses

2. Dr. Masoud Darabi, Department of Hematology and Oncology, UKSH, Campus Lübeck and Dr. Marceline Manka Fuh, Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, UKE: Surface lipids and their transporters in extracellular vesicles as biomarkers for thrombosis in cancer

3. Dr. Inken Flörkemeier, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, UKSH, Campus Kiel and Dr. Sabrina Köcher, Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, UKE: Comparison of patient-derived ovarian tumour slice cultures and primary tumour spheroids as powerful tools for pre-cision medicine

4. Dr. Marius Möller, Institute for Experimental Dermatology, UKSH, Campus Lübeck and Dr. Layla Riemann, Institute for Applied Medical Informatics, UKE: Creation of a synthetic patient and omics cohort for research in precision oncology

Two of the applications selected for funding this year were also resubmissions from the previous year, which shows that even if an application is rejected, it can be useful and promising to obtain feedback from the reviewers, revise the applications and resubmit them.

We would like to congratulate the selected project teams and wish them every success with their research projects.

Photo: MSNZ symbol image

Further information:
MSNZ Hamburg
Connect tender

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October 2024

DGU honorary memberships for Prof. Gunhild von Amsberg

Prof. Dr. Gunhild von Amsberg is the first woman and second German internal oncologist to be awarded honorary membership of the German Society of Urology (DGU). This honor is awarded to doctors and scientists who have made outstanding contributions to urological science or the society.

During the annual meeting of the German Urological Society (DGU) from September 25 to 28, 2024 in Leipzig, Prof. Dr. Gunhild von Amsberg was awarded honorary membership of the DGU. Prof. von Amsberg holds a bridge professorship for uro-oncology with a focus on systemic therapy of prostate cancer at the Oncology Center and the Martini Clinic of the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE). The Martini Clinic is part of the University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCC Hamburg). Her work focuses on innovative therapy concepts in uro-oncology as well as concepts for clinical phase 1 to 3 trials. In close cooperation with an international team of colleagues, she develops new therapeutic strategies in the preclinical field with her laboratory for experimental oncology.

Another focus is research into the development of resistance with the development of aggressive forms of prostate cancer, including its neuroendocrine variant. Prof. von Amsberg is a member of the S3 guideline committees for prostate, bladder and penile carcinomas as well as the independent data monitoring committee of the Swiss Group for Clinical Cancer Research (SAKK). The new honorary member of the DGU is author or co-author of more than 100 peer-reviewed articles and has received various scientific awards. She is the mother of three children aged six, eight and ten.

The award was also presented to Prof. Hans-Peter Schmid, former senior physician at the Urological University Clinic in Bern.

We are delighted and congratulate him on this special award!

Picture provided by Interplan/DGU (from left to right): Prof. Maurice Stephan Michel (Secretary General and Board Spokesman of the DGU), Prof. Dr. Gunhild von Amsberg (DGU Honorary Member), Prof. Jürgen Gschwend (Congress President DGU Annual Meeting 2024)

Further information:
Article UroForum

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October 2024

Annual Meeting of the DGHO 2024 in Basel

“Shaping innovations together and meeting challenges together” was the motto of this year's DGHO Annual Meeting from October 11 to 14, 2024. Numerous colleagues from the UCC Hamburg were on site in the city on the Rhine.

Around 5,500 participants attended the annual meeting of the German, Austrian and Swiss Societies for Hematology and Medical Oncology in Basel. Last year, Hamburg hosted the congress, which is the largest of its kind in the German-speaking world. With a comprehensive program on current developments in the diagnosis and treatment of haematological and oncological diseases, this year's congress was once again a wonderful place to exchange, inform and discuss.

A central topic was the use of artificial intelligence (AI), which can potentially make diagnoses more precise and optimize personalized therapies. Experts discussed how AI can be used in clinical practice to improve early detection and personalized therapies.

The need for interdisciplinary networks for patient care was also emphasized, particularly in the context of the upcoming hospital reform in Germany. Innovative approaches require cooperation between specialized centers and municipal facilities so that close links to the specialized centers are also possible in structurally weak areas. This requires IT solutions for virtual tumor boards and contact points for questions from partners in private practice.

The specialist societies emphasized their role in health policy issues, particularly with regard to the future benefit assessment of new drugs at European level. In addition, the importance of mentorship and exchange between experienced specialists and young professionals was emphasized in order to promote future innovations in the field of haematology and oncology.

In addition to research prizes, honorary memberships of the DGHO were also awarded this year. Prof. Dr. med. Ulrich Kleeberg founded the first oncology specialist practice in the Federal Republic of Germany in Hamburg in 1976. His work was instrumental in the introduction of outpatient care for patients with cancer. The practice still exists today as Onkologicum HOPA and is a long-standing cooperation partner of the UCC Hamburg.

We congratulate her on her honorary membership and look forward to the next annual meeting of the DGHO in Cologne in 2025.

Photo: Anne Kamitz

Further information:
To the press release of the DGHO Annual Conference 2024
Annual Conference of the German Society for Hematology and Medical Oncology

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October 2024

100 years of dietetics at the UKE

On 15 October 2024, the UKE Academy for Education & Careers celebrated the 100th anniversary of dietetics at the UKE with a symposium. Colleagues from the UCC Hamburg presented their diverse profession as nutritionists and dietitians.

Diet plays a major role, especially in the case of illness. It is not only about providing the body with the right nutrients, but also about targeted support, e.g. for the immune system. The event provided a platform for dialogue about the future of nutritional therapy.

The event was opened by Senator Katharina Fegebank, Second Mayor of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, who emphasised the importance of dietetics in modern medicine. Joachim Prölß, Director of Patient and Care Management, emphasised the integrative role of dietitians in the healthcare system in his speech.

Julia von Grundherr, M.A. Public Health, B. Sc. Dietetics, Dietitian, and Raika Mühlberg, B. Sc. Dietetics, Dietitian, from the University Cancer Centre Hamburg (UCC Hamburg), took part in the panel discussion ‘After training - career paths as a dietitian’. The discussion covered tips for career starters on job selection, career planning (obstacles, detours), networking opportunities, possibilities for using AI in dietetics and nutrition therapy in the context of outpatient treatment.

Nutritional therapy plays an important role in all phases of cancer - from prevention to aftercare. During tumour therapy, nutritional therapy has been proven to contribute to the effective management of side effects, and the prevention and treatment of malnutrition can have a positive impact on quality and duration of life.

The event was complemented by a poster exhibition and numerous networking opportunities, providing a valuable framework for dialogue between the specialist areas.

Photo: Julia von Grundherr

Further information:
UKE Academy for Education & Career

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October 2024

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Good chances of recovery with early diagnosis

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women: in Germany alone, over 70,000 women are diagnosed with the disease every year.Improved therapies and opportunities for early detection and prevention have ensured that the chances of curing breast cancer are constantly improving.To mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, Dr. Lisa Steinhilper, Head of the University Breast Center Hamburg at the University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCC Hamburg) of the UKE, provides information about the disease, diagnosis and treatment options.

Dr. Steinhilper, how common is breast cancer?

Dr. Lisa Steinhilper: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women; statistically, one in eight women will develop breast cancer in the course of her life. The risk for men is significantly lower. Less than one percent of men develop breast cancer. The good news is that the chances of recovery are very good - the earlier the diagnosis is made, the better. This is why prevention and early detection play such an important role.

What can you do to prevent breast cancer?

Breast cancer is a multifactorial disease, so various causes can contribute to whether a person develops breast cancer or not. We cannot influence factors such as age, breast density, genetics or our own hormone levels. Lifestyle factors, such as maintaining a normal weight, physical activity, a balanced diet and little or no nicotine and alcohol, are within our control and we can reduce our personal risk of developing breast cancer.

How is the diagnosis made?

Some patients notice changes in their breasts themselves, or a finding is made as part of mammography screening or by a gynecologist in private practice as part of preventive care. If this is conspicuous, a referral is made to a radiology department or a breast center for further diagnostics. If there are any abnormalities, the disease can be confirmed or ruled out by taking a histological sample from the breast.

What treatment options are there?

Breast cancer treatment is becoming increasingly individualized and therefore more complex. The most suitable therapy depends on many different factors, including the tumor biology, but also the patient's age and secondary diseases. The therapy is multimodal, i.e. with different treatment approaches. Surgery is almost always performed, and for many patients this is followed by radiotherapy. There are also systemic treatment steps, which means that the entire body is treated, for example with chemotherapy, which fortunately is becoming less and less necessary, or with anti-hormonal therapy in the form of tablets.

What distinguishes the University Breast Center Hamburg?

The University Breast Center Hamburg is characterized above all by a high degree of interprofessionalism and interdisciplinarity. Under one roof, we can contact experts from all departments quickly and directly and discuss treatment plans for patients together. Patients are the focus of our attention.

Further information:
Press release UKE
to the Asked?! format - Dr. Lisa Steinhilper

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October 2024

Hubertus Wald Young Talent Award 2024 and UCC Hamburg Research Fellowships 2025 presented

“Individual care for each person and special groups of people in palliative and hospice care” was the focus of this year's “Palliative Care Day at the UKE”.A total of 180 participants from various professional groups and interdisciplinary specialist areas took part.

Every year, the UCC Hamburg awards various research prizes from the Hubertus Wald Foundation to (young) scientists. Special research achievements are honored with the Hubertus Wald Junior Investigator Award in Oncology Research, the Junior Investigator Award in Psychosocial Cancer Research, the Hubertus Wald Poster Prize and, for the first time this year, the Science Communication Award for the best graphic presentation of a research topic.

The award winners and scholarship holders were selected and announced at the XVI UCC Hamburg Research Retreat on July 12 and 13, 2024. We congratulate them and wish them every success for their future research!

Hubertus Wald Junior Investigator Award for Oncology Research 2024:

• Nele Köppen

Hubertus Wald Junior Investigator Award for Psychosocial Cancer Research 2024:

• Anneke Ullrich

Science Communication Award 2024:

• Sandra Classen

Hubertus Wald Poster Prize 2024:

• Clara Haufschild

UCCH Research Fellowship 2025:

• Mina Langhein
• Leoni Ramke
• Natasha Schweitzer

Photo: Laura Lehmann

Further information:
Hubertus Wald Young Talent Award 2024 and UCC Hamburg Research Fellowships 2025 presented

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October 2024

Former cancer patients master the Hamburg Köhlbrand Bridge Run

12.3 km over Hamburg's most famous bridge - that's what former cancer patients dared to do at the prestigious Köhlbrand Bridge Run on October 3, 2024. With great weather and numerous spectators, personal bests were achieved.

The conditions on race day were ideal: With a mild 15 degrees and bright sunshine, numerous spectators welcomed the runners at the foot of the bridge. The course of the Köhlbrand Bridge Run was 12.3 kilometers, with the highest point of the bridge becoming the turning point. As the bridge is not accessible to pedestrians, this run offered participants the unique opportunity to experience Hamburg from a perspective that is otherwise not possible. The start and finish were therefore at the foot of the bridge.

The participants from the University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCC Hamburg) belong to the AYA group (Adolescents and Young Adults) aged 18 to 39 and trained for the run as part of the Redy Go study. The aim of the study was to enable the young adults to return to physical fitness quickly after completing their therapies. Germany's largest bridge run was the training goal. Some colleagues from the UCC Hamburg supported the runners.

Under expert supervision, the athletes met weekly for running training, often directly after finishing their therapies. The training was not only physically challenging, but also offered a valuable space for exchange and support among like-minded people.The patients' entry fees and the Redy Go study were funded by Hamburg Cancer Aid.We congratulate the former cancer patients on their impressive achievement.

Photo: Simon Elmers

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September 2024

Palliative care for special groups of people - Palliative Care Day at the UKE 2024

“Individual care for each person and special groups of people in palliative and hospice care” was the focus of this year's “Palliative Care Day at the UKE”. A total of 180 participants from various professional groups and interdisciplinary specialist areas took part.

On Saturday, September 14, representatives of palliative care came together on the grounds of the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) to discuss current developments in the holistic care of people suffering from incurable, progressive and terminal illnesses.

The program consisted of four practical presentations by renowned speakers in the morning and twelve workshops in two sessions in the afternoon. Dr. Anna Westmair, specialist in psychosomatic medicine and psychotherapy as well as palliative medicine, clinical ethicist and researcher at the Universities of Zurich and Basel, kicked off the event with a lecture on palliative care for people with psychiatric (concomitant) illnesses. This was followed by Prof. Dr. Haci-Halil Uslucan, Director of the Center for Turkish Studies and Integration Research and Professor of Modern Turkish Studies and Integration Research at the University of Duisburg-Essen, who spoke about hospice and palliative care for people with a history or background of migration and drew attention to the special needs or challenges. After a short break for refreshments and to get into conversation with each other, two further presentations formed the lunch program. Dipl.-Psych. Christina Demmerle, long-time head of psycho-oncology at Frankfurt University Hospital, gave a talk on individual interaction in a multi-professional team and Heiner Melching, Managing Director of the German Society for Palliative Medicine, presented the role of the German Society for Palliative Medicine in everyday palliative medical care.

Afterwards, all participants had the opportunity to take part in the numerous workshops on topics such as end-of-life care, art therapy, nutritional therapy and support for relatives. Here, the participants were able to work on the various topics of general and specialized palliative and hospice care in a pleasant and constructive atmosphere, multi-professionally and under the guidance of lecturers from all over Germany and Switzerland. Overall, the workshop phase of the day focused on co-care for relatives, symptom relief and forms of therapy, decision-making and therapy goal setting, as well as self-care.

We are delighted with the very successful exchange and would like to take this opportunity to thank all participants, workshop leaders, speakers and the Förderverein der Palliativmedizin am UKE e.V. (Association for the Promotion of Palliative Medicine at the UKE).

Further information:
on palliative medicine at the UCC Hamburg
to the palliative care support association

Photo: Nikolas Oubaid

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September 2024

Awareness Week: Hereditary cancer

The UCC Hamburg is supporting the first “Hereditary Cancer” campaign week of the BRCA Network. From September 30 to October 6, the spotlight will be on cancer in the family.

In the run-up to Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, the campaign aims to raise awareness of cancer in the family. Knowing about a possible hereditary increased risk offers the chance to detect cancer early and, in the best case, prevent it. Cancer is caused by changes in the genes. Most cancers develop spontaneously. This means that changes in the genes can occur in the course of a person's life that transform healthy body cells into tumor cells. These changes only take place in the cancer cells and cannot be passed on to offspring.

Which cancers can be hereditary?

It is estimated that around 15 percent of all cancers are caused by a hereditary predisposition. In the mid-1990s, the first changes were found in genes that increase the risk of breast cancer, for example. They were called BRCA 1 and 2 (derived from the English word for breast cancer: Breast Cancer). Research has now progressed much further. Numerous other gene variants have been found that can increase the risk of various cancers, such as ovarian cancer, bowel cancer, prostate cancer and several others. Prevention options have also been developed to counter the risk of cancer in the best possible way.

Check your family history!

Hence our appeal: take a close look at your family history! If cancer occurs more frequently, and possibly at a young age, this may be an indication. Your family includes parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and even cousins. A human genetic consultation at a specialized center and, if necessary, a genetic test can provide clarity. On the one hand, this can provide relief if heredity is not confirmed. On the other hand, if a hereditary predisposition is detected, the test can provide clarity about the personal risk and active action can be taken.

How high is the risk?

Both mother and father can be carriers of a genetic mutation. The risk of passing on a genetic mutation to children is 50 percent for each individual child, regardless of gender. Even if a hereditary increased risk of cancer has been confirmed, this does not necessarily mean that the child will develop cancer.

An individual risk assessment and preventive measures are possible. To do this, it is important to familiarize yourself with your own family history.

Week of information on the topic

We are joining the US FORCE network with this initiative and would like to use this week to raise awareness and knowledge about hereditary cancers. We would like to make a start for Germany this year and further develop the campaign week in the following years together with other patient and self-help organizations as well as other healthcare providers. The aim is to raise awareness of hereditary cancers on as broad a basis as possible. Knowledge is an opportunity and helps to make decisions.

Let's act together and join in: Share knowledge!

Topics of the 1st Hereditary Cancer Action Week:
Monday: What are hereditary cancers anyway?
Tuesday: Cancer in the family: Who can I turn to?
Wednesday: Previvor Day: Not sick but still affected!
Thursday: Genetic testing: What tests are available and what results are possible?
Friday: Prevention: What early detection and prevention can I take advantage of?
Saturday: Diagnosed with cancer: Will a test help me?
Sunday: Lifestyle: How can I influence my risk?

Further information:
BRCA-Network
To the services of the Center for Familial Breast and Ovarian Cancer
University Breast Center Hamburg
Consultation hours for hereditary tumor diseases at the UCC Hamburg

Picture: BRCA-Netzwerk e.V.

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September 2024

UCCH becomes UCC Hamburg - New look for the Cancer Centre

This year, the University Cancer Centre Hamburg not only turned 15 years old, but has also been given a new look to mark this anniversary. Fresh, modern and Hanseatic, the UCC Hamburg has a new logo and a new orange colour.

15 years of the Tumour Centre and top oncology funding is a long time, characterised by medical developments, a growing interdisciplinary network and more and more people working together inside and outside the UKE for the benefit of patients.

UCCH becomes UCC Hamburg - Our Cancer Centre

In order to increase the recognisability of the Cancer Centre and to emphasise the connection to the city of Hamburg, we have decided on the short form ‘UCC Hamburg’. Our new logo symbolises the connection of two cancer loops, which underlines the network approach of our work. At the same time, we have opted for a darker shade of orange, which further emphasises the modern appearance.

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New visual identity for organ cancer centres and partners

The University Cancer Center Hamburg sees itself as a comprehensive competence network consisting of numerous centres, clinics, oncological specialist practices, research partners, patient representatives, self-help groups and other institutions. Together, we bring the term "Comprehensive Cancer Centre" to life and offer cutting-edge medicine for the entire north of Germany.

In order to visually underline this mission, we have developed a “label” for our network members, which is used within the UKE for our organ cancer centres and partners.

For external partners outside the UKE, the label offers the option of adapting the grey lettering "In the network of cutting-edge oncological medicine UCC Hamburg" and the second part of the ribbon in the respective corporate colours.

The UCC Hamburg communications team is available to assist you with this and all other questions at any time: Avin Hell ( a.hell@uke.de ) and Laura Lehmann ( la.lehmann@uke.de )

Further information:
News article 15 years of UCC Hamburg

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September 2024

UCC Hamburg at the Research Retreat of the University Cancer Centre Schleswig-Holstein (UCCSH)

On 6 and 7 September 2024, the 3rd UCCSH Research Retreat took place in Bad Segeberg with exciting lectures, stimulating discussions and numerous networking opportunities. The award ceremonies were among the special highlights.

Under the motto "Rising Together", a wide range of lectures on the Cancer Centre's main research areas and activities were presented in perfect summer weather. The retreat also offered numerous opportunities for dialogue and networking.

The University Cancer Centre Schleswig-Holstein at the University Medical Centre Schleswig-Holstein and the University Cancer Centre Hamburg at the University Medical Centre Hamburg Eppendorf (UKE) are linked by a close partnership: In the interests of top oncological care in northern Germany, intensive networking is already taking place in the fields of translational research, clinical studies, multidisciplinary care & outreach, various task forces, patient participation and various events for patients, (young) scientists and doctors.

The retreat officially kicked off with a series of presentations that introduced developments in the UCCSH's focus areas. In addition, the topics of the last two NORD workshops on ‘Immuno-oncology’ and "Liquid Biopsy" were recapitulated, the start-up landscape in Schleswig-Holstein was highlighted and the results of the past and winners of the new TWINNING grants were presented.

The presentation of the Science Communications Awards was another highlight of the evening, with young researchers being honoured in the "scientific community" and ‘public’ categories for their comprehensible explanation of research projects using graphic abstracts.

Particularly noteworthy was the presentation of the UCCSH Activity Award to Antonia Lucas and Prof Susanne Sebens, who had called for a jump into the Baltic Sea in February 2024 as part of the "Icecold against cancer" initiative to mark World Cancer Day.

The second day was focussed on the future. Future activities in the areas of "Health Care Research" and "Precision Oncology" were planned in rotating workshops, while data streams in oncology were discussed in the concluding ‘Data Summit’.

Thank you for a great event.

Further information:
Universitäres Cancer Center Schleswig-Holstein (UCCSH)

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September 2024

Rowing against cancer 2024: start, pull through and the goal in sight

Rowing against cancer started with almost 90 double fours in perfect weather conditions on the Outer Alster in Hamburg on 8 September. Team cohesion, the enjoyment of the activity and the excitement of the competition were clearly noticeable in all the teams.

30 degrees, sunshine and hardly any wind - even though headgear and plenty to drink were essential, the conditions for rowing could hardly have been better. A new feature of Rowing Against Cancer was the start of the patient races. 9 patient boats had registered, which was a record for the Hamburg charity regatta. Particularly loud applause and cheers rang out across Hamburg's Outer Alster as the patient boats approached the finish line. All participants were delighted to receive their medals, which in many cases symbolised not only their athletic performance, but also their fight back to life after cancer.

The organisers of the charity regatta were delighted with them - Katharina von Kodolitsch (President of the Hamburg Sports Association), Oliver Bettzieche (Living with Cancer Foundation), Prof. Dr. Blanche Schwappach-Pignataro (Dean of the UKE), Prof. Dr Carsten Bokemeyer and Prof Dr Katja Weisel (UCC Hamburg Board of Directors), Jörn Franck (Deputy Chairman of the HANSA Rowing Association), moderators Avin Hell (UCC Hamburg) and Stephan Froelke (RG HANSA) as well as many representatives of the sponsors. Christoph Holstein (State Councillor for Sport), representing the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, was exceptionally unable to attend this year as he sent his good wishes for a successful regatta from the Paralympic Games in Paris.

After the preliminary runs, the participating rowers competed in the novice and expert finals. The first-placed teams were ‘copy-druck’ (gold), ‘RVB gegen Krebs’ (silver) and ‘Hoppetosse’ (bronze) in the novice category and ‘Herzschlag’ (gold), ‘Fifty Shades of Gray’ (silver) and ‘HCOB Mirlattenmuschlhagen’ (bronze) in the expert category.

The summery atmosphere on land was clearly noticeable. Many hospitals and oncological cooperation partners were also there with their teams. The local sponsors Hamburg Commercial Bank (HCOB), the Hapag Llyod Foundation, the Asklepios Tumour Centre Hamburg and Indivumed Therapeutics were able to further strengthen the commitment to the good cause with their substantial contributions alongside the nationwide supporters.

Rowing against Cancer is organised by the Living with Cancer Foundation (Stiftung Leben mit Krebs) in cooperation with the University Cancer Centre (UCC) Hamburg and the HANSA e.V. rowing association (Ruder-Gesellschaft HANSA e.V). The proceeds will be used to support medically supervised sports and exercise therapies for patients with cancer at the Hubertus Wald Tumour Centre - University Cancer Centre (UCC) Hamburg of the UKE.

Congratulations to all participants!

Photos: Jasper Ehrich, Living with Cancer Foundation

Further information:
Charity regatta rowing against cancer
The Living with Cancer Foundation (Stiftung Leben mit Krebs)
RG Hansa Hamburg

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September 2024

"Do you want to walk with me?"
National Cancer Prevention Week - Exercise as the key to fighting cancer

From the 9th to the 15th of September 2024, the focus will be on physical activity. Exercise is good for body and soul and helps to prevent illness and reduce the risk of cancer.

Around 6% of all cancers in Germany are caused by a lack of exercise. The National Cancer Prevention Week, initiated by German Cancer Aid (DKH), the German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ) and the German Cancer Society (DKG), takes this as an opportunity to draw attention to the lack of exercise in everyday life.

Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of numerous types of cancer. ‘The effect is particularly significant for common tumour types such as breast and bowel cancer. Studies show that the risk of these types of cancer can be reduced by 20 to 30 per cent through physical activity. A positive effect has also been proven for cancers of the stomach, bladder and kidney. Exercise has an anti-inflammatory effect, regulates the hormone balance and strengthens the immune system - all of which help to reduce the risk of cancer,’ says Prof Dr Carsten Bokemeyer, Director of the University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCCH).

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of intensive exercise per week. However, even shorter units have a positive effect on health. The most important thing is that exercise, e.g. walking, swimming, dancing or taking the stairs instead of the lift, becomes an integral part of everyday life. To mark Prevention Week, posters from the campaign will be displayed in the frequently used stairwells at UCCH with ‘Will you climb the stairs with me?’ and ‘Will you cycle with me?’.

What's more, exercise is easier when you enjoy it in company. This is where the German Cancer Aid's #MitMirGehen (WalkWithMe) campaign comes in and motivates people to go for walks together in the fresh air. It doesn't always have to be the gym, the nearest park can also be an invitation to exercise. Our sports scientist Simon Elmers at UCCH shares 3 exercises as inspiration for your workout:

Exercise 1: Squats

Legs hip-width apart, toes slightly outwards. Extend your hands forwards, bend your knees until your thighs and lower legs are at a 90° angle, keep your upper body straight (3 sets, 10-15 repetitions each).

Exercise 2: Superman

Bench position (quadruped stance), arms and thighs vertical, hands and knees resting on the floor, alternately stretch one leg and the opposite arm until leg and arm are parallel to the floor, note: body forms a straight line from hand to heel during execution (3 sets, 5-10 repetitions per leg, hold for approx. 5 seconds each).

Exercise 3: The beetle

Lying on your back, legs bent, feet resting completely on the floor, arms straight out past the hips without touching the floor, slightly raise your upper body, lift your legs off the floor and alternately pull them up and out again without touching the floor. Note: the shoulder blades do not touch the floor during the exercise, lumbar spine does not leave the floor during the entire exercise (3 sets, 15-30 seconds each).

Further information:
Cancer Prevention Week
German Cancer Aid | Help. Research. Inform. (Deutsche Krebshilfe)
German Cancer Research Centre (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum)
Internet portal of the German Cancer Society (Deutsche Krebsgesellschaft)
UKE - Universitäres Cancer Center Hamburg (UCCH) - UCCH Exercise programmes

Pictures: Avin Hell, Simon Elmers

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August 2024

Sports and exercise therapy programme for children and young people with cancer expanded

In cooperation with Techniker Krankenkasse (TK), the University Cancer Centre (UCC) Hamburg at the University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) is consolidating its sports therapy programme for children and young people suffering from cancer.

TK-insured patients between the ages of three and 18 have the opportunity to receive close supervision from the UKE's sports therapists during inpatient and outpatient treatment and for up to two years after diagnosis, as well as quality-assured sports and exercise therapy. In addition to inpatient sports sessions during the therapy period, the programme includes parent-child counselling for returning to group activities and joint exercise for children and parents, as well as introductory days for new sports and a continuation of sports therapy, for example in local sports clubs.

"Promoting exercise is an important building block for better coping with acute and long-term disease and therapy-related side effects of cancer. We are delighted that, together with the TK, we can now offer our sports and exercise therapy to even more patients", says sports scientist Simon Elmers from UCC Hamburg. "It's great that we are now one of four locations in Germany where exercise promotion programmes for children and adolescents with cancer are included in standard care - we want to further expand this range of services", says Priv.-Doz. Dr Gabriele Escherich, Clinic for Paediatric Haematology and Oncology at the UKE.

To the UKE press release

Picture: Pexels

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July 2024

Obituary: We mourn the loss of Prof. Dr. med. Udo Schumacher

The UCCH Executive Board and the Board of Directors mourn the loss of Prof. Udo Schumacher, MD, who passed away unexpectedly on July 23, 2024 at the age of 67.

Prof. Schumacher played a key role in shaping the experimental scientific development of the UCCH for many years. One of his major research topics was metastasis, driven by the knowledge that the majority of cancer patients do not die from their primary tumor, but from the development of metastases. With his enormous expertise in xenograft tumor models and tumor physiology, he has provided important impetus for research into metastases. In addition, he has significantly supported collaboration in joint projects at the UCCH.

In 1997, he was appointed Director of the Institute of Anatomy and Experimental Morphology at the UKE, where he worked for 25 years. Prof. Schumacher established numerous xenograft models for research into the mechanisms of metastasis in cancer. His life as a researcher was certainly not enough to achieve his goal of "cracking metastasis", but he was able to make important contributions along the way. He inspired numerous scientists with his ideas and theories, resulting in the formation of a successful working group that lasted for many years. His personal, unconventional way of approaching other people in an appreciative manner opened many doors for him. In addition to his research, the anatomical education of young medical students was also close to his heart, so that in 2005, together with Prof. Dr. Dr. Michael Schünke and Prof. Dr. Erich Schulte, he launched the "Prometheus" learning atlas - now one of the standard works of anatomical teaching worldwide. His entire life has been characterized by his tireless, multifaceted research drive in search of useful knowledge.

On September 27, 2022, he retired from the UKE in the company of his working group. He joined the Medical School Berlin to continue his work there as a lecturer. He also continued to support important ideas, research projects and company start-ups. He remained in contact with his old working group.

We are deeply saddened by his sudden death. Our sympathy and heartfelt condolences go especially to his family, friends and colleagues.

To the complete obituary

Picture: UKE

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July 2024

15 years of oncological care at the highest level

In 2009, German Cancer Aid awarded the Hubertus Wald Tumor Center - University Cancer Center (UCC) Hamburg of the UKE the title of Oncological Center of Excellence for the first time. Since then, the UCC Hamburg has introduced new diagnostic and therapeutic procedures as well as a wide range of support and counseling services. In this interview, its Board of Directors takes a look back and into the future.

In addition to 15 years of outstanding oncological care at UCC Hamburg, 50 years of German Cancer Aid were also celebrated on Wednesday with 170 network and patient representatives. The First Mayor of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, Dr. Peter Tschentscher, the Chairman of the Board of the German Cancer Aid Foundation Gerd Nettekoven and the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and UKE Board Member Prof. Dr. Blanche Schwappach-Pignataro gave welcoming speeches. Another reason to celebrate: German Cancer Aid had announced immediately before the event that the UCC Hamburg would receive further follow-up funding totaling 2.2 million euros over a period of two years.

In an interview to mark the anniversary, the Board of Directors of the UCC Hamburg, Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer, Prof. Dr. Katja Weisel and Prof. Dr. Kai Rothkamm, look back on the past 15 years, describe the special achievements of the Center of Excellence in Oncology and give an outlook on the future of cancer medicine at the site.

What exactly is an Oncology Center of Excellence and how does it differ from other cancer centers? What makes the Hamburg site special?

Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer: The centers of excellence funded by German Cancer Aid have a particularly high level of patient care, cancer research and the establishment of structures to bring cutting-edge medicine to a wider audience. This includes excellence in cooperation between the various specialist disciplines, such as in the tumor boards, the creation of a central point of contact for tumor patients, programs for personalized medicine, accompanying treatment, aftercare and prevention of cancer. Oncological centers of excellence are characterized by a high level of research activity, which should directly benefit patients. Also of great importance is a large network with specialist colleagues in the surrounding clinics and practices, with whom it is jointly achieved that patients receive access to tailor-made care and innovative study concepts. In recent years, there has also been an increasing focus on involving patient representatives in the decision-making bodies of the centers of excellence and on programs that see patients as equal partners in cancer treatment. Within the network of centers of excellence, our UCC Hamburg focuses on the treatment of prostate cancer, among other things. But the UCC Hamburg also plays a leading role nationally and internationally in the field of blood stem cell transplantation, the treatment of certain types of blood and bone marrow cancer, childhood brain tumors, urogenital tumors and pancreatic cancer, as well as in psycho-oncology and palliative medicine.

What have patients at UCC Hamburg benefited from most over the past 15 years? What have been exemplary improvements in care?

Prof. Dr. Katja Weisel: Patients have benefited above all from the extensive and standardized cooperation between the various specialist disciplines. This is evident in the many tumor conferences held every day, in which more than 18,000 individual patient cases are discussed each year, but also, for example, in the central contact point, which offers numerous interdisciplinary consultation hours. Another major advance is the close integration of clinical and research work, particularly in the field of personalized cancer medicine. At the UCC Hamburg, we offer a wide range of clinical trials that enable patients to gain access to innovative forms of therapy even before approval. In addition, there are the diverse programs of our top center in the accompanying treatment of tumor therapies, with a focus on nutrition, sports or naturopathy - at the UCC Hamburg we have one of the few chairs for complementary medicine in Germany.

Which research findings from the UCC Hamburg were particularly groundbreaking and quickly translated into applications for patients?

Prof. Dr. Kai Rothkamm: To name just a few examples: At our UCC Hamburg, we have particular expertise in detecting invisible tumor components in the blood. This liquid biopsy method can enable us to treat patients in a more targeted manner. Our leukemia working group has also uncovered mechanisms that cause leukemia cells to grow or keep them alive. Drug trials are currently underway to implement the results obtained with the aim of improving treatment options. A UKE-led Germany-wide study on the treatment of multiple myeloma, a form of bone marrow cancer, has contributed to improvements in therapy worldwide. Molecular analyses of childhood brain tumors have also contributed to better classification and more targeted treatment of patients, thus improving the children's chances of recovery.

What is the Center doing to ensure that as many patients as possible can benefit from cutting-edge medicine in oncology?

Prof. Dr. Katja Weisel: The cooperation between our center and our partners in outpatient oncological care and in the surrounding clinics is one of the central tasks of our daily work. Together with our network partners, we develop the treatment guidelines for the various cancers, organize joint tumour conferences, jointly facilitate an even larger and better coordinated range of clinical studies, and organize training courses and events. Collaborations with specialist clinics such as the LungenClinic in Großhansdorf form the basis for ensuring that as many affected patients as possible have access to cutting-edge oncological medicine. But we also enjoy an excellent partnership with more than 40 specialist practices and surrounding hospitals. These collaborations in particular help to ensure that patients remain under the care of their doctors while still being able to access the services of a top center.

What are the most important topics for you in the next five years and can you briefly outline your plans for the UCC Hamburg?

Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer: We see a great responsibility to make cutting-edge medicine even more widespread in northern Germany - the UCC Hamburg is the only center of excellence in northern Germany funded by German Cancer Aid. In order to achieve this goal, we have continuously built up an ever-closer partnership with the University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein with its Kiel and Lübeck sites since 2019. Over the years, many collaborations and joint activities have developed; our goal is now to jointly form a Comprehensive Cancer Center consortium. Another important project will be the further expansion of personalized therapy and special immune and cell therapy. Many innovative approaches are currently being developed here, which we want to make available to affected patients as quickly and safely as possible. Last but not least, we want to further expand our services in the prevention of cancer. As crucial as modern therapy is in cutting-edge oncological medicine, the prevention of cancer and early detection with a rapid cure remain major goals.

Photo (from left to right): Gerd Nettekoven, Chairman of the Board of the German Cancer Aid Foundation; Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer, Director UCC Hamburg, First Mayor Dr. Peter Tschentscher, Prof. Dr. Blanche Schwappach-Pignataro, Dean UKE ; Prof. Dr. Hartwig Huland, Board of Trustees Hubertus Wald Foundation; Prof. Dr. Kai Rothkamm, Deputy Director UCC Hamburg; Prof. Dr. Katja Weisel, Deputy Director UCC Hamburg

Recorded: UKE, Andreas Sibler

To the UKE press release (DE)

Full house at the UCCH Research Retreat 2024

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July 2024

XVI UCCH Research Retreat 2024: Building bridges between different disciplines

Scientific exchange was the focus of the XVI UCCH Research Retreat of the University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCCH) at the Heide Hotel Reinstorf - over 130 researchers met there on 12 and 13 July.

The key note was given by Prof Dr Christoffer Johansen from Rigshospitalet (Copenhagen, Denmark), who is not only an ESAB member of the UCC Hamburg (ESAB = External Scientific Advisor Board), but is also able to demonstrate the different perspectives of research, care and patient needs like no other.

Dr Simon Joosse from the Institute of Tumour Biology then also demonstrated current joint research efforts by basic and healthcare research on how liquid biopsy can be used to measure changes in lifestyle factors. Avin Hell, a consultant for patient involvement at the UCC Hamburg, explained how patients have been involved at the UCC Hamburg to date and what opportunities there are for researchers.

The diverse programme of the one-and-a-half-day retreat brought together (young) scientists from basic, translational and psychosocial research in 12 sessions, various overview presentations and a poster session. In addition to the presentation of the latest research results, the participants had the opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary dialogues and to network between the various research disciplines and specialist departments.

"It is a great opportunity, especially for our young scientists in oncology, to gain congress experience and present their own work in short lectures or scientific posters," says Prof Dr Kai Rothkamm, Scientific Director of the UCC Hamburg.

The promotion of young scientists is a top priority at the UCC Hamburg. One of the highlights of the congress is the announcement of the Hubertus Wald Award winners of the Junior Investigator Award in Oncology Research, the Junior Investigator Award in Psychosocial Cancer Research and the Poster Award for the year 2024. Also new this year was the Science Communication Award for the best graphic abstract. In addition to honouring research results that have already been achieved, the UCCH Research Fellowships for 2025 were also announced. Here, clinically active junior researchers are given the opportunity to gain new experience at the bench in another specialist department for 12 months and implement new research projects.

"The UCCH Research Retreat is becoming increasingly popular and diverse. It is particularly important to us to build bridges between the various disciplines and to promote research projects in these areas. We would like to congratulate all of the award winners and look forward to the upcoming research results," says Prof Dr Carsten Bokemeyer, spokesperson and director of the UCC Hamburg.

The event is sponsored by the Hubertus Wald Foundation and by German Cancer Aid as part of the Mildred Scheel Centre for Young Researchers.

The following award winners were announced:

Hubertus Wald Junior Investigator Award for Oncology Research 2024:

6,000 euros project funding and 1,000 euros personal prize money:

Nele Köppen (Master's student, soon to be doctoral candidate)
Laboratory for Radiation Biology and Experimental Radiation Oncology, AG Struve/Mynarek
Project: Inhibition of PARP results in highly effective radiosensitisation of high-risk and standard-risk medullo-blastomas

Hubertus Wald Junior Investigator Award for Psychosocial Cancer Research 2024:

1,000 euros personal prize money:

Anneke Ullrich (Senior Scientist)
II Medical Clinic and Polyclinic, AG Oechsle
Project: Grief experiences of family members after the loss of a loved one during the COVID-19 pandemic - results of a qualitative study

Science Communication Award 2024:

1000 euros personal prize money:

Sandra Classen (Postdoc)
Laboratory for Radiation Biology and Experimental Radiation Oncology, AG Borgmann
Project: Untargeted metabolomics reveals pyruvate kinase M (PKM) as potential radiosensitizer in triple negative breast cancer

Hubertus Wald Poster Prize 2024:

1000 Euro personal prize money:

Clara Haufschild (PhD student)II Medical Clinic and Polyclinic, AG Oechsle
Project: Psychological burden and supportive care needs of informal caregivers in specialist palliative care - study protocol for a multicentre prospective longitudinal study and reflections of its implementation

UCCH Research Fellowship 2025:

Funded by the sending and receiving department as well as dean's funds (1/3 each):

Mina Langhein (Resident)
Donating party: Clinic and Polyclinic for Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, HIT-MED Trial Office
Receiving party: Clinic for Neurosurgery, AG Dührsen
Project: Investigating white matter microstructure and pre-operative risk factors in posterior fossa syndrome using advanced neuroimaging techniques

Leoni Ramke (Assistant doctor)
Donating party: Clinic and Polyclinic for Ear, Nose and Throat Medicine
Receiving party: Laboratory for Radiation Biology and Experimental Radiation Oncology, AG Kriegs
Project: Evaluation of the fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) signaling as a target for personalised therapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC)

Natasha Schweitzer (Assistant doctor)
Donating party: Clinic and Polyclinic for General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery
Receiving party: I. Medical Clinic and Polyclinic, AG Huber/Giannou
Project: Microbes as immune-modulatory stimuli in the emergence of metastasis: Targeting the microbe-trained immune-tissue communication to prevent and treat metastasis

On the second picture: (from left) The hosts Prof Dr Kai Rothkamm and Prof Dr Carsten Bokemeyer are pleased to welcome the guests Prof Dr Christoffer Johansen (Denmark) and Prof Dr Cyrus Khandanpour (UCCSH Lübeck)

Pictures: Avin Hell, Britta Fritzsche

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June 2024

2nd Hamburg Patient Congress of Cancer Medicine 2024

Supportive therapies and participating lectures: On 28 and 29 June, the focus was on lifestyle issues, psycho-oncological and palliative options for patients and their relatives. As a special highlight, all lectures were presented by a tandem of experts and patient representatives.

The Patient Congress was organised thanks to the support of the German Cancer Aid Foundation together with the University Cancer Centre Schleswig-Holstein (UCCSH), the state cancer associations of Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein and KISS, the contact and information centre for self-help groups. 180 visitors on both days experienced a wide range of topics in the historic rooms of the Erika-Haus.

The presentations on Friday about the influence of nutrition and exercise on health were followed by a market of opportunities with stands offering exercise and nutritional programmes. Finally, the participants listened with interest to the presentation by the Hamburg Cancer Registry and the day ended with a summerly get-together for networking over a buffet.

The question "What else can I do?" concerns many patients during the course of their cancer and was the subject of the second day of the congress. In addition to a practical exercise on mindfulness, a panel discussion with relatives and the presentation of self-help group work, the BMS Immuno-Oncology Foundation's Relatives Award "At your side" was presented with a very moving laudatory speech.

In addition to the presentations, the congress offered numerous information stands that provided information about various support services and self-help groups. Visitors were able to put their physical fitness to the test and get advice on nutrition.

The workshops on yoga, men's health and complementary medicine were very popular. Due to the beautiful weather, some of these could even be held outside. In addition, guided tours provided an exclusive look behind the scenes at radiotherapy and research laboratories on the UKE campus and in the immediate vicinity at the Hamburg Cancer Society.

The insights of the patient representatives on the individual topics were praised by all participants as very enriching, as they enabled an exchange of shared experiences and first-hand accounts of personal healing journeys.

At the end of the 2 days of the congress, everyone was certain: next year we will definitely be back!

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June 2024

NORD workshop: Liquid biopsy research for prevention and cancer therapy

Together with the University Cancer Centre Schleswig-Holstein (UCCSH), the second NORD workshop on liquid biopsy took place in Hamburg. The key topics were research and diagnostics platforms as well as possibilities for cost-covering integration into standard care.

The joint ‘NORD Workshops’ series of events organised by UCCSH and UCCH has been taking place since this year as a follow-up to the ‘NORD Seminar’, which was held exclusively online. In March of this year, scientists from both locations (Hamburg and Kiel/Lübeck) met in Kiel to discuss immuno-oncology. Now Hamburg was the host.

Under the leadership of Prof Klaus Pantel (UCCH) and the European Liquid Biopsy Society (ELBS) as well as Prof Monika Brüggemann (UCCSH, Campus Kiel) and Prof Timo Gemoll (UCCSH Campus Lübeck), discussions were held in summery temperatures and with lively participation from both locations on how existing research and diagnostics platforms can be made visible across locations in order to promote joint innovations and provide optimal treatment options for patients in northern Germany.

To this end, presentations were given from a wide range of specialist disciplines on research, diagnostics and patient care.

Unlike a classic biopsy, in which tissue is removed from the diseased organ, a liquid biopsy works with the help of blood samples. The markers of cancer contained in these samples (such as circulating tumour cells or free tumour DNA) can be used to diagnose specific mutations, from which, for example, recommendations for therapies can then be derived.

This procedure is currently being used for patients who develop cancer again after a prolonged symptom-free phase (recurrence) or who do not respond to standard therapies. In order to be integrated into regular care structures, a research infrastructure for data exchange and a legal framework for the protection of patient data will be required in the future.

The European Liquid Biopsy Society (ELBS) is committed to this goal and aims to establish liquid biopsy tests as part of routine clinical practice for the benefit of cancer patients. Under the scientific leadership of Prof. Dr Klaus Pantel, Director of the Institute of Tumour Biology at the UKE, the project ‘GUIDE.MRD’ - ‘GUIDing multi-modal thErapies against Minimal Residual Disease by liquid biopsies’ has been funded with around 17.6 million euros of EU funding for the next 5 years since 2023.

The third cross-location NORD workshop for 2024 will take place in Lübeck on 27 September on the topic of ‘Health Care Research’.

Picture: Inga Melzer

Further information:
UKE press release on GUIDE.MRD funding: UKE - Press release - Tumour residual cells: Standardised liquid biopsies to improve cancer therapy
European Liquid Biopsy Society (ELBS): UKE - ELBS - European Liquid Biopsy Society
Institute of Tumour Biology: UKE - Institute of Tumour Biology

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June 2024

News from research

Battle of the molecules: Stacking mechanism can render cancer proteins harmless

Researchers at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) and the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) Hamburg have discovered a molecular mechanism to render cancer-promoting molecules harmless. The focus here is on the unstructured RAI2 protein, which can fix the molecules of the important cancer-promoting protein group CtBP by stacking and thereby inactivating them. The researchers investigated this process, known as polymerisation, using cancer cell lines and tumour cell samples from over 100 patients with prostate cancer. The scientists have published the results of their study in the journal Nature Communications.

In the course of their study, the researchers investigated the question of why some forms of prostate cancer develop into certain highly aggressive subtypes. "The process of polymerisation could delay the progression of metastatic prostate cancer to therapy-resistant variants", says Dr Nishit Goradia, first author of the study from the Institute of Tumour Biology at the UKE. "Since the corresponding binding sites for the cancer-promoting proteins also occur in viral proteins, for example, the newly discovered molecular mechanism could also play an important role in other diseases", says Priv.-Doz. Dr Stefan Werner, also first author of the study from the Institute of Tumour Biology at the UKE.

"The project is an example of the outstanding synergy effects for Hamburg as a growing research metropolis in the collaboration between the UKE and research organisations such as the EMBL in Hamburg-Bahrenfeld", concluded Prof. Dr. Matthias Wilmanns, Director of the EMBL Hamburg, and Prof. Dr. Klaus Pantel, Director of the Institute of Tumour Biology at the UKE.

Literature: Goradia, Werner, Mullapudi et al. Master corepressor inactivation through multivalent SLiM-induced polymerization mediated by the oncogene suppressor RAI2. Nature Communications. 2024. DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-49488-3

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June 2024

Water from all directions: The Onkopirates were back on the Outer Alster Lake!

Despite windy and rainy weather, the ActiveOncoKids were once again out and about on Hamburg's blue water. The guests of the Norddeutscher Regatta Verein (NRV) set sail full of enthusiasm and learnt the basics of sailing.

On 15 June, former children and young people with cancer had the opportunity to experience a special day on the Outer Alster at the invitation of the Norddeutscher Regatta Verein (NRV) foundation as part of the ActiveOncoKids - Zentrum Nord network. Despite the rainy weather, the young oncopirates did not miss out on their sailing adventure and began the day with an introduction to knots. A bowline, cleating a cleat and the stern knot are essential parts of the sailing craft, which all participants learnt with enthusiasm.

Fortunately, the rain let up after lunch, and it was time to get everyone on board! The NRV's dedicated youth coaches helped the children and young people to familiarise themselves with the boats. Each crew consisted of an experienced sailing coach who provided safety and support. This meant that sailing skills could also be further developed on board.

The aim of the ActiveOncoKids network is to work together to provide exercise programmes and appropriate sports support for children and young people with and after cancer.

Individual sports science counselling and exercise programmes during and after the end of treatment help patients to get back into physical activity, resume previous sporting activities (leisure, club and school sports) or discover new sports. The sports team at the University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCCH) at the University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) is available for this as part of an aftercare programme.

Fun with exercise, but also great group and nature experiences take centre stage and promote self-efficacy.

The sailing day on the Outer Alster Lake was a great experience for everyone involved, which gave them courage and joy. The Onkopirates proved that they are not only little heroes on land, but also on the water.

To make sure you don't miss any future events organised by the ActiveOncoKids Nord network, send an e-mail to s.elmers@uke.de with the subject "Subscribe to ActiveOncoKids Nord newsletter" and you will be regularly informed about the latest network topics.

Weitere Informationen:
ActiveOncoKids North network
North German Regatta Club
Clinic for Paediatric Haematology and Oncology
Support association of the Children's Cancer Centre Hamburg e.V

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June 2024

„You'll never walk alone!" – HPV campaign day in Hamburg

On 8 June 2024, the HPV campaign day of "UTA - Unterwegs trotz alledem", a project of Kopf-Hals-MUND. e.V., took place in Hamburg. The participants hiked together to raise awareness of the dangers of the human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly in connection with head and neck cancers, and to emphasise the importance of the HPV vaccination.

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a widespread virus that can infect the skin and mucous membranes of various parts of the body. Areas affected include the mouth, throat, anus, cervix, penis, vagina and vulva. There are many different types of HPV, some of which are carcinogenic.

The incidence of HPV-related head and neck tumours in particular is increasing worldwide, with an estimated 45,000 new cases of head and neck cancer caused by HPV infections every year. HPV vaccines provide almost 100% protection against infection with the HPV types contained in the vaccines.

Under the motto "You'll never walk alone!" as part of the campaign month organised by Kopf-Hals-MUND. e.V. under the project management of Gunthard Kissinger, the participants hiked through Hamburg together with a city guide. The group consisted of former patients, relatives, doctors and supporters.

The HPV campaign day is an initiative of the self-help network Kopf-Hals-M.U.N.D. Krebs e.V. in cooperation with the Hamburg Cancer Society (Hamburger Krebsgesellschaft (HKG)), the Medical Society for Health Promotion (Ärztlichen Gesellschaft zur Gesundheitsförderung e.V. (äggf)), the Dysplasia Centre Hamburg at Jerusalem Hospital and the University Cancer Centre Hamburg (UCCH) at Hamburg-Eppendorf University Hospital.

The start was at the Landungsbrücken with Hamburg's most beautiful view over the harbour. In sunny weather, we travelled up Helgoländer Allee, past the Bismarck Monument and the Dancing Towers, all the way to Heiligengeistfeld. Historical backgrounds were explained at several stops and culinary insider tips were exchanged. The route continued through the Karolinenviertel district to Schanzenpark, where, after about 4 kilometres, various information stands and a goal wall shooting competition awaited the participants and visitors in the park. The Haus of Engagement in Eifflerstraße was the venue for lunch and presentations by the experts.

Dr. Annekaren von Beckerath presented the Spike-Programme of the German Medical Association for Health Promotion (äggf) for parents, guardians and teachers. Prof. Linn Wölber, Head of the Dysplasia Unit at UCCH and Head of the Dysplasia Centre at Jerusalem Hospital, presented the current status of HPV-associated gynaecological tumours. Dr Henrike Zech, Senior Physician at the Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic at the UKE, reported on the current status of HPV-associated ENT tumours.

An open discussion afterwards focussed on the question of how to increase the HPV vaccination rate in Hamburg and thus prevent cancer cases. The joint discussion showed how important it is to raise awareness of the topic and organise further prevention events. All in all, it was a successful day with sporting activities and interesting discussions.

The association Kopf-Hals-M.U.N.D.-Krebs e.V.
Event tips - Kopf-Hals-M.U.N.D.-Krebs e.V.
Spike-Programme of the German Medical Association for Health Promotion (Ärztlichen Gesellschaft zur Gesundheitsförderung e.V.) HPV vaccination: protection against cancer
Dysplasia Centre Hamburg at Jerusalem Hospital

Pictures: Laura Lehmann

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June 2024

Wael Mansour new W2 Professor for DNA Repair Mechanisms as Target Structures for Systems and Radiotherapy of Tumour Diseases

The University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCCH) at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) is pleased to announce the appointment of PD Dr. rer. nat. Wael Yassin Mansour to the W2 bridge professorship for DNA repair mechanisms as target structures for systemic and radiotherapy of tumour diseases. Prof. Mansour took up his new position on 1 May 2024.

The W2 professorship is part of the programme of the Mildred-Scheel-Nachwuchszentrum (MSNZ) at the UKE and is funded by German Cancer Aid. The UKE is home to one of 5 MSNZs in Germany. Established in 2019, these junior research centres aim to offer long-term prospects for young scientists in academic oncological research.

The appointment of Prof Dr Mansour followed a competitive review and appointment procedure based on the Heisenberg funding programmes of the German Research Foundation (DFG) and included both internal and external reviews.

Prof Mansour's research in the bridging professorship will bring the Department of Radiotherapy/Department of Radiobiology and Experimental Radiotherapy and the II. Medical Clinic, Clinic and Polyclinic for Haematology and Oncology at the UKE. Prof Manour's interdisciplinary research field of DNA repair mechanisms plays a central role in the treatment of cancer. These mechanisms significantly influence the success of treatment, as tumour DNA and its repair are the targets of effective therapy in radiotherapy and many system therapies.

Prof Mansour's career to date includes studying biochemistry at the Universities of Alexandria and Ain Shams in Egypt. With a scholarship from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), he came to Hamburg in 2004 to complete his doctoral thesis at the Department of Chemistry at the University of Hamburg. He completed his practical project work in the Department of Radiobiology and Experimental Radiotherapy at the UKE.

After a postdoctoral phase, first in Hamburg and then in Marburg, he returned to the UKE in 2012 and founded his own research group. In 2020, Prof Mansour and PD Dr Christoph Oing were awarded a partner laboratory grant at the Hamburg MSNZ. Their joint project "DNA repair, hypoxia and genomic instability in metastatic prostate cancer (DRAGOON)" led to numerous publications and significant research results.

In future, Prof. Mansour plans to establish an exchange programme for young researchers between Hamburg and Newcastle and to further expand the preclinical platform for personalised oncology.

The UCCH congratulates him on his appointment.

Links:

Mildred Scheel Cancer Career Center Hamburg

Deutsche Krebshilfe

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June 2024

#ActiveOncoKids as a guest of Hamburg's first division club FC St. Pauli

On 5 June 2024, the #ActiveOncoKids experienced a very special day at the Millerntor stadium on Feldstrasse. The traditional football club St. Pauli once again opened its doors to former children and young people with cancer for an afternoon of football with training, a tour of the stadium and an autograph session.

Under the guidance of two coaches from "FC St. Pauli Rabauken" (FC St. Paulis youth division), the participants in aftercare or retention therapy, aged 5-17, were able to improve their football skills. At the beginning, former professional footballer Jan-Philipp "Schnecke" Kalla took time for the kids to answer questions, take photos and sign autographs. Kalla, known for his long active career and close ties to FC St. Pauli, inspired the children with professional tips for their own football future: it is important not to commit to a position on the pitch too early.

In addition to the sporting programme, there was an exclusive stadium tour, during which the participants were taken up to the highest seats. Here, where the press usually broadcasts the football matches, they were able to enjoy an impressive view of the 29, 546-seat stadium.

Walking on the sacred turf at the Millerntor stadium is generally not permitted, but now the green needs extra care due to the confetti left over from the recent promotion celebrations. Instead, it was possible to sit in the players' dressing rooms on the edge of the pitch and take a look inside the changing rooms of the professional players.

The day offered former paediatric oncology patients from the University Cancer Centre Hamburg (UCCH) at the UKE a valuable opportunity to strengthen their motor skills through dexterity and mobility exercises. These activities, which were specially tailored to the needs of the young participants, not only promoted their physical fitness, but also their team spirit and enjoyment of exercise in the fresh air. In addition to a certificate of participation, they also received a sports bag with a water bottle as a souvenir of the football day at the Millerntor stadium.

This year, the ActiveOncoKids Nord network in Hamburg, Kiel and Lübeck will continue with its usual sporting activities: on 15 June 2024 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., children and young people can try out sailing on Hamburg's Outer Alster lake at the Norddeutscher Regatta Verein. On 28 September from 10:00 to 13:00, they can try out therapeutic riding at the Demeter Hof am Stüffel. Please register by e-mail to s.elmers@uke.de .

The offer is made possible by the support association Children's Cancer Centre Hamburg e.V. (Fördergemeinschaft Kinderkrebs-Zentrum Hamburg e.V.), among others.

Links:
Network ActiveOncoKids North
Clinic for Paediatric Haematology and Oncology
Support association Children's Cancer Centre Hamburg e.V. (Fördergemeinschaft Kinderkrebs-Zentrum Hamburg e.V.)

Priv.-Doz. Dr. Marianne Sinn

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June 2024

Cancer aftercare:
Launch of the German Cancer Survivors Week 2024
Questions for... Priv.-Doz. Dr Marianne Sinn

Around five million people in Germany are living with or after cancer. On the occasion of German Cancer Survivors Week, which starts on 4 June as an initiative of the German Cancer Foundation and the state cancer societies, Priv.-Doz. Dr Marianne Sinn, Senior Physician at the University Cancer Centre Hamburg (UCCH) at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), explains what is important for patients during aftercare.

Who is considered a cancer survivor?

Priv.-Doz. Dr Marianne Sinn: The term "cancer survivor" or "cancer survivorship" is not strictly defined. It generally refers to patients who have completed treatment and are considered to be cured of the disease.

What happens after cancer treatment for the patients?

This depends very much on the type of tumour disease. Patients usually receive further outpatient care, for example in the outpatient clinics at the UCCH of the UKE or at its cooperation partners such as oncological specialist practices, clinics or other centres. Depending on their illness, patients have to see the doctors treating them approximately every three to six months. However, this can also be the family doctor. For young adults with cancer, we have a special consultation service at UCCH.

What exactly does aftercare mean in oncology?

Tumour aftercare is a comprehensive term. On the one hand, it refers to recognising recurrences, i.e. relapses, but also to the fact that those affected may have many other questions and problems. This includes, for example, various long-term side effects. At the same time, aftercare is there to discuss lifestyle issues such as a healthy diet and sufficient exercise with patients as part of secondary prevention. In summary, this refers to all measures that prevent cancer from recurring.

What are the most common (long-term) side effects that patients have to deal with after cancer treatment?

Many patients report psychological problems, anxiety and depression. But there are also social problems: Returning to work can be just as much an issue as financial worries. Some patients have to deal with gastrointestinal complaints, loss of smell and taste or even sensory disorders in the hands and feet, known as polyneuropathy. Depending on the previous treatment, organ damage can also occur.

What aftercare services are available at UCCH?

A special "Life after cancer" consultation has been offered at UCCH for over ten years. Our focus is on young adults (18-39 years) who have been diagnosed with cancer. However, the consultation is generally open to everyone. We are currently launching a new aftercare programme for people over 60, which was developed together with patient representatives.

Depending on the respective symptoms, there are various programmes tailored specifically to cancer survivors, for example in relation to nutrition and exercise therapy. It is important to know that the services and the entire aftercare process are not firmly standardised in Germany. Therefore, there should always be consultation and counselling with the treating physicians.

There are also other counselling services, for example at the Hamburger Krebsgesellschaft e.V. We also recommend that patients and, where appropriate, their relatives join a self-help group.

Further information:

Aftercare consultation at UCCH

Picture: UKE

Priv.-Doz. Dr. David Krug

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June 2024

New Medical Director of the Outpatient Center of the UKE

Priv.-Doz. Dr. David Krug (38) takes over as Medical Director of the UKE Outpatient Center at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) and Head of the Department of Radiotherapy. The radiotherapy specialist will succeed Prof. Dr. Andreas Krüll, who is retiring on June 1. In addition, Priv.-Doz. Dr. Krug will take over as Deputy Director of the Clinic for Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology at the UKE.

Priv.-Doz. Dr. Krug was most recently Deputy Clinic Director of the Clinic for Radiotherapy at the University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, as well as Head of the Saphir Radiosurgery Center Northern Germany. His clinical focus is on radiotherapy for breast cancer and high-precision radiotherapy for benign and malignant diseases. Born in Heidelberg, he is also active in national and international expert commissions on breast cancer and coordinates the updating of the radiotherapy chapter in the S3 guideline commission on breast cancer.

Priv.-Doz. Dr. Krug studied medicine at the University of Lübeck, where he obtained his doctorate in 2013. He completed his residency in radiation oncology and radiotherapy at Heidelberg University Hospital, where he also became a senior physician in 2017. One year later, he moved to the Department of Radiotherapy at the University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein in Kiel as a senior physician. His habilitation followed in 2022 at the Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel. Priv.-Doz. Dr. Krug is married and has four sons aged between one and ten.

Photo: UKE

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May 2024

"Really nice on the outside - really toxic on the inside" isis the motto of World No Tobacco Day 2024

World No Tobacco Day takes place every year on May 31. This year, German Cancer Aid is drawing particular attention to the health risks of e-cigarettes.

E-cigarettes are available in many flavors and are attractively advertised via social media, especially among young people. Although the sweet taste seems harmless, e-cigarettes contain nicotine and harmful substances that pose a significant health risk, including impaired brain development, cardiovascular and lung diseases and carcinogenic substances. Despite these risks, the popularity of e-cigarettes is growing rapidly, especially among young people in Germany. Almost a quarter of 14 to 17-year-olds have already tried e-cigarettes in 2023. German Cancer Aid is therefore warning against trivializing these products, and not just in the context of the campaign day.

The University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCCH) runs the "Non-smoking is cool" program, sponsored by the Hamburg Cancer Society (HKG), which has been aimed at preventing schoolchildren from starting to smoke for years. As part of a lecture, doctors from the UKE explain the addictive nature of smoking in a child-friendly way. Over 100,000 schoolchildren in Hamburg have already taken part in the education and prevention program.

There is also a stop-smoking program for active cancer patients. It is important to stop patients from smoking even if they have been diagnosed, because even this is still effective. This can improve blood circulation in the body.

Image: German Cancer Society

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May 2024

Presentation of the Wilhelm Warner Prize to Prof. Özlem Türeci and Prof. Rita Schmutzler

As part of this year's Wilhelm Warner Prize ceremony, two outstanding personalities in German cancer research were welcomed on May 3, 2024 in the Fritz Schumacher lecture hall at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE). The prizes for 2021 and 2023 were presented at a ceremony.

Every year, the Wilhelm Warner Prize is awarded to renowned scientists in the field of cancer research. The foundation goes back to the Hamburg restaurateur Wilhelm Warner, who died of cancer in 1960, and was established in Hamburg in 1961.
Prof. Özlem Türeci, BioNTech SE and Helmholtz Institute for Translational Oncology Mainz (HI-TRON Mainz), received the award for 2021 in recognition of her work in the field of immunotherapeutic treatment of cancer using mRNA immunization. For a long time, mRNA technology was considered more of a niche, with the challenge that it was not clinically applicable on a large scale. Only the coronavirus pandemic and the development of the "Comirnaty" vaccine in cooperation with Pfizer created the economic basis for making the technology usable for patients in oncology. Ms. Türeci's immense perseverance and resilience make her a great role model for many young researchers.

Prof. Rita Schmutzler, University Hospital Cologne (UK Cologne) and National Center for Familial Tumor Diseases (NZeT), is the winner of the 2023 award. She received the award for her life's work in the field of research and care for familial, genetic breast and ovarian cancer. At the beginning of her research career in the 1990s, she was also said to be working on a niche topic. Today it is known that many cancers can have genetic and therefore hereditary causes. Ms. Schmutzler is working on the detection of genetic causes in breast and ovarian cancer and, above all, on the question of how to classify the results of genetic screens. In addition, risk-adapted prevention of cancer within a family has been established as a benefit of statutory health insurance. Ms Schmutzler has been Director of the Center for Familial Breast and Ovarian Cancer since 2014 and Director of the NZeT at the Center for Integrated Oncology (CIO) at the University of Cologne since 2015.

In the run-up to the event, both prizewinners were available to the fellows of the Mildred Scheel Center for Young Researchers (MSNZ) at UCCH for a small and personal exchange. This offer was accepted with great enthusiasm and left a lasting impression on the young researchers. Both researchers impressively demonstrate the importance of basic research, even in marginal topics, and the opportunities that can arise for the future.

We warmly congratulate the prizewinners.

Photo (from left to right): Prof. Carsten Bokemeyer, Prof. Rita Schmutzler, Prof. Özlem Türeci, Carl-Jan von der Goltz and Diana von der Goltz (from left to right).

Shot: Inga Melzer

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May 2024

News from research

Glioblastoma: New method for determining prognosis identified

An international research consortium led by the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) has identified a new method to more accurately predict the prognosis of patients with glioblastoma. To this end, the researchers identified a new so-called epigenetically-defined neural signature of glioblastomas, i.e. a form of genetic-neural fingerprint that is directly linked to the patient's prognosis. The scientists' findings could help to develop personalized treatment approaches for patients with poorer prognoses. The researchers have published the results of the study in the journal Nature Medicine.

Glioblastoma is the most common malignant brain tumor in adults. As part of the study, the scientists differentiated signatures of tumor cells that have either a low or high similarity to neural cells such as nerve cells. Tumors with high similarity to neural cells, called high-neural glioblastomas, have certain characteristics that are associated with a poorer prognosis: These cells can establish connections between nerve cells and the tumor, drive tumor growth and thus appear to be more difficult to treat. "Patients with this type of tumor often do not have a good prognosis. It is likely that highly neural glioblastomas require a different therapeutic approach to ensure the best possible outcome for patients - our results provide an important basis for this," says study leader Priv.-Doz. Dr. Franz Ricklefs, Clinic and Polyclinic for Neurosurgery at the UKE.

Literatur: Drexler, Khatri et al. A prognostic neural epigenetic signature in high-grade glioma. Nature Medicine. 2024. DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41591-024-02969-w

To the UKE press release

Dr. Nina Struve and Priv.-Doz. Dr. Martin Mynarek

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May 2024

Radiobiological research at the UKE receives 1.2 million euros

For the development of new therapies for malignant brain tumours in children: For the first time, an interdisciplinary research network from the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) and the University Medical Center Essen has received funding from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) for the radiobiological principles of the treatment of medulloblastoma, a malignant brain tumour in children. The joint project ‘NeuStaRT’ aims to develop new targeted and innovative therapy concepts to improve the prognosis of medulloblastoma patients in the long term. The BMBF is funding the research network with a total of 1.8 million euros, with the UKE receiving 1.2 million euros.

The joint project NeuStaRT (New innovative strategies for radiosensitising medulloblastomas) aims to develop personalised therapies on a molecular basis that contribute to increasing the radiosensitivity of medulloblastomas. The aim is to increase the effectiveness of radiotherapy and reduce the risk of late effects in patients. Medulloblastoma is the most common highly malignant brain tumour in children. Even though the prognosis has improved significantly in recent years thanks to new treatment options, medulloblastoma survivors often suffer from significant late effects due to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. In addition to changes in the hormone balance and the development of secondary tumours, these include neurocognitive deficits in particular.

"Our aim is to increase the survival rates of patients with medulloblastoma and at the same time minimise the late effects of the therapy. Personalised molecular targeting approaches can make an important contribution to this", says Dr Nina Struve, Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology at the UKE. Dr Struve leads the project together with Priv.-Doz. Dr Martin Mynarek, Clinic and Polyclinic for Paediatric Haematology and Oncology at the UKE, and Priv.-Doz. Dr Johann Matschke from the University Hospital Essen. Dr Struve and Priv.-Doz. Dr Mynarek are also part of the Mildred Scheel Junior Research Centre (MSNZ) Hamburg at the University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCCH) of the UKE and have jointly headed an MSNZ partner laboratory funded by German Cancer Aid since 2021.

"A major challenge in establishing innovative targeting strategies for the treatment of medulloblastoma is the timely implementation in clinical trials. The interdisciplinary team of the NeuStaRT joint project brings together partners with diverse expertise and research approaches with the long-term goal of making the knowledge gained usable for patients with medulloblastoma", says Priv.-Doz. Dr Martin Mynarek.

Intensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy

Every year, around 2,000 children in Germany are diagnosed with cancer. Brain tumours are the second most common cancer after leukaemia and the most common cause of cancer-related death in children. The standard treatment for medulloblastomas includes surgery on the tumour as well as intensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Radiotherapy involves the entire brain and spinal cord in order to treat metastases in the cerebrospinal fluid spaces of the brain and spinal cord that are difficult or impossible to recognise by prophylactic radiotherapy of the entire central nervous system.

The interdisciplinary research network receives funding from the BMBF as part of the German government's 7th Energy Research Programme in nuclear safety research and radiation research in order to strengthen the promotion of young scientists and maintain expertise in radiation research.

To the UKE press release

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May 2024

News from research

What role do personality traits play in cancer prevention?

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), up to 50 percent of all cancers are preventable. Early detection examinations are covered by health insurance in many countries - but the participation rate in Germany is still relatively low. A research team led by Prof Dr André Hajek from the Institute of Health Economics and Health Services Research at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) has investigated the role that personality traits play in cancer screening. The scientists analysed survey data from 132,298 participants with an average age of 53 years from the population-based NAKO cohort study to find out which cancer screening examinations they had attended in the past five years and which personality traits they assigned to themselves. The aim of the study was to use this data to investigate the connection between personality factors and the utilisation of screening. The scientists have published their findings in the journal Preventive Medicine Reports.

The researchers found that more extroverted, more neurotic and conscientious people were more likely to attend cancer screenings. ‘We hypothesise that the higher level of positive emotions in this group of people reduces anxiety that may be associated with screening. What was surprising was that people who describe themselves as generally curious and open to experiences attended fewer screenings,’ reports Prof Hajek. Among other things, these results can contribute to a better understanding of non-participation in cancer screenings from a psychological perspective and to adapting cancer screening programmes more specifically to this target group.

Literature: Hajek et al. Personality and the use of cancer screenings - Results of the German National Cohort. Preventive Medicine Reports. 2024. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.pmedr.2024.102677

To the UKE press release

MSNZ Fellows 2020-2024

New MSNZ Fellows Group 2024/2025

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April 2024

5 years of MSNZ career development at the UCCH

Tailor-made support for postdoctoral scientists and doctors paves the way for sustainable career development in science. The Mildred Scheel Nachwuchszentrum Hamburg (MSNZ) of the University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCCH) has been doing this very successfully for 5 years with numerous offers - a reason to celebrate and an occasion to look back.

Developing research ideas, interdisciplinary collaboration, mastering everyday clinical practice and continuing their education: the demands on young scientists are numerous and varied. The MSNZ Hamburg, which has been funded by German Cancer Aid since 2019, aims to provide clinicians and scientists with long-term support in planning and building a scientific career in cancer research through start-up and structural funding, thus ensuring that highly qualified specialists remain in academic research in the long term. In addition, alternative career paths are identified and inter-institutional networks are strengthened.

There are 5 funding locations throughout Germany. In Hamburg (HaTriCS4: Hamburg Translational Research in Cancer: Stimulating, Shaping and Sustaining Scientific Careers), the focus is on "Dissemination and Metastasis".

The MSNZ offers various funding opportunities: in interdisciplinary partner laboratories, clinicians and scientists work together on various aspects of a common research topic; short-term funding for clinicians enables, for example the start-up of new projects or completion of applications and publications (6-12 months, 50% leave of absence); protected research periods of two to three years (CS) and funding for the inter-institutional networking of natural scientists (MS) in northern Germany offer the opportunity to build up their own research profile and thus qualify for a professorship or other advanced position. Within the funding programs, there are regular networking events, training courses and workshops with external speakers to train skills that are necessary for leading positions in science, networking, science communication or positioning in the field.

Particularly noteworthy are the support options in the context of parental leave, as these make it possible for researchers to reconcile work and family life.

5 years of MSNZ in figures:

• 24 Short-Term CS Fellowships
• 18 Long-Term Fellowships
• 3 Interdisciplinary partner laboratories (CS & MS)
• 8 Funding for joint research projects between the UCCH and the University Cancer Center Schleswig-Holstein (UCCSH)
• 10 Subsidies to support parental leave
• 1 W2 Professorship
• 1 Appointment to a W1 professorship
• 2 Promotions to senior physician positions
• 7 Successful specialist examinations
• 4 Fixed-term employment contracts
• 5 Successfully completed habilitations
• > 450 Publications with the participation of MSNZ Fellows
• > 3 Mio € Funding acquired by the MSNZ Fellows

"It makes me very proud that we have such a successful career development project at UCCH and are thus both setting the course for successful scientific careers in oncology and making a significant contribution to the best possible care for our patients of tomorrow," says Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer, spokesperson for the MSNZ and Director of UCCH.

Click here to visit the MSNZ website
Click here to visit the German Cancer Aid website

Pictures: Axel Kirchhof, Laura Lehmann

Dr. Matthias Serwe (Consultant, DKH), Dr. Inga Melzer (Scientific Coordinator, MSNZ), Prof. Dr. Blanche Schwappach-Pignataro (Dean, UKE), Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer (Spokesperson MSNZ, Director UCCH) (from left to right)

Training for the senses
Smell and taste training at home

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April 2024

Smell and taste training for side effects at home

When the sense of smell and taste changes, it can be very stressful and this is a side effect that many cancer patients are confronted with. In the video for at home, our nutritionist Raika Mühlberg explains which exercises help to improve sensory impressions.

The training can be done comfortably at home with just a few ingredients, and can also be done together with your partner, family or friends. Regular exercise is important for success.

Nutritional counseling can also be helpful in dealing with side effects and lead to an improvement in quality of life. You can contact the UCCH nutrition team at ucch-ernaehrung@uke.de at any time.

Click here to watch the video.

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April 2024

Martini-Klinik: 20 years of robot-assisted prostate cancer operations

Questions for...Prof Dr Alexander Haese

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men: around 66,000 men are diagnosed with the disease every year in Germany alone. The Martini-Klinik at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) specialises in the treatment of prostate cancer and is a leader in the surgical removal of tumours using robot-assisted surgical systems, which have been in use for 20 years. Prof Dr Alexander Haese, Head Physician at the Martini Clinic, explains the advantages of this method for patients and how the new da Vinci single-port surgical system works.

Diagnosis of prostate cancer: when does treatment need to be started?

Prof Dr Alexander Haese: Prostate cancer is treated depending on its stage. In cases recognised at a very early stage, active monitoring is initially sufficient. We observe how quickly it develops and then, depending on how the tumour develops over time, initiate appropriate treatment. Localised tumours that require treatment can be completely removed by surgery. Alternatively, radiotherapy in various forms can also be a possible treatment option. In the case of an advanced tumour or a tumour that has already metastasised, the aim is to keep the tumour under control for as long as possible with a combination of medication and, if necessary, local therapy. This often works for years, sometimes for ten years or more.

What surgical options are available for malignant tumours?

There are two options for the surgical treatment of prostate cancer: the tumour can be removed using the classic incision approach (radical retropubic prostatectomy) or with the help of the robot-assisted surgical technique. Both procedures aim to remove the entire prostate with the seminal vesicles and any lymph nodes in order to rid the patient of the tumour.

The Martini Clinic has been using surgical robots for 20 years, why?

Surgical robots are the future of surgery for certain indications, especially for radical prostatectomy. The precision and accuracy of operations in the narrow male pelvic cavity, combined with tenfold magnification and maximum manoeuvrability in the smallest of spaces, which even experienced surgeons cannot achieve using the open approach, is what makes the robot-assisted surgical technique so successful. This leads to significantly gentler and less complicated operations with the aim of long-term tumour healing.

What are the advantages of the new da Vinci single-port surgical system?

The new single-port operating system, which we have used for the first time in Europe at the Martini Clinic, offers further advantages in addition to the familiar benefits of robotics, such as a tenfold enlargement of the operating field, scalability of hand movements and tremor-free hands of the surgeons. Instead of the usual six access points, which we distribute in a semicircle around the navel to reach the prostate, the operation is now performed via a single incision just below the navel, which is around two and a half centimetres long. This enables a high-quality operation with less pain and surgical trauma, faster mobilisation and convalescence for the patient.

What problems can occur after prostate surgery?

After prostate surgery, the usual problems that are possible with any operation can occur, such as bleeding, pain and wound healing problems. Specific to prostate surgery, however, are the possible changes in continence (ability to hold urine) and erectile function. It is therefore important that such operations are performed by experts who specialise in this type of surgery.

What happens after the operation?

Aftercare following prostate surgery is provided by both the referring urologist and the Martini Clinic. We monitor the healing process and the patient's quality of life by regularly sending them questionnaires on topics such as healing, continence, erectile function and any complications and analysing them. Based on our quality measurements and our experience with over 40,000 treated patients, we can offer the most suitable therapy for each individual patient.

What are the chances of recovery after removal of the tumour?

The probability of a long-term cure depends heavily on the stage of the tumour. Under ideal conditions, if the tumour is detected and operated on at an early stage and proves to be localised, the patient can expect an 80 to 90 percent chance of long-term recovery.

To the video Asked?! - Prostate cancer diagnosis: When does treatment need to be started?
To the UKE press release

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March 2024

New imaging method at PETRA III enables deeper insights into the composition of tumour samples in breast cancer

Researchers at the Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY), Chalmers University in Sweden, the Paul Scherrer Institute in Switzerland and the University Cancer Centre Hamburg (UCCH) at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) have jointly succeeded in developing a state-of-the-art multimodal imaging approach that significantly improves the examination of breast cancer tissue.

The interdisciplinary team has now published a study showing that a new imaging approach at PETRA III enables more information to be obtained on the characterisation of tumour samples. With more detailed information about the tissue of a tumour, it is easier to decide which treatment approaches are most effective.

Using this technique, researchers can simultaneously extract information about the nanostructure of the tumour and quantify the chemical elements present in a millimetre-sized sample in all three dimensions. A unique combination of research capabilities at PETRA III, one of the brightest storage ring X-ray sources in the world, and new analytical methods enables this high level of detail. Conventional experimental models often fall short because they rely on 2D cell cultures or animal models that do not fully reproduce the complex physiological patterns of human tumour environments.

Prof. Volkmar Müller, MD, Coordinator of the Breast Centre at UCCH, emphasises the importance of understanding the 3D architecture of the tumour microenvironment. Where the tumour is located in the patient's tissue and how it is embedded is a key to the development of further novel therapeutic approaches to interrupt the metastasis mechanism. One of the most striking features is collagen in the immediate vicinity and the concentration of iron and zinc.PD Dr Malte Mohme, Senior Consultant in Neurosurgery at the UKE and Head of CNS Tumour Immunology, explains: "The work of Conceicao et al. underlines the crucial role of metastasis in neuro-oncology, with a focus on the systemic spread of breast cancer. Through the use of advanced multimodal X-ray computed tomography, the study shows how changes in the extracellular matrix, particularly through zinc and iron accumulation, could influence metastasis.Insights into matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and collagen orientation provide a new understanding of cancer cell migration and brain tumour homing, a complex, multistep process in which cells travel to a tumour from a distance. This knowledge is crucial for neuro-oncology as it opens up avenues for targeted therapies to interrupt metastatic processes. The results emphasise the importance of the detailed composition of the extracellular matrix in understanding metastases, potentially leading to improved outcomes for patients with brain metastases."

Dr Sylvio Haas, Beamline Manager of the PETRA III Beamline P62, emphasises the unique experimental setup with small-angle X-ray scattering tensor tomography (SAXS-TT) and X-ray fluorescence computed tomography (XRF-CT). Higher resolution images will be possible in the future, especially with PETRA IV, the upgrade of PETRA III. In combination with machine learning, this offers the potential to speed up data acquisition and improve the 3D reconstruction process of tumour samples.

This research not only advances the understanding of breast cancer metastasis, but also emphasises the relevance of developing new therapeutic strategies in neurosurgical oncology.

Photo: DESY

Link to the publication
To the DESY NEWS

Presentation of the applications at the Dorint Hot

Presentation of the applications at the Dorint Hot

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March 2024

CONNECT Funding 2025 - Project funding for early career researchers in Kiel, Lübeck and Hamburg

Joint cross-location and interdisciplinary research: As part of the CONNECT initiative, four grants worth €50,000 each were awarded to teams of young scientists.

In August 2023, the "AG Early Career Scientists NORD" - a joint initiative of the University Cancer Centres Hamburg (UCCH) and Schleswig-Holstein (UCCSH) and the Mildred Scheel Nachwuchszentrum Hamburg (MSNZ Hamburg) in Hamburg - hosted the 1st NORD Early Career Summit (NECSt) in Hamburg. Under the guidance of an experienced trainer, the event offered early career researchers from Hamburg, Kiel and Lübeck a platform to exchange ideas, develop joint ideas for oncological research projects and take the first steps towards submitting a joint application. These outlines could then be submitted as short, elaborated applications for review as part of the second call for proposals for CONNECT (Cooperative NORD-Networking for Early Career Teams) funding. The funds to be awarded for this are kindly provided by the Mildred Scheel Centre for Young Researchers/Deutsche Krebshilfe and the UCCSH.

The short proposals submitted by the teams of doctoral students, postdoctoral bioscientists, physicians and research group leaders were evaluated by four independent reviewers. The evaluation criteria included:

• "Innovation" - Does the project represent a new and innovative idea that has not been pursued before?
• "Potential" - What is the potential of the project for follow-up studies and funding?
• "Quality" - What is the level of excellence of the proposed research project?
• "Feasibility" - How realistic is the realisation of the proposed project within the given timeframe?
• "Added value" - How well do the partner sites complement each other or utilise shared cross-site resources (biobank, technologies, etc.)? A special focus was placed on a possible overall strategic benefit for the joint network of both Cancer Centres.

The following four applications were successful in the review process and were selected for funding from 13 applications submitted, all of which were of high quality in terms of content:

1. Dr rer. nat. Subbaiah Chary Nimmagadda / Dr med. Theo Leitner ; AG Khandanpour, Dept. for Haematology and Oncology, UKSH, Campus Lübeck and Dr med. Franziska Brauneck/ Dr med. Franziska Modemann; AG Acute Leukemia, Dept. of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, UKE: "Therapeutic exploitation of GFI1-induced vulnerabilities in macrophage phagocytosis for immunotherapeutic strategies in Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)."

2. Dr rer. nat. Corinna Bang, Head of Microbiome Laboratory (IKMB, Kiel), Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel/ UKSH, Campus Kiel and Dr Joseph Tintelnot, Dept. of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, UKE: "MEGA-Response: Microbiota-based Response Prediction in Esophago Gastro Adenocarcinoma to Chemoimmunotherapy."

3. Dr Svenja Sonntag, Department of Ophthalmology, UKSH, Lübeck Campus/ Dr Eva Dazert-Klebsattel, Department of Haematology and Oncology, UKSH, Lübeck Campus and Dr Julian Kött, Department of Dermatology and Venereology, UKE/ Dr Isabel Heidrich, Department of Dermatology and Venereology & Institute of Tumour Biology, UKE: "Clarification of the multi-OMICS landscape of uveal melanoma for early detection". med. Isabel Heidrich, Department of Dermatology and Venereology & Institute of Tumour Biology, UKE: Elucidation of the multi-OMICS landscape of uveal melanoma for early detection and metastasis prevention".

4. M. Sc. Annika Brauer, Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, UKSH, Campus Kiel and Dr Christine Sophia Nitschke, Clinic for General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery, UKE/Dr. rer. biol. hum. Ayham Moustafa, Laboratory of Radiobiology and Experimental Radiotherapy/Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Section, UKE: "Identifying the appropriate organoid-based culture system for drug testing in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma".

A special feature of this year's call for proposals was that doctoral students were also eligible to apply, provided that the second (or third) partner in the team already had a doctorate. The projects will start on 1 March 2024 and run for a period of 12 months.

The projects funded in 2023 will be presented online in the NORD Seminar on 28 May 2024 and 11 June 2024, both at 5 pm. In summer 2024, the CONNECT call for proposals will be issued for the third time, then for the 2025 project year.

We congratulate the selected project teams and wish them much success with their research project!

Photo: Inga Melzer

UCCH Research
Mildred Scheel Cancer Career Center Hamburg
German Cancer Aid

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February 2024

Nanobody research at the UKE to develop new cancer therapies receives 2.1 million euros

Researchers at the University Cancer Center (UCCH) at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) and the Center for Integrated Oncology (CIO) at the University Medical Center Bonn (UKB) want to establish a national innovation center for drug development in order to bring new cancer drugs to the clinic. Specifically, the focus is on nanobody-based tumor therapy and diagnostics. Nanobodies are antibody fragments and are seen as a beacon of hope in the development of anti-cancer drugs. The THUNDER research project is being funded with around 4.2 million euros by German Cancer Aid as part of the Preclinical Drug Development funding program, of which the UKE is receiving around 2.1 million euros.

"Despite enormous progress in diagnostics and therapy, many cancers still cannot be cured. This results in an urgent need to develop new diagnostics and therapeutics. Nanobodies represent an innovative basis for new immunotherapeutics," says Prof. Dr. Katja Weisel, project leader and deputy director of the II. Medical Clinic and Polyclinic of the UKE. Due to their small size, nanobodies penetrate deep into the tissue and also reach tumors with poor blood supply. They are also highly soluble and can be easily combined and modified, which facilitates the development of innovative immunotherapeutics.

"At the moment, monoclonal antibodies are still mainly used in immunotherapy. They mark the cancer cells so that the immune system knows which cells to attack. However, this method is not suitable for every type of cancer. This is where we want to help with nanobodies, which are ten times smaller. They also bind to very specific molecules on the surface of tumor cells and mark them," says co-project leader Prof. Dr. Friedrich Koch-Nolte from the Institute of Immunology at the UKE.

"We will combine several nanobodies, each of which recognizes different tumour antigens, to form so-called dimers or trimers and thus prevent the tumors from escaping the immune system. The binding sites of the tumor cells sometimes change slightly and if the 'simple' nanobodies can no longer dock, the dimers and trimers are still able to effectively attack the tumor. We also want to couple the nanobodies with contrast agents so that even the smallest tumors or metastases can be detected and treated with the help of non-invasive imaging," says co-project leader Prof. Dr. Peter Bannas, Deputy Director of the Clinic and Polyclinic for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Nuclear Medicine at the UKE.

Initially, the interdisciplinary THUNDER team wants to develop nanobodies against eight target molecules for various prototype tumors. The application and development of the most promising nanobody candidates will be investigated in previously harvested patient cells, organoid cultures and established tumor models. The transfer to clinical trials will be continuously planned during the nanobody development phase.

THUNDER builds on the success of a pilot project at the Institute of Immunology and the Clinic and Polyclinic for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Nuclear Medicine at the UKE. Antibodies for therapy concepts and imaging have already been produced there for several years. The resulting nanobodies are now being used for the THUNDER project, which the UKE researchers are carrying out together with the UKB team led by Prof. Dr. Michael Hölzel and Prof. Florian I. Schmidt.

UKE press release

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February 2024

Obituary: We mourn the loss of

Dr. Hartmut Zinke

Dr. Hartmut Zinke passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on February 9 at the age of 61.

Dr. Zinke had been a specialist in radiotherapy since 2008 and had worked at the UKE GmbH Outpatient Centre since April 1, 2009. He moved to us from the joint practice for radiotherapy at Bremen-Mitte Hospital. His clinical interests focused in particular on the radiotherapy treatment of lung cancer. He was a member of the core team of the Thorax Board of the University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCCH); this activity was very important to him and he carried it out with noticeable enthusiasm. Dr. Zinke was very committed professionally and was always willing to take on additional duties. He carried out important preparatory work for the facility's annual certifications and evaluated numerous medical records.

Outside of the clinic, music played a major role. Before becoming a doctor, he had trained professionally as a singer. His favorite musical styles included funk and soul. He was also a gifted dancer and particularly loved the tango, which he wanted to perfect even further with his wife Rosemarie. Another of his passions was surfing the highest waves possible. He always had to take his surfboard with him when he traveled, even if it was often very difficult. In recent years, he discovered his love for France and traveled there every year with his family. He was also attached to his old convertible, which he cherished and looked after.

We are deeply saddened by his sudden death. Our sympathy and heartfelt condolences go especially to his family. Together with his wife and his eight-year-old son, Dr. Hartmut Zinke was very happy; they provided him with the security he needed in his, occasionally hectic, everyday life. We wish them much strength and will support them whenever possible with any problems that may arise.

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February 2024

News from research

Malignant melanoma: UKE involved in pivotal trial for personalized vaccination therapy

The University Skin Tumor Center at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) is one of the first centers worldwide and the first center in Germany to participate in a phase III approval study for a personalized mRNA vaccine therapy against malignant melanoma. As part of the so-called individualized neoantigen therapy, patients receive an individual mRNA vaccine in parallel with immunotherapy for a total of one year. A total of 1,089 patients with metastatic or high-risk melanoma will take part in the ongoing global study; in addition to the UKE, around 100 study centers are involved. If the evaluation is successful, approval of the vaccination therapy could be expected from 2025. The final results of the study are expected to be published in 2029.

As part of individualized neoantigen therapy, individual tumor mutations are identified for each patient using DNA sequencing of a tissue sample. The most important sequences for an immune response form the basis for the mRNA vaccine, which is administered to patients in parallel with antibody therapy over the course of a year. In the previous phase II trial, patients who received a corresponding combined therapy showed a 66 percent lower risk of recurrence of melanoma in the form of distant metastases compared to the control group. "The study results so far make us optimistic that individualized neoantigen therapy could make an important contribution to the goal of preventing the recurrence of melanoma disease and thus enabling a cure," says Prof. Dr. Christoffer Gebhardt, Head of the University Skin Tumor Center at the UKE.

Literature on the phase II study: Weber, Carlino, Khattak et al. Individualized neoantigen therapy mRNA-4157 (V940) plus pembrolizumab versus pembrolizumab monotherapy in resected melanoma (KEYNOTE-942): a randomized, phase 2b study. The Lancet. 2024 (online ahead of print). DOI: doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(23)02268-7

Contact for further inquiries: Prof. Dr. Christoffer Gebhardt, Clinic and Polyclinic for Dermatology and Venereology

To the UKE press release

Breast cancer: A healthier lifestyle can have a positive effect on the course of the disease

A healthier lifestyle can have a positive effect on breast cancer survival rates. In a study conducted jointly with the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), researchers at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) found that recommendations for cancer prevention also show positive effects even if breast cancer has already been diagnosed. Healthy lifestyle factors include abstaining from alcohol and tobacco, a healthy diet, sufficient physical activity and a healthy body weight. "Our message to all patients is therefore: it pays off in years of life to pay attention to a healthy lifestyle - even after a breast cancer diagnosis," says lead author Dr. Kathleen Gali Lo Conte from the University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCCH) at the UKE. The scientists have published their research findings in the journal Cancer.

The study analyzed data from the so-called MARIE study with more than 10,000 participants, which was originally conducted to determine possible risk factors for the development of breast cancer after the menopause. For post-menopausal patients, the researchers were now able to determine that there were significantly fewer deaths in the group with the healthiest lifestyle according to the recommendations of the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) during the follow-up than among the participants who had followed the WCRF recommendations the least. This applied both to overall mortality and to the proportion of deaths attributable to cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Literature: Gali, Orban, Ozga et al. Does breast cancer modify the long-term relationship between lifestyle behaviors and mortality? A prospective analysis of breast cancer survivors and population-based control. Cancer. 2023. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/cncr.35104

Grand opening of the family counseling center

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February 2024

International Children's Cancer Day: New counseling service from the UKE

More than 2,000 children and young people in Germany are diagnosed with cancer every year.When a child or parent is diagnosed with cancer, this has an impact on their entire family life.The University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCCH) at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) has therefore set up a psychosocial counselling service for children, adolescents and young adults with cancer and their families.On the occasion of International Children's Cancer Day on February 15, Priv.-Doz.Dr. Gabriele Escherich, Senior Physician at the Clinic for Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at the UKE, will provide information about the newly created service.

Priv.-Doz. Dr. Gabriele Escherich: Cancer is a radical change in family life. If a parent or child is diagnosed with cancer, everything changes from one day to the next: hospital stays, examinations and doctors' appointments suddenly determine the family's everyday life; work or school must be interrupted and social law issues must be clarified. Parents who are ill may want to protect their children from this stressful situation, but children often sense a change in mood. Families find themselves in an exceptional situation that is accompanied by enormous psychosocial challenges.

Why was the counseling center set up?

Children, young people and families are affected by physical, social or psychological consequences both during and after treatment, regardless of how long ago the illness occurred. Psychosocial aftercare is therefore an essential part of holistic care in the treatment of cancer. For this reason, the counseling center for families with a family member suffering from cancer was set up in Hamburg. Those affected can make use of the outpatient service free of charge and without a referral from a doctor.

What services are available at the advice center?

We see ourselves as advisors and companions, supporting those affected in coming to terms with and coping with their illness, in family communication or in parenting issues. We also provide support with social law issues, for example with application procedures for rehabilitation, but also with organizing a return to school, training or studies. We act as a guide and refer people to further services close to home and are well networked with the various survivorship projects at UCCH. Counseling can take place in person on site, but also by telephone, email or video call. Psycho-oncologists and social workers work at the counseling center. Who is the service aimed at and how can those affected benefit? In principle, our counseling center is available to those affected as well as people from their environment: children and young adults who are ill or in aftercare, parents, siblings, other family members, but also teachers or educators. The cancer counseling center is intended to offer a point of contact and prevent psychological, physical and social consequences. It is intended to support those seeking advice with psychosocial stress and offer concrete practical support with social law issues.

The counseling center is located outside the UKE campus at Falkenried 88, 20246 Hamburg (House C, 1st floor). More information is available at: uke.de/familienkrebsberatung (DE)

To the UKE press release (DE).

Photos: Laura Lehmann

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February 2024

Awarding of the Dr. Martini Prize 2024 for outstanding medical research work

Germany's oldest medical prize was awarded today to the three scientists Dr. Joseph Tintelnot, Dr. Britta Zecher and Dr. Nico Gagelmann from the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE).The awards, endowed with a total of 10,000 euros, were presented by Science Senator Katharina Fegebank and Prof. Dr. Ansgar W. Lohse, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Dr. Martini Foundation and Director of the I. Medical Clinic and Polyclinic of the UKE.

The first prize goes to Dr. Joseph Tintelnot, II Medical Clinic and Polyclinic, for his research work on understanding and overcoming therapy resistance in gastrointestinal tumor diseases. Dr. Britta Zecher from the I. Medical Clinic and Polyclinic receives the second prize for her research work on a mechanism of immune cell activation in the rare liver disease primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). The third prize goes to Dr. Nico Gagelmann, Interdisciplinary Clinic and Polyclinic for Stem Cell Transplantation, for his research work on the molecular and personalized characterization of myelofibrosis in the context of allogeneic stem cell transplantation.

"By promoting young medical talent, we are shaping the medicine of the future. The three projects awarded the Dr. Martini Prize this year make significant contributions to research into cancer, liver and bone marrow diseases. The award-winning young scientists show us impressively how cutting-edge research at the UKE contributes every day to further sharpening our understanding of disease progression, diagnostics and therapy. In doing so, they make a lasting contribution to strengthening medical care far beyond Hamburg's borders. I would like to thank the prizewinners for their important work and congratulate them on this well-deserved award," says Katharina Fegebank, Senator for Science, Research, Equality and Districts. "It is a great pleasure to be able to honor our young scientists with the oldest medical prize in Germany. A prize that was founded in 1880 by medical colleagues and Hamburg merchants and which highlights and rewards the excellent research spirit and commitment of our three young scientists this year. A big thank you also goes to the donor of the prize money for the Dr. Martini Prize 2024, Eva-Maria Greve, for her generous support," says Prof. Dr. Ansgar W. Lohse, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Dr. Martini Foundation and Director of the I. Medical Clinic and Polyclinic of the UKE.

First prize for new research approach in the treatment of pancreatic cancer

Dr. Joseph Tintelnot was able to demonstrate a link between a metabolite (metabolite, indole-3-acetic acid) produced by intestinal bacteria and the response to chemotherapy in pancreatic cancer. Among other things, he found that this changes the metabolic function of tumor cells. This metabolic change halted the growth of tumor cells during therapy. He was also able to prove in preclinical models that the metabolic product can be influenced by dietary changes, thus improving the response to therapy. These results may contribute to a renewal of the research focus in order to develop new therapeutic approaches for pancreatic cancer.

Second prize for research into immune cell activation in the rare liver disease primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC)

Dr. Britta Zecher has decoded a mechanism that can lead to the development of the disease in patients with PSC. As part of her research, she discovered a new risk gene variant for the previously poorly understood development of this rare liver disease. People who carry this gene variant have an increased risk of activating immune cells as natural killer cells and, as a result, of chronic inflammatory reactions. A better understanding of how immune cells influence the course of PSC could contribute to the development of innovative therapeutic approaches for PSC.

Third prize for the molecular and personalized characterization of myelofibrosis in the context of allogeneic stem cell transplantation

Dr. Nico Gagelmann's four scientific papers deal with risk factors and therapeutic options for allogeneic stem cell transplantation as the only treatment option to date for patients with the rare bone marrow disease myelofibrosis. Based on data from a large international study, he was able to show for the first time that individual genetic changes have a significant influence on the prognosis after a stem cell transplant. On this basis, the intensity of the preparatory conditioning therapy and the aftercare following a stem cell transplant could be adapted according to the individual molecular genetics of the patient. In particular, this could help to minimize the risk of relapse of the disease.

Visionary support for young medical talent since 1880

The Dr. Martini Foundation was established in 1880 by friends and colleagues of the surgeon Dr. Erich Martini, who died in the same year. The Dr. Martini Prize - Germany's oldest medical prize - is endowed with 10,000 euros by the Helmut and Hannelore Greve Hamburg Foundation for Science, Development and Culture and is awarded annually.

Photo: (front, from left) Eva-Maria Greve, Dr. Nico Gagelmann, Dr. Britta Zecher, Dr. Joseph Tintelnot, Wolfgang Peter Greve, (back) Science Senator Katharina Fegebank and Prof. Dr. Ansgar W. Lohse

To the UKE press release (DE)

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February 2024

UCCH cooperates with Beiersdorf AG on cancer prevention

Beiersdorf AG organized the Cancer Prevention Week for its employees on the occasion of World Cancer Day.In the Expert Panel, UCCH representatives offered on-site information on all aspects of cancer and are now cooperating to set up a consultation hour to identify Beiersdorf employees with a genetic predisposition to cancer.

Cancer prevention and early detection are central tasks of an Oncology Center of Excellence. A new concept has now been developed in cooperation with Beiersdorf AG - the UCCH is now supporting the company with cancer-related issues. Beiersdorf AG has been very committed to the medical care of its employees for many years. The company medical team, led by Dr. Jörg Busam (Occupational Medicine, Internal Medicine) and Nina Davison (Oncology / Haematology with further training in Occupational Medicine), takes care of employees' concerns in a direct and uncomplicated manner.

On World Cancer Day 2023, Beiersdorf was one of the founding partners of the #WorkingwithCancerPledge. This year, the plan was implemented and Beiersdorf presented the Global Critical Illness Policy: A policy that defines minimum standards for all employees worldwide and supports colleagues if they or a close relative are diagnosed with cancer or another life-threatening illness. This was accompanied by a week of cancer prevention offers and information on the topic for employees at the company's Hamburg headquarters.

Rebecca Goßmann, Head of Wellbeing and organizer of the week: "Throughout the week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., we released the screening offers in cooperation with DAK Gesundheitskasse for bowel cancer, testicular cancer, breast cancer and skin cancer screening for booking in 10-minute slots. The first offers were fully booked within 10 minutes. That really exceeded our expectations."

GOOD FOR ME - this is the name of Beiersdorf's internal program in which health management in the areas of medical, social and wellbeing is communicated to employees in a positive and motivating way. A new feature is the oncology consultation hour - Nina Davison, who previously worked at the UKE's Center for Oncology, will offer advice for affected colleagues as well as a service to identify employees with a possible genetic predisposition to cancer.

One of the central components is a questionnaire on hereditary cancers. In cooperation with the UCCH, further diagnostics and tailored surveillance will then be developed together with oncologists and human geneticists under the direction of PD Dr. Andreas Block - the success of this project will be evaluated jointly.

Photo: (courtesy of Beiersdorf AG / Henriette Pogoda) from left: Prof. Dr. Matthias Rostock, Prof. Dr. Isabelle Scholl, Rebecca Goßmann, Priv.-Doz. Dr. Andreas Block, Dr. Jörg Busam

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February 2024

New Year's reception for Patient support groups

42 patient support and patient organizations cooperate with the UCCH on various levels.On the occasion of World Cancer Day, the tradition of New Year's receptions was resumed in order to exchange ideas in person after the long corona period.

A full house at the New Year's reception for patient support groups and patient organizations at the UCCH on 5 February: not only patient representatives, but also medical and therapeutic colleagues were happy to network.

After the welcome by Prof. Dr. Katja Weisel on behalf of the Board of Directors, the discussion began immediately - under the topic "What's on your mind right now?", the representatives reported on their current experiences, e.g. on addressing people with a migrant background who are ill, on the points of contact with newly ill patients, e.g. at information afternoons, on the different needs of those seeking advice and on the role of relatives.

Heide Lakemann from Frauenselbsthilfe Krebs e.V., who, together with Jürgen Martens from the Hamburg multiple myeloma patient support group, is the spokesperson for the patient support groups, spoke of her desire to found a cross-disease group for cancer patients with metastasis at the UKE.

Petra Diekneite from KISS Hamburg was not the only one to be pleased about the news that a new patient support group for sarcoma sufferers will soon be set up by the German Sarcoma Foundation in Hamburg for the whole of northern Germany.

The coordinator team for the patient support network at UCCH Avin Hell and PD Dr. Andreas Block also announced a new series of events - at the "Roof Top Get Together", which will take place quarterly, they will invite all participants to join them. After all, patient involvement depends on a cultural change among all those involved and this starts with getting to know each other.

Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer said in his welcoming address at the New Year's reception: "We are very pleased about the lively participation of patients at our New Year's reception and around World Cancer Day. The University Cancer Center is currently in the process of reapplying for an extension of the award as a Top Oncology Center in Germany. This will further strengthen the center's important focal points, such as intensive collaboration with patients, clinical and translational studies, cancer research and, above all, interdisciplinary care.

The collaboration with patients at various levels within the UCCH, be it through patient support groups, at training courses, on the UCCH Board and on the Patient Advisory Board, helps us immensely to actively develop the Cancer Center in its many facets and to align research and care even better with the needs of our patients."

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February 2024

FC St. Pauli visits the children's cancer center

More than 13,500 euros were raised from the donations at the FC St. Pauli Advent Calendar 2023.Professional footballers Marcel Hartel and Elias Saad have now presented this donation check to the Fördergemeinschaft Kinderkrebs-Zentrum Hamburg e.V. and then visited children at the UKE Cancer Center.

In December, the FC St. Pauli Rabauken called for participation in the interactive Advent calendar 2023, with more than 1,400 Rabauken taking part. Not only were there exciting surprises waiting for them, such as signed jerseys, participation as a run-in child or fan articles, but there was also the opportunity to support the Fördergemeinschaft Kinderkrebs-Zentrum Hamburg e.V. with donations.

Thanks to the great commitment of the members, the two Rabauken-Club sponsors Marcel Hartel and Elias Saad were able to hand over a donation check in the amount of 13,540 euros to the Fördergemeinschaft at the beginning of February. The non-profit association has been creating the conditions for optimal patient care at the Children's Cancer Center Hamburg since 1975 and enables targeted research into childhood cancer. The donations collected from the Rabauken-Club Advent calendar are used for sports therapy for patients on the ward, in the outpatient clinic or after treatment has been completed, which has been financed by the support association since 2020.

After the symbolic handover of the donation, the Rabauken Club sponsors made children's eyes light up with joy and provided some unforgettable moments: they visited patients in aftercare and on the ward, who were delighted to interact with the players. Many questions were answered, autographs handed out, footballs signed, photos taken and lots of laughter!

The FC St. Pauli Rabauken would like to take this opportunity to thank all participants of the Advent calendar who supported the Fördergemeinschaft Kinderkrebs-Zentrum Hamburg e.V. with their generous donations. If you would like to find out more about the work of the Fördergemeinschaft and support it with a donation, you can find all the relevant information on the organization's website .

Click here for the video of the donation handover -> Surprise for the UKE: Elias Saad and Marcel Hartel hand over donation check to children with cancer

Photo: Ronald Frommann (from left: Natalie von Borcke, Elias Saad, Marcel Hartel, PD Dr. Gabriele Escherich, Simon Elmers and the children of the Children's Cancer Center)

Asked ?! - Video for world cancer day (DE)

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February 2024

World Cancer Day: Personalized medicine in oncology

More than 500,000 people are diagnosed with cancer in Germany every year.Thanks to continuous research, major advances have been made in the treatment of many types of cancer in recent years.Personalized cancer medicine in particular is playing an increasingly important role: on the occasion of the 24th World Cancer Day on 4 February, Priv.-Doz.Dr. Maximilian Christopeit, Senior Physician at the Center for Oncology at the University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCCH) of the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), explains what is meant by personalized medicine in oncology and how it benefits patients.

What is personalized medicine in oncology?

Priv.-Doz. Dr. Maximilian Christopeit: Basically, every cancer treatment is personalized. All therapies are based on the specific characteristics of the tumor disease. Factors such as the patient's age and concomitant diseases also have an influence on all - and therefore individualized - treatment recommendations. Personalized medicine in the narrower sense, however, describes the particularly in-depth, molecular analysis of the individual tumour. A specific therapy is derived from this if standard therapy options have been exhausted or extremely rare tumor diseases are present. For example, personalized therapy is standard for metastatic lung cancer, one of the most common cancers, where so-called driver mutations are often found.

How does personalized cancer medicine work?

Tailor-made cancer therapy is based, among other things, on molecular-genetic examinations of tumor tissue or tumor cells found in the blood. In contrast to healthy cells, these cancer cells often exhibit changes in the genetic material - the DNA. These lead to the activation of signaling pathways in the tumor cells that promote their growth. There are now many drugs that can specifically inhibit these signaling pathways activated in tumor cells in a targeted manner. As a result, therapy is becoming increasingly personalized. This is because a different, specific drug is effective against each change in the patient's tumor tissue. This approach is already fully established in the treatment of lung cancer in particular and is becoming increasingly important for many other tumor diseases as new findings are made. Today, we find such targetable molecular changes in the tumor cells of around 15 to 20 percent of all patients.

Which methods are used?

The method that has revolutionized diagnostics is the so-called deep sequencing of tumour DNA (next generation sequencing). Today, such analyses can be carried out more and more broadly and precisely, up to the examination of the complete genetic material (so-called whole genome sequencing). The resulting huge amount of information must be interpreted jointly by clinical oncologists, molecular pathologists and bioinfomatologists in a molecular tumor board. The experts then make appropriate therapy recommendations. The therapies used in personalized cancer medicine often involve long-term therapies with tablets and sometimes also infusions with antibodies against so-called surface antennae of cancer cells or to activate the body's own immune cells.

Where can patients find appropriate services?

We offer personalized cancer medicine as a certified Center for Personalized Medicine-Oncology (ZPM-Oncology) at our cancer center, the UCCH, in collaboration with our network partners in clinics and practices in order to give many patients access to this new form of therapy. We are also working on this important topic as part of two national networks - the German Network for Personalized Medicine (DNPM) and the National Network for Genomic Medicine in Lung Cancer (nNGM) - in order to ensure and help shape the transfer of knowledge and knowledge gain in this innovative field.

To the UKE press release (DE)
Click here for the "Ausgefragt?!" video (DE)

Award ceremony for Prof. Dr. Inge Marie Svane
with members of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation

Lecture by the award winner
on the development of immunotherapy

Meet & Greet
with young scientists from the MSNZ

Background music
with students of the Hamburg University of Music and Drama

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January 2024

Cancer researcher Prof. Dr. Inge Marie Svane receives Hubertus Wald Prize for Oncology

Cancer researcher Prof. Dr. Inge Marie Svane, University Hospital Copenhagen, has been awarded the Hubertus Wald Prize for Oncology 2023 for her many years of commitment and outstanding achievements in the field of tumor immunotherapy. The prize is endowed with 10,000 euros and is awarded every two years by the Hubertus Wald Tumor Center - University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCCH).

"In the treatment of malignant melanoma, or malignant melanoma, immunotherapies have proven to be a decisive medical advance in recent years. The targeted strategy of activating the body's own immune cells, known as T lymphocytes, against cancer cells has great potential to improve therapy even further and is also highly relevant for the treatment of other types of tumors. Professor Svane is a leader in this field and has made a decisive contribution to this development with her scientific and medical research. Some of her studies have also been carried out in cooperation with colleagues in dermatooncology at the Hubertus Wald Tumor Center. We warmly congratulate Professor Svane on this award," says Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer, Director of the Hubertus Wald Tumor Center of the UCCH and the II Medical Clinic and Polyclinic of the UKE.

Prof. Svane is head of the National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK) at the University Hospital in Copenhagen. In the course of her diverse clinical and research work, she has been the initiator of many European studies that have led to improved immunotherapeutic treatment strategies for patients with skin cancer.

The Hubertus Wald Tumor Center is significantly supported by the Hubertus Wald Foundation. In addition to awarding research prizes, the foundation focuses on the clinical care of people with cancer. The Hanseatic entrepreneur Hubertus Wald (1903-2005) and his wife Renate had dedicated themselves to the promotion of culture and medicine for decades; the Hubertus Wald Foundation emerged from this in 1993.

UKE press release

Photo: Avin Hell, Laura Lehmann

Prof. Neumann, Prof. Otto and Dr. Molwitz (from left to right)

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December 2023

Werner Otto Prize 2023 for new possibilities in the treatment of childhood brain tumors

The Werner Otto Prize 2023 for outstanding medical achievements in basic and clinical research was awarded to Prof. Dr. Julia Neumann and Dr. Isabel Molwitz.

Prof. Dr. Neumann, Senior Physician at the Institute of Neuropathology and Head of Junior Research at the Center for Molecular Neurobiology Hamburg (ZMNH), was honoured for her pioneering work in the field of malignant brain tumors in children. This research provides new insights into the pathogenesis and molecular phenotype, which can lead to improved therapeutic approaches.

Dr. Molwitz, a specialist in radiology at the UKE, received the award for the development of new imaging biomarkers that enable early detection of reduced muscle status.

The award was presented at a ceremony hosted by Prof. Dr. Michael Otto, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Otto Group. Prof. Dr. Otto emphasized the important role of medical excellence and the promotion of comprehensive research, especially against the backdrop of the ongoing pandemic.

The Werner Otto Prize is awarded every two years and recognizes commitment to new treatment options in medicine. The prize is endowed with prize money of 10,000 euros.

Wir gratulieren den beiden Preisträger:innen herzlichen zu dieser Auszeichnung und wünschen viel Erfolg für das weitere Forschungsvorhaben.

Further information:
Center for Molecular Neurobiology Hamburg (ZMNH)
Werner Otto Foundation

Photo: Werner Otto Foundation

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November 2023

World Pancreatic Cancer Day: early diagnosis is crucial

Pancreatic cancer is one of the third most common tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. In Germany, almost 17,100 people are diagnosed with it every year. The motto of this year's World Pancreatic Cancer Day on November 16 is "Hello Pancreas!" and aims to highlight the importance of early diagnosis. Prof. Dr. Thilo Hackert, Director of the Clinic and Polyclinic for General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery at the University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCCH) of the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), explains what diagnostic and therapeutic options are available.

What function does the pancreas perform in the human body?

Prof. Dr. Thilo Hackert: The pancreas is one of the central metabolic organs in our body. It produces many fluids that are crucial for the digestion of fats, proteins and sugar, for example. The pancreas also has a very important hormonal function, as it produces insulin, the central hormone for blood sugar regulation in our body.

What are the common diseases of the pancreas?

Inflammation of the pancreas is called pancreatitis, and a distinction is made between acute and chronic pancreatitis. Excessive alcohol consumption often plays a role here. In addition to inflammatory diseases, there is also pancreatic carcinoma, i.e. pancreatic cancer. This malignant tumor disease is unfortunately on the increase and is one of the third most common tumors of the gastrointestinal tract.

How does pancreatic cancer develop?

The risk factors that can lead to pancreatic cancer have not yet been conclusively clarified. However, we do know that smoking and high alcohol consumption increase the risk. Pancreatic cancer can develop due to chronic inflammation, so patients with chronic pancreatitis have an increased risk. Pancreatic cancer is also rarely hereditary. If there is a family history of pancreatic cancer, appropriate preventive examinations should be carried out under certain circumstances.

What are the symptoms?

The tricky thing about the disease is that there are often no symptoms or they are very unspecific. Symptoms can include fatigue, weight loss and back pain. In rare cases, pancreatic cancer can manifest itself very early through jaundice or digestive disorders.

What treatment options are available?

Pancreatic cancer is a serious disease, but treatment has improved greatly over the last 20 years. Surgical removal of the tumor can be performed on around 20 percent of patients at the time of diagnosis. In the case of advanced tumors, chemotherapy may be necessary before surgery. The latter may also be necessary if the tumor is growing aggressively or the patient's condition does not allow direct surgery.

News from research

This year, two major international research projects on the early detection and monitoring of residual tumor disease were launched. Both research projects are led by Prof. Dr. Claus Pantel, Director of the Institute of Tumor Biology at the UKE.

In the PANCAID ("PANcreatic CAncer Initial Detection via Liquid Biopsy") project, which is funded by the EU until 2027, the scientists involved want to collect blood samples from patients with pancreatic cancer as well as from healthy individuals and those with an increased risk of developing the disease. Computer analyses and artificial intelligence will be used to identify the key cellular markers responsible for the development of pancreatic cancer.

The project "GUIDE.MRD - GUIDing multi-modal thErapies against Minimal Residual Disease by liquid biopsies" will receive a total of around 17.6 million euros in EU funding over a period of five years. The consortium aims to collect reliable data on the use of liquid biopsies for the detection of minimal residual oncological disease. Minimal residual disease (MRD) can be the starting point for cancer metastases occurring at a later stage.

16.11. GIST - Opening
Prof. Casrten Bokemeyer, Director of the UCCH

MRI images to visualize the disease
with Dr. Lennart Well, Radiology

17.11. Sarkom - Eröffnung
PD Dr. Anna Duprée, Head of the Sarcoma Center at UCCH

Morphology and pattern recognition of sarcomas
Role of pathology with PD Dr. Andreas Lübke

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November 2023

Kick-off of the German Sarcoma Foundation's road tour: two patient afternoons on GIST and sarcoma in Hamburg

On 16.11.2023 and 17.11.2023, everything revolved around sarcomas, a very rare form of cancer that can occur in many different forms. The German Sarcoma Foundation started its Germany-wide road tour at the UKE with two patient afternoons, held jointly with the UCCH Sarcoma Center.

Sarcomas, malignant soft tissue and connective tissue tumors, can develop anywhere in the body and, with around 2000 new cases every year in Germany, are among the rarer forms of cancer. Moreover, the manifestations are very different. This makes interdisciplinary cooperation in the treatment of patients and a comprehensive range of information to provide support during and after treatment all the more important. The German Sarcoma Foundation is committed to improving the situation for sarcoma patients in Germany in the long term.

The events offered participants a unique opportunity to share their personal experiences and ask questions directly to experts. Intense discussions about treatment recommendations, the latest medications and improving quality of life characterized both days of the event. Representatives of the German Sarcoma Foundation and experts from the UKE and the University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) were on site.

A central focus of the speakers was on the interdisciplinary cooperation between different medical fields and the patient's journey through the hospital, from the first symptoms to treatment. The presentations covered various therapeutic approaches, including surgery, radiotherapy and drug therapies.

Particular highlights were the insights into the work of plastic surgery and the central role of pathology. While pathology brings together all the information needed to diagnose and classify over 100 types of sarcoma, plastic surgery offers highly complex solutions to improve quality of life after tumor removal.

Both events were supported by the active participation of all visitors, who challenged the experts with their questions. A complete success that underlines the importance of knowledge transfer and joint exchange in oncological care.

Further information:
German Sarcoma Foundation
Sarcoma Center at the University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCCH)
Interdisciplinary sarcoma consultation at the UCCH

Photo: Laura Lehmann

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November 2023

5th Cancer Careers Day: Careers in science communication

Following on from the last event, the 5th Cancer Careers Day once again focused on the topic of science communication. This time, the online event organized by the Mildred Scheel Center for Young Scientists Hamburg (MSNZ), the University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCCH) and the University Cancer Center Schleswig-Holstein (UCCSH) focused on job profiles and possible career paths.

Journalism, science publishing or communication for research clusters and consortia - the career paths and opportunities are diverse. On November 10, 2023, four experts were guests to report on their paths from "traditional" research into fields of work in science communication. They gave insights into the "how tos" and "pitfalls" of their career paths.

Dr. Andreas Mehdorn (Thieme Group), Dr. Theresa Schredelseker (Fuel Cell Center ZBT and University of Duisburg-Essen), Dr. Claudia Taubenheim (Coordinator KFO CATCH-ALL, UKSH Kiel, Medical Writer & Coach in Training) and Dr. Christina Bernd (Süddeutsche Zeitung, freelance author) were invited as guests.

In the panel discussion, the participants had the opportunity to ask the speakers questions. The central questions here were about incentives for entering the field of professional science communication and the necessary skills and any further specialist training required. The guests all agreed that a love of science in combination with a passion for questioning and explaining things is what makes them unique. In contrast to science itself, which likes to go into detail, the strength of communicators lies in generalization and a "broad view" of topics, said Christina Berndt in the interview. In addition to a second degree in journalism, entry opportunities are traditionally offered through internships/volunteering at newspapers, publishing houses, radio or television; however, it is good to have a small portfolio of your own work samples when applying for such jobs. Such initial text and media samples can be acquired, for example, by writing your own blog, creating your own podcast or small review articles for magazines. Voluntary work as an editor for scientific journals is also a good way to get started.

The highs and lows of working at WissKom were also discussed; one advantage, according to Claudia Taubenheim, is of course the flexible choice of work location, especially if you have family responsibilities. The exchange with many different people can also be very enriching and expand your own network in a meaningful way. On the negative side, depending on the employer (or even as a self-employed person), there could be a lower income or greater financial insecurity. In general, however, the demand for competent communicators is currently on the rise, especially in the context of larger research networks, so that there is certainly an attractive alternative field of work for people with a research background.

The "Cancer Careers Day" event series provides an overview of career opportunities within and outside the academic world and takes place twice a calendar year. In discussions and interviews with experts from a wide range of fields, from classic (but also unconventional) "university jobs" to the pharmaceutical industry to communications, law, PR and others, participants gain an insight into what all these careers actually look like and what skills are required to be successful.

Further information:
Mildred Scheel Cancer Career Center Hamburg

Photo: Pexels

Palliative medicine research network meeting at th
Lecture Prof. Dr. Karin Oechsle

Palliative medicine research network meeting at th
Integrative exchange on future research questions

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November 2023

Annual palliative medicine research network meeting at the UKE - back in person for the first time

On November 9, 2023, almost 30 participants met for the annual palliative care research network meeting at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) - finally in person again. It was a successful meeting of palliative and hospice care providers in the greater Hamburg area and palliative medicine researchers at the UKE.

Prof. Dr. Karin Oechsle, Head of Palliative Medicine at the UKE, reported on the three major research projects currently underway involving relatives: ScreenAng (funded by German Cancer Aid (DKH)), CCC-PalliAng (funded by the Hamburg Cancer Society (HKG)) and ImTeamAng, including the current status of collaborations and recruitment in each of these projects. The current palliative medicine research team at the UKE now consists of 17 people, who are currently actively supported by 12 medical doctoral students.

The research network meeting was also used to reassess the questions formulated when the network was founded in 2017 in light of the research findings to date and to formulate future questions on this basis.

In addition, Dr. Aneta Schieferdecker, senior physician and researcher, presented the initial results of the Innovation Fund-funded study on improving end-of-life care in hospitals (Stik-OV). It showed that there is a great need to improve end-of-life care in hospitals on hospital wards that do not specialize in palliative care. The results also suggest that it is possible to develop suitable measures to improve end-of-life care using the bottom-up principle in multi-professional working groups on the individual wards. The extent to which these are effective is currently being evaluated on a multimodal basis.

Dipl.-Soz. Anneke Ullrich, lead researcher, presented various "flashes of results" from the various relatives research projects currently being evaluated or published. These included the needs of relatives during the illness of the loved one as well as in the mourning phase after their death.

All in all, it was a successful research network meeting with a high level of active participation and trend-setting results for future research development.

Further information: Palliative medicine at the UKE

Photo: Nikolas Oubaid (picture 1), Karin Oechsle (picture 2)

Handing over the keys to the new Martini Clinic

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November 2023

Ceremonial handover of the keys to the Martini-Klinik

On Wednesday, November 8, in the presence of Katharina Fegebank, Senator for Science, Research, Equality and Districts, the ceremonial handover of the keys to the new Martini Clinic of the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) took place. After around four years of construction, the seven-storey prostate cancer center with a gross floor area of 17,000 square meters and 100 beds spread over four wards has been structurally completed.

This marks another milestone on the way to commissioning: clinical operations are scheduled to start in the second quarter of 2024 once the medical equipment has been installed. The Martini Clinic will then be able to treat even more patients with prostate cancer, from early diagnosis through to advanced stages of the disease.

Around 200 guests accepted the invitation to the ceremonial handover of the keys, including three former patients, guests from politics, the companies involved in the construction and numerous employees of the Martini-Klinik and the UKE. Prof. Dr. Markus Graefen, Medical Director of the Martini-Klinik and Prof. Dr. Hans Heinzer, Deputy Medical Director of the Martini-Klinik, accepted the symbolic key to the new clinic building from Senator Katharina Fegebank, Prof. Dr. Christian Gerloff, Medical Director and Chairman of the Board of the UKE, and Feridun Bircan, Managing Director of KFE Klinik Facility-Management Eppendorf of the UKE.

"The Martini-Klinik is the world's number one in the treatment and research of prostate cancer. At the same time, it is a mainstay of healthcare here at the UKE. I am delighted that cutting-edge medicine now has a new home at the Martini Clinic - with the best treatment options and the latest technology. A good day for Hamburg as a center of science and medicine. And a good day for all patients who come from all over the world to be treated here," says Katharina Fegebank, Senator for Science, Research, Equality and Districts.

"The treatment of prostate cancer has developed rapidly over the past three decades, and the Martini-Klinik has played a major part in this: with its pioneering medicine and caring care as well as innovative surgical and treatment concepts. The new building now provides the basis for the further development of this medical excellence and is also associated with a contemporary ambience and more comfort for patients. I would like to thank everyone who was involved in the planning and implementation of the project: from the architects to the construction managers and tradespeople to the employees of the Martini-Klinik, the UKE and, in particular, the KFE. Each and every one of them has made a valuable contribution to the success of this construction project," says Prof. Dr. Christian Gerloff.

"It has been shown that the strategy of medical care for a disease pattern is the best way to achieve global excellence in the quality of treatment for our patients. Our quality management works, and our clinical studies and research make a significant contribution to offering patients with prostate cancer the best possible treatment while maintaining their quality of life as much as possible. In addition, we have optimized processes through good patient management, which not only means greater efficiency, but also a high quality of service for our patients," says Prof. Dr. Markus Graefen.

"In recent years, we have treated an increasing number of patients from all over Germany and abroad at the Martini-Klinik. Added to this is the data from the Federal Statistical Office, which states that the group of 50 to 70-year-olds will comprise more than 10.7 million men by 2040. In 2015, we therefore decided together with the UKE Executive Board to build a new building with a significant increase in bed and operating theater capacity. We will be able to treat the first patients in the new building from the second quarter of 2024. I would like to thank everyone involved in the planning, design and construction of the new building," says Dr. Detlef Loppow.

Martini-Klinik: Specialist clinic for the treatment of patients with prostate cancer

The Martini-Klinik offers all options for the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer and, together with the UKE, treats around 5,000 outpatients and 2,700 inpatients every year at the Prostate Cancer Center. With over 2,500 prostate cancer operations per year, they perform the most complete (radical) surgical removal of the prostate worldwide. The aim is to maximize the patient's quality of life in terms of cure rate, continence and potency. These factors have been recorded for many years using the so-called Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROM); these results are incorporated into research and the continuous improvement of surgical therapy. For example, the precise dissection and preservation of the urethral sphincter has helped significantly more patients to maintain their continence. The nursing team at the Martini-Klinik is specially trained to meet the needs of cancer patients and cares for them with great empathy and a high level of nursing care.

Martini-Klinik: on course for expansion since its foundation

Founded in 2005, the specialist clinic, which started operating with just eight beds, quickly grew to 72 beds in the following years. The new seven-storey building with a gross floor area of 17,000 square meters now has space for 100 beds spread over four wards, numerous function and treatment rooms, for example for outpatient chemotherapy, as well as eight operating theatres equipped for the use of robot-assisted surgical systems and focal therapy techniques (selective treatment of prostate cancer). The new prostate cancer center is characterized by spacious patient rooms designed with high-quality materials and floor-to-ceiling windows, bright operating and recovery rooms with skylights, inviting lounges and examination rooms, short distances for staff and patients and state-of-the-art medical technology.

"For the first time, KFE took over the complete construction planning and coordination of the 80 or so construction companies involved. This allowed us to act flexibly and more economically and complete the construction in around four years despite the generally volatile situation," says Feridun Bircan.

Link to UKE press release

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October 2023

Obituary: We mourn the loss of Maren Fendt

Maren Fendt, who had been working at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf since February 2023, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on October 29, 2023 following a sports accident.

The directors, board and staff of the University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCCH) mourn the loss of their esteemed colleague.

Maren Fendt, born in Flensburg in 1995, began her studies in applied health sciences in Furtwangen in 2015 and later continued her studies at the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences (HAW). After working at Cochrane and the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, she joined the University Cancer Center Hamburg at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf as a research assistant and project manager in February 2023. As project manager, Ms. Fendt has supervised and coordinated major funding projects on the topic of outreach both at UCCH and in the national network of Comprehensive Cancer Centers.

In her private life, Maren Fendt was interested in many things - she was always drawn to the sea, whether to the German or various coasts of the world. She was an experienced kite surfer, loved to dance and had just completed her sailing license on Hamburg's Outer Alster lake.

We are deeply saddened and stunned by her sudden death.

We mourn and miss a kind and life-affirming young colleague who actively and joyfully contributed to our work here at UCCH over the past few months.

Hamburg was her second home, she had built up a large circle of friends and felt well received in the Hanseatic city.

Our sympathy and special condolences go to her family, relatives and friends.

UCCH team at the annual meeting of the DGHO 2023 in Hamburg

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October 2023

Huge turnout at this year's DGHO annual conference with award winners from the UCCH

The DGHO was a guest in Hamburg: from October 13 to 16, 2023, the annual conference of the German, Austrian and Swiss Society for Hematology and Medical Oncology (DGHO) was all about the latest developments in the treatment of blood diseases and cancer. With record numbers of participants at the largest congress in this specialist field in German-speaking countries, the event was able to build on the visitor numbers from before Corona.

Under the joint patronage of Prof. Dr. med. Claudia Baldus, Director of the University Cancer Center Schleswig-Holstein (UCCSH) and Prof. Dr. med. Carsten Bokemeyer, Director of the University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCCH), the latest research findings were presented and discussed at the exhibition grounds of the CCH - Congress Center Hamburg. With more than 6,000 participants, 1,400 presentations, almost 800 abstracts and 380 scientific posters, a program full of thematic breadth and depth was presented in 36 sessions with 265 sessions.

Immunotherapy continues to be one of the most important drivers of innovation in modern cancer treatment. "The possibilities in our field have never been as promising, never as extensive in terms of content and never as rapidly changing as they are today," said Prof. Carsten Bokemeyer. As an example, he cited the number of drugs that were newly approved or approved for new indications in 2021: "There were 50 - practically one a week." The daily clinical implementation of these innovations is a constant challenge. The knowledge required for this is also constantly growing. "Haematology and medical oncology are at the heart of the most innovative disciplines in modern medicine. We should do everything we can to continue to actively shape new developments in cancer medicine for our patients."

A special highlight was the keynote speech by Prof. Dr. rer. nat. habil. Mojib Latif, meteorologist at GEOMAR - Helmholtz Center for Ocean Research Kiel. He impressively demonstrated the enormous effects of climate change and the enormous challenges facing humanity, as health impacts will also increase.

Traditionally, awards are presented to scientists and young researchers at the DGHO and special attention is paid to students. This year there was a special student day, which was well attended by around 100 students.

Award winners from the UCCH:

The Vincenz Czerny Prize was awarded toDr. med. Joseph Tintelnot for his publication entitled "Microbiota-derived 3-IAA influences chemotherapy efficacy in pancreatic cancer", which was published in the renowned journal Nature. The prize is awarded annually and honors outstanding scientific work that deals with clinical, experimental or theoretical questions in the field of oncology.

Dr. med. Lisa Leypoldt also receives the Young Investigator Award. This is awarded to young scientists under the age of 35 who have submitted the best abstract. Dipl.soz. Anneke Ullrich was honored for the best abstract of the annual conference.

We would like to congratulate them on these awards and wish them continued success in their future research projects.

The next congress of the specialist societies will take place in Basel from October 11 to 14, 2024.

Further information: To the DGHO's final press release

Photo: Avin Hell

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October 2023

Research Training Group "Innovative Technologies in Cancer Diagnostics and Therapy": Final retreat at the Nochtspeicher in St. Pauli

Under the direction of Prof. Dr. Gunhild von Amsberg, PD Dr. Malte Kriegs and Dr. rer. nat. Natascha Kömm, the final retreat of the interdisciplinary research training group "Innovative Technologies in Cancer Diagnostics and Therapy" (GRK InTechCanDiTh) was held on 13.10.2023 in a festive setting. At the Nochtspeicher in Hamburg's Kiez district, the doctoral students' research projects were presented in the form of a science slam and a poster presentation for guests from the group, family and friends, and the doctoral students were also presented with certificates for successfully completing the curriculum. The defense of the doctoral theses is still pending.

In addition to working on scientific research projects, the RTG InTechCanDiTh focuses on training highly qualified young researchers in the field of cancer research through a doctoral training and qualification program.

The Research Training Group comprises 12 interdisciplinary research and doctoral projects involving scientists from 14 different research institutions at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) and the Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH) and is funded by the Ministry of Science, Research and Equal Opportunities (BWFG) as part of the Hamburg State Research Funding Program (LFF).

We congratulate all doctoral candidates on the successful completion of the accompanying curriculum and wish them every success in the upcoming defense of their doctoral theses and for their future careers!

• Marie Wegner
• Debayan Bhattacharya
• Lina Bergmann
• Patrick Kleinschnittger
• Ayham Moustafa
• Alicia Eckhardt
• Ruth Rietow
• Sarah Greimeier
• Ann-Kristin Afflerbach
• Nikhil Kalra
• Diana Schweizer

Further information:
Interdisciplinary Graduate School „Innovative Technologies in Cancer Diagnostics and Therapy“

Photo: Malte Kriegs

Ceremonial presentation of the prize
Prof. Trieu und Dr. Venegas-Rojas

Die drei Preisträger im Rahmen der Promotionsfeier
Manfred Jücker, Dr. Venegas-Rojas (Summa cum laude) & Prof. Trieu

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September 2023

"Tumor-on-a-Chip": Michael Zajadacz Prize 2023 for microbioreactor for the cultivation of tumor tissue

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Hoc Khiem Trieu and Dr. Daybith Venegas-Rojas from the Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH) and Prof. Dr. Manfred Jücker, Center for Experimental Medicine at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), have successfully developed a microbioreactor in which tumor tissue can be cultivated. The "Tumor-on-a-Chip" project has now been awarded the Michael Zajadacz Prize 2023.

In the search for ways to combat tumor cells, cancer cell models are used time and again. One challenge of modern cancer research is that classic 2D cell cultures behave differently in the laboratory than in reality.

The tumor-on-a-chip is a bioreactor that allows tumoroids, i.e. human tumor cells, to grow in a microfluidic chip with a continuous supply of nutrients, thus mimicking the real 3D situation of cancer cells in a living state. This model can be used to study the different effects of various cancer drugs on tumor growth.

Dr. Venegas-Rojas worked on the project as part of his doctorate and his dissertation was awarded summa cum laude.

The Michael Zajadacz Prize 2023 is endowed with prize money of 20,000 euros.

In the future, Dr. Nadya Popova's microbioreactor at the UKE will be used to investigate the spatial distribution of FOLFOX in CRC tumoroids in collaboration with Prof. Dr. Florian Grüner, Institute of Experimental Physics at the University of Hamburg (UHH), using X-ray fluorescence studies.

We would like to congratulate the prize winners and wish them every success in their future projects.

Photo: Manfred Jücker

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September 2023

Center for Personalized Medicine-Oncology (ZPM-O) successfully certified as first in Northern Germany

At the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) there are new possibilities for cancer therapy: The Center for Personalized Medicine-Oncology (ZPM-O) of the University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCCH), as a member of the "German Network for Personalized Medicine" (DNPM), offers customized diagnostics and therapy. As a result of special quality standards, the ZPM-Oncology of the UCCH was successfully certified according to the strict OnkoZert criteria of the German Cancer Society. ZPM-Oncology is the first certified facility of its kind in Northern Germany.

Patients benefit from the great expertise of an interdisciplinary team consisting of clinically active physicians from various disciplines, but also basic researchers, human geneticists, computer scientists and pathologists. As early as 2016, UCCH was one of the first German university hospitals to establish a molecular tumor board, which has since been continuously adapted to new findings and requirements. Here, the physicians of the Oncology Center of Excellence, which has been continuously supported by German Cancer Aid since 2009, are increasingly integrating molecular parameters into the therapy proposals for their patients. Together, the tumor to be analyzed is deciphered in ever greater depth in order to make the weak points of the tumor usable for a targeted therapy.

In principle, a good quarter of all therapeutic decisions in cancer therapy are already made on the basis of molecular characteristics of the tumor. The "Molecular Tumor Board" (MTB) is the heart of the ZPM-O. Precision oncology expertise is bundled in this board. "Nowadays, we clinicians need the diagnostician more intensively than ever. The more an individual therapy decision is based on molecular characteristics of the tumor, the more parameters have to be taken into account. This requires a concentrated discussion in a concerted translational action with all participants of a multidisciplinary tumor conference," says private lecturer Dr. Maximilian Christopeit, the spokesman of the ZPM-O.

The MTB has been continuously developed since its inception under the leadership of the expert:ing staff of the II Medical Clinic and Polyclinic (Oncology, Hematology, Bone Marrow Transplantation with Pneumology Section) as well as the Institute of Pathology and the Institute of Human Genetics of the UKE under the joint umbrella of the UCCH. "The initiation of the MTB was the foundation stone for ZPM-Oncology," explains Professor Carsten Bokemeyer, Director of the II Medical Clinic and Polyclinic and of the UCCH.

Personalized Medicine generates its added value from an acceptance of the diversity of tumors that were previously mapped as the same. Sequencing provides a genetic fingerprint of the tumor. This is supplemented by further analyses as needed, for example protein profiles or kinase profiles. "Our analyses are constantly evolving," explains PD Dr. Christopeit, "because science is constantly in flux. For this purpose, too, it is helpful to archive and systematically evaluate tumor material and also treatment data." The drugs selected in the MTB for the treatment of a:r patient:in and the tumor are also procured individually - often an application has to be made to a health insurance company for this. The team of specialists also takes care of this.

A good three quarters of the patients who present themselves via the "Precision Oncology Consultation Hour" at the UKE thus receive a modern therapy recommendation based on the expertise of all oncologists at the UCCH. This creates the opportunity to push back the disease more strongly and to control it in the long term.

The ZPM-Oncology of the UKE is part of the project "German Network for Personalized Medicine" (DNPM), which is supported by the Innovation Fund of the GBA and which is exchanging the further centers for Personalized Medicine that are being established in the Federal Republic of Germany with the aim of guaranteeing comprehensive quality-assured comparable care for all patients. The high quality standard of the ZPM-O at the UCCH has been proven by obtaining the certificate of the DKG.

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September 2023

UKE study achieves better prognosis for patients with high-risk myeloma

A novel combination of four drugs has significantly improved the prognosis of patients with high-risk myeloma, a malignant disease of the bone marrow. A clinical study initiated at the UCCH, in which 20 German treatment centers participated, showed that almost 80 percent of patients up to 70 years of age and more than 60 percent of patients over 70 years of age were still relapse-free two years after completion of therapy. For a long time, the median survival time of high-risk myeloma patients was only about two years. The UKE scientists have now published the study results in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

Multiple myeloma is the second most common hematological systemic disease with about 6700 new cases per year in Germany. One quarter of patients are diagnosed with high-risk myeloma, which is characterized by genetic alterations that lead to a more aggressive course. "The therapy of multiple myeloma has undergone lasting changes over the past two decades, accompanied by a steady improvement in prognosis. In standard-risk patients, the median survival has improved from three to more than ten years, but in high-risk patients, the median survival was only about two years until recently," explains lead investigator Prof. Dr. Katja Weisel, Deputy Director of the II Medical Clinic and the University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCCH) of the UKE. "The study initiated by the UKE is one of the first clinical trials ever to focus specifically on the treatment of high-risk patient:ing."

Treatment goal: no more disease activity detectable

Standard therapy for multiple myeloma is high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous blood stem cell transplantation. The aim of the UKE study is to improve the maximum regression of the disease by combining the most effective and innovative drugs in an intensified therapy regimen to such an extent that no disease activity can be detected in as many patients as possible. The aim is to avoid early relapses in high-risk patients, which are usually difficult to treat, and to improve their lifetime prognosis. "A combination of four drug classes is used for treatment, consisting of the monoclonal antibody isatuximab, the proteasome inhibitor carfilzomib, the immunomodulator lenalidomide, and the glucocorticoid dexamethasone. This quadruple combination was used for the first time worldwide at the time the study started in 2017," explains the first author of the scientific publication, Dr. Lisa Leypoldt, also from the II Medical Clinic of the UKE. First promising results of the study with 153 treated patients were already presented in December 2022 at a congress in New Orleans. The current analysis of the study, which has now been published, now presents the relapse-free survival as well as the overall survival. "The high effectiveness of the therapy is demonstrated by the fact that 78.3 percent of the younger patients up to 70 years of age and 62.6 percent of the older patients were still relapse-free after two years. Overall survival - 83.9 percent of younger patients and 71 percent of older patients were alive after two years - also continues to develop positively," said Dr. Leypoldt.

The study is a multicenter phase II trial for the initial treatment of high-risk patients, initiated by the UKE and involving 20 hospitals in Germany, including the Charité in Berlin and university hospitals and clinics in Tübingen, Heidelberg, Cologne, Essen and Chemnitz, among others. Biometric analysis of the study was performed at the German Cancer Research Center in Heidelberg. The study results were presented by Dr. Leypoldt on September 27 at the annual meeting of the International Myeloma Society and simultaneously published in the digital edition of the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Prof. Weisel: "We now know how important optimized combination therapy is for the treatment of multiple myeloma, and with our results we were able to show that under this therapy the prognosis of high-risk patients approaches that of standard-risk patients. This is very encouraging. Nevertheless, there is room for further optimization. With the follow-up study planned at the UKE, we want to further improve the treatment results.

Very gratifying - Dr. Leypoldt also received one of the Young Investigator Awards from the IMS - we congratulate !

Literature:
Leypoldt, Weisel et al. Isatuximab, Carfilzomib, Lenalidomide, and Dexamethasone for the Treatment of High-Risk Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma, JCO 2023.
DOI: 10.1200/JCO.23.01696

Link to press release

Photo: Katja Weisel

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September 2023

Newsweek Ranking: Cancer Medicine at UKE among the TOP 25 worldwide

In the annual ranking of the U.S. magazine "Newsweek" on the international 300 best oncology institutions, the treatment quality of the University Cancer Center Hamburg is also shown in an international comparison. In the 2024 list compiled with the support of the data portal Statista, the UCCH is ranked 23rd and has risen another 10 places compared to the previous year.

The "World's Best Specialized Hospitals" - under this title, the U.S. magazine "Newsweek" compiles a global ranking of the best hospitals listed in the various disease fields every year. In the field of oncology, such renowned representatives as the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Texas or the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York can always be found among the top 3.

We at UCCH are very proud: in the 2024 list compiled with the support of the data portal Statista, UCCH is ranked 23rd and has moved up another 10 places from the previous year. This makes UCCH one of the world's most renowned institutions for oncology care; from Germany, only the Berlin Charité is ranked higher.

Newsweek Ranking

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September 2023

North German networking of cancer centers

Representatives of the newly founded Comprehensive Cancer Center Mecklenburg-Vorpommern at the Rostock and Greifswald sites visited the UCCH: The focus was on the exchange of networks and best practice models.

Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Hamburg - two federal states that could not be more different: An area state, where distances have to be overcome, and a metropolitan region with all its facets. However, both regions have one thing in common: They now each have a Comprehensive Cancer Center - newly established in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania at the Rostock and Greifswald sites.

Prof. Dr. Christian Junghanß, spokesperson of the CCC-MV at the Rostock site, and his colleagues Prof. Dr. Brigitte Vollmar and Dr. Carolin Gabler visited the UCCH as representatives of the CCC-MV to get to know the structures of the UCCH and to network with the representatives of the UCCH board. This included a tour of the Center for Oncology and the Central Outreach Clinic.

More information about the CCC-MV

From left: Dr. Maike Täger, Prof. Dr. Christian Junghanß, Dr. Carolin Gabler, Rainer Bredenkamp, Prof. Dr. Kai Rothkamm, Prof. Dr. Cordula Petersen, Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer, Prof. Dr. Brigitte Vollmar, Priv.-Doz. Dr. Minna Voigtländer

Photo: Avin Hell

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September 2023

Palliative Medicine Day at the UKE: Multiprofessional exchange with large participation from Hamburg

September 16, 2023 was all about palliative medicine. In the Fritz-Schumacher lecture hall on the grounds of the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), more than 110 participants from many hospice and palliative care facilities in Hamburg, Hamburg practices and various departments of the UKE came together for an exchange.

The topics of palliative care are diverse and this was also reflected in the program of the event: from dealing with wishes for dying, relaxation techniques in everyday care, the transition between pediatric and adult palliative care to a panel discussion on the changes in palliative care from a small specialty, which was often built up with a lot of enthusiasm but was hardly taken seriously for a long time, to a "full-fledged" medical specialty, which, however, is now also subject to standardization, evidence-based, structural limits and economic efficiency.

A central point of the program was the plenary lecture by Kathleen Boström, staff member at the Center for Palliative Medicine at the University Hospital Cologne. In her lecture, she highlighted the various forms of dying wishes in the context of the current discussion about assisted suicide. Ms. Boström emphasized the need to talk about this topic more comprehensively with those affected and to understand that this is about much more than just the wish for suicide.

Another important aspect covered in the event was the role of family members in the palliative care of patients. The challenges and opportunities that can arise from this support role were discussed in detail. The involvement of family members in the care process was highlighted as critical to the holistic care of patients and is one of the fundamental principles of palliative care, even outside of specialized palliative care.

In addition to the focus on care, the situation of doctors and nurses was also discussed. This was not only about dealing with professional grief, but also about the problem of young professionals in palliative care due to a lack of specialists, but also unfavorable training and continuing education structures.

A highlight of the event was the moving moment when Marie Waibel, the music therapist, performed a song composed by a deceased patient about the value of life from the perspective of a patient at the end of life. This musical contribution created a wonderful and almost magical atmosphere.

Prof. Dr. Karin Oechsle "We are very happy about the great interest in our event and the valuable exchange with our colleagues. It was a very wonderful atmosphere and the lectures were consistently excellent and very well received."

The next date for Palliative Medicine Day at UKE is September 14, 2024.

Further information:

Friends of Palliative Medicine at the UKE e.V.
Coordination Office Hospice & Palliative Work
Palliative medicine consultation hours at UCCH
Palliative care unit at the II Medical Clinic and Polyclinic at the UKE

Photos: Niklas Oubaid, Anneke Ullrich

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September 2023

Successful 40th Working Meeting of the Forum of University Working Groups for Naturopathic and Complementary Medicine

The 40th working meeting of the Forum of University Working Groups for Naturopathic and Complementary Medicine took place for the first time on September 14 and 15, 2023, at the Teaching Campus of the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE). With numerous new members and a wide range of topics, the anniversary meeting also marked the 25th anniversary of the event.

In terms of content, the forum presented current topics from the field of complementary medicine of the University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCCH), the Martini Clinic and the Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine at the UKE. Special emphasis was placed on the applications of complementary medicine in oncology, including discussion of current guidelines, the KOKON website, which presents specific treatment instructions for both practitioners and patient:s on the Internet, and opportunities for continuing education and training in this field.

Special attention was given to "Work-in-Progress", where current research projects from Berlin, Tübingen, Witten, Bern, Hannover and Freiburg were presented. The discourse of these research projects, which are still ongoing or have just been completed, serves to stimulate the scientific work in this special field of medicine in its development, to advance new research approaches and thus to promote complementary medicine as a whole in its scientific development.

The Forum also provided space for a résumé after 25 years of Forum meetings: "With a dynamic mix of established experts and up-and-coming young scientists, we were able to gather and critically discuss current developments and opportunities in complementary medicine. The meetings of the Forum, which take place once or twice a year at different university locations, reflect the expertise and great commitment of the participants and lead to a continuous improvement of the therapeutic offer in this field," said Prof. Matthias Rostock, MD, Endowed Chair of Complementary Medicine in Oncology at UCCH.

The 40th working meeting of the Forum of University Working Groups on Naturopathic and Complementary Medicine was a great success and once again demonstrated the importance of this interdisciplinary gathering for the further development of complementary medicine and its integration into university research and practice.

Photo: Alena Krause

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September 2023

Aktionsbündnis Patientensicherheit honors PallPan project

The research project "Palliative Care in Times of Pandemic" of the Network University Medicine (NUM) was awarded the Patient Safety Award (3rd place) by Action Alliance Patient Safety on September 7. UCCH's palliative medicine department is involved in the project.

With the German Patient Safety Award, the German Coalition for Patient Safety (Aktionsbündnis Patientensicherheit e.V.) each year promotes and recognizes players in the healthcare sector who are committed to improving patient safety with special ideas and projects. They are supported by the cooperation partners Ecclesia Versicherungsdienst, Inworks GmbH, MSD Sharp & Dohme GmbH and the Thieme Group.

Prof. Dr. Steffen Simon (Center for Palliative Medicine, UKK) and Prof. Dr. Claudia Bausewein (LMU Clinic Munich) accepted the EUR 3,500 prize on behalf of the entire PallPan consortium at the BIG BANG HEALTH Festival in Essen on September 7.

The PallPan consortium (palliative care in times of pandemic) had dedicated itself to the special care situation in the Corona pandemic with the project of the University Medicine Network and published a platform with www.pallpan.de, on which simple and clearly listed recommendations for action give support to those affected and their relatives as well as caregivers and political decision-makers. We congratulate the entire project, in particular of course the palliative team at UCCH under Prof. Dr. Karin Oechsle.

To the PallPan project
To the University Medicine Network

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September 2023

With the #activeoncokids to the therapeutic riding

The ActiveOncoKids visited the Gärtnerhof am Stüffel e.V. as an end-of-summer activity. The six children were allowed to groom and decorate the horses and later take a short ride through the "magic forest". For some of them it was one of the first bigger excursions after their stationary stay.

The two horses Nugget and Brynja were already waiting for the children in the paddock, in the shade of course due to the great heat. After a short acquaintance and sniffing, the children were allowed to groom the horses with a brush and familiarize themselves with the handling of the animals. The team around the therapeutic riding instructor Lisa Motullo had all the ingredients with them: After the grooming, the children painted great decorative pictures with finger paint on the coat, the mane was braided and decorated with flowers from the farm's own flower garden. The animals went along with this good-naturedly - they are used to dealing with children in groups. According to the therapists, they are really looking forward to it, the hanging lower lip is a sign of absolute relaxation.

The children approached the animals curiously but also cautiously - a relaxed calm ensued, everyone was focused on the beautification action. When asked who would like to be the first to do the riding round, all fingers went up at the same time. Accompanied by the team of riders, each child went on horseback through the small patch of forest - affectionately called the Magic Forest - directly behind the farm. The accompanying parents and families followed the action from the shade of the apple trees and could enjoy the silence and tranquility of nature.

Simon Elmers, who as a sports scientist and exercise therapist has already cared for the children as in-patients, was very pleased: "It is so nice to see how the children find their way back into everyday life after such strenuous hospital stays in some cases and can enjoy a little piece of nature with the horses here. At the same time, we are out in the fresh air and moving around. This should be a small incentive to get back into sports in everyday life. We also deliberately include the whole family along with siblings - after all, they are very important motivators."

When the children and their families said goodbye, it was clear: "That was a great day! We would like to sincerely thank the team around Lisa Motullo for their volunteer work!

The ActiveOncoKids network has made it its mission to lead children who have gone through an oncological illness back to activity and sport. The northern network of Hamburg, Kiel, Lübeck and Sylt offers activities for affected families here in the north all year round, be it surfing, SUP riding, sailing, playing soccer or even gliding. If you are interested, please contact Simon Elmers by mail.

The work of Simon Elmers is mainly financed by the Fördergemeinschaft Kinderkrebs-Zentrum Hamburg e.V.. We cordially invite you to support the work of the Fördergemeinschaft with donations (see link below).

The Gärtnerhof am Stüffel e.V. operates a social and solidary agriculture - the non-profit association in Hamburg-Bergstedt has been offering people with special needs a professional perspective in ecological horticulture, especially in vegetable and herb cultivation, for more than 30 years. If you live nearby, you can buy great wildflower bouquets and special vegetable plants in the farm store.

To the ActiveOncoKids network
To the support association Kinderkrebs-Zentrum Hamburg e.V.
To the gardener's yard at the Stüffel e.V.

Photos: Avin Hell

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September 2023

Skin Cancer Congress in Hamburg

The Skin Cancer Congress was held this year at the CCH in Hamburg. One of the congress presidents was Prof. Dr. Christoffer Gebhardt, head of the UCCH Skin Tumor Center at the UKE. The latest scientific findings in therapy, prevention, diagnostics and basic dermato-oncological research were the focus of the congress.

The German skin cancer congress of the ADO (Arbeitsgemeinschaft Dermatologische Onkologie) met for the 33rd time from September 6-9, this time at the CCH in Hamburg with about 900 participants.

Despite the immense medical progress made in recent years, skin cancer is still the most common cancer in Germany with the highest rate of increase. According to the latest data from the Schleswig-Holstein Cancer Registry, the number of new cases has more than doubled in the last ten years to around 308,800 per year. Dr. med. Peter Mohr, Buxtehude, conference president on the current developments: "The trend is unbroken. We have an increase in all areas, both black and light skin cancer of about 4 percent per year. Efforts to produce a reversal trend have not yet been fulfilled. Prevention is one of the most important measures for this. Unfortunately, we have suffered a setback here as a result of Corona. As a result, the prognosis in patients has become worse. Within dermatology, we have estimates of up to 450,000 to 500,000 cases. That means skin cancer is a common disease."

Skin cancer rates are on the rise, and UV radiation is the most important risk factor. Everyone is at risk, but especially outdoor athletes, occupational groups with outdoor activities and people over 70. The consequence: malignant tumor diseases such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma or malignant melanoma, the most frequently fatal form of skin cancer. Professor Dr. Carola Berking, Erlangen, 2. chairmen of the ADO, demands more campaigns and intensified clearing-up work: It is to be protected from childhood against UV. People should remember to apply sunscreen 50+, avoid the midday sun and seek out shady places, and not expose themselves to the sun even more than they already do during leisure activities. To do this, conditions need to be created so people can protect themselves, such as more shaded areas in public places, outdoor pools or schools."

Light skin cancer develops over decades. Prof. Dr. med. Ralf Gutzmer, Minden, 1st Chairman of the ADO, explains: "Within the framework of early detection screening, attention is therefore paid not only to lesions in the sense of black skin cancer, but also in the sense of light skin cancer. If detected early, the majority of tumors can be cured."

Another big topic is mRNA vaccination. "The goal is to activate the patient's own immune system and its fight against tumors. In a Phase II study in melanoma patients, it was shown for the first time that an mRNA cancer vaccine based on individual mutations in the patient's tumor can effectively prevent recurrence of the disease," as Prof. Christoffer Gebhardt, MD, Hamburg, conference president, points out. Already in December a large permission study is to start also in Germany with Melanompatienten, an individualisierte Neoantigentherapie. Approval could then be expected in two to three years.

The Fleur Hiege Center for Skin Cancer Research at the UKE Hamburg, which incorporates the joint research efforts of the Skin Tumor Center and the Institute of Tumor Biology under the umbrella of the UCCH, can look back on a successful year.

(Press release of the ADO)

To the Working Group of Dermatologic Oncology
To the Skin Tumor Center at the UKE
To the Fleur Hiege Center for Skin Cancer Research

Photo: Avin Hell

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September 2023

Interdisciplinary exchange on clinical studies

At the invitation of the Dean's Office and the UCCH, the UCCH study officers exchanged views on clinical studies - the guest was Prof. Dr. Christof von Kalle from the Berlin Institute for Health Research at the Charité. In his keynote speech, he explained current aspects of clinical-translational research.

Involving patients in research questions is sometimes a complex and not easy undertaking. Are there forward-looking approaches for a research-based, university hospital to include each patient per se as an active participant in research programs? Can study designs be made efficient enough to facilitate inclusion in concrete research projects? And how can information, education and consent be provided in a way that convinces and motivates research participants to actively participate?

In his keynote speech, Prof. Dr. Christof von Kalle brought many aspects and experiences to these questions from Berlin. Prof. von Kalle is Chair for Clinical Translational Sciences at the Berlin Institute for Health Research at the Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin as well as scientific founding director of the Clinical Study Center jointly established by both institutions.

The exchange was very lively, e.g. structural issues such as consent procedures and digitization strategies were discussed.

Further information about the Berlin Institute of Health

Photo: Avin Hell

September 2023

On the water for a good cause: Rowing against Cancer Hamburg 2023

With a record participation of more than 100 boats, the charity regatta "Rowing against Cancer" took place on the Außenalster on September 3, 2023. Rowing enthusiasts came together from all over the north to compete in speed and muscle power on Hamburg's water.

The 13th edition of the charity event of the Foundation Living with Cancer in cooperation with the University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCCH) and the Rowing Society HANSA e.V. was held under the patronage of Senator of the Interior Andy Grote last weekend.

In rowing for a good cause, the proceeds benefit the sports and exercise program of the University Cancer Center. Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer, Director of the UCCH: "Every year we are pleased to be able to promote the topic of cancer and sport more actively. There are numerous studies that show that sport and exercise therapy has gained in importance in recent years, both in the prevention of cancer, in the accompaniment of patients during the therapy phase, and in aftercare to prevent recurrences and reduce late effects."

Traditionally, the regatta starts with an opening race - this year between the Senate boat, the management boat of the Asklepios Tumor Center Hamburg and the UCCH board boat. This year, the boat of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg won. In good spirits, State Councillor for Sport, Christoph Holstein, as captain of the Senate boat, had himself "baptized" for the gold medal with a throw into the Alster. Fortunately, the Alster had a warm 20°C, which was no problem for the experienced sportsman and surfer.

With over 600 visitors and numerous races, the event was a complete success. In addition to sausages, cake and a bouncy castle, there was once again an ergometer stand where spectators could measure each other's strength in the dry. A special highlight was the naming of the individual teams: from Unsink-Bar, die wilden Waschlappen, Oar-some Scientists, Leitungswasser, Alsterchaoten to UCCHanseflitzer, there were no limits.

After the preliminary heats, the women's rowing national league eight showed against the junior men's eight "Jugend trainiert für Olympia" how fast the professionals are on the water. With about 30Km/h both boats delivered an exciting race - this year the men won.

Among the participants also several patients rowed and could be pleased about their remarkable placements.

The gold medal in the final of the beginners was won by "Die Herceptin Helden" of the Asklepios Tumorzentrum Hamburg with a speed of 01:00.1 min on the 300m. Second place went to the "HCOB Crablogger" team from Hamburg Commercial Bank AG, and third place to the "PHOnomenal" team from the UKE Children's Oncology Department.

In the expert class, the victory went to the team Herzschlag of the Universitären Herz- und Gefäßzentrum am UKE with a time of 00:55.0 min. The silver medal went to the team "Ökoprofit" of copy-druck GmbH, and bronze went to the team "GigaNetz Sculling Gents" of Deutsche GigaNetz GmbH.

The Rowing Against Cancer team is already looking forward to next year with anticipation - the provisional regatta date is September 8, 2024.

Further information:

Foundation Living with Cancer
Rowing Society HANSA e.V.
All results of the regatta

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August/September 2023

Handover of the Hubertus Wald doctoral research awards and scholarships 2024

On August 30 and September 6, the Hubertus Wald Research Awards and Scholarships of the Hubertus Wald Foundation were awarded at the University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCCH) by the UCCH Board of Directors in a festive ceremony. The aim is to support and promote young scientists in particular.

The Hubertus Wald Junior Investigator Award in Oncology Research and the Junior Investigator Award in Psychosocial Cancer Research recognize a special research achievement of young investigators at UCCH. The Hubertus Wald Poster Prize, on the other hand, recognizes a special scientific poster that is used to present research results. The UCCH Research Fellowship is aimed specifically at doctoral students and is intended to enable them to focus on the content of their doctoral thesis for at least one year.

During the XV UCCH Research Retreat 2023 on July 7/8, 2023, the awardees:inside have already been announced. We sincerely congratulate the award winners and wish them every success for their upcoming research/doctoral project.

Hubertus Wald Junior Investigator Award in Oncology Research 2023: (Image 1)

• Ann-Kristin Afflerbach
• Nikhil Kalra

Hubertus Wald Junior Investigator Award in Psychosocial Cancer Research 2023: (Image 2)

• Dr. Mareike Thomas

Hubertus Wald Poster Prize 2023: (Image 1)

• Annabelle Lobermeyer

UCCH Research Fellowship 2024: (Image 1)

• Dr. Joao Gorgulho
• Julius Röhrle
• Piet Sonnemann

Photo: Avin Hell

September 2023

Participatory Decision Making in Oncology: Influencing Factors for Implementation Investigated

In a study, researchers at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) have identified various factors that are responsible for the successful implementation of participatory decision-making in oncology.

In medicine, participatory decision making (PEF) describes the active interaction between patients and physicians on an equal footing, which should enable an agreement based on shared information for which both sides are equally responsible. PEF has not yet been widely implemented in oncology care. In this context, the researcher:s have developed and implemented a program to promote PEF in oncology. The researchers have published the results of the evaluation of this program in the journal BMC Health Services Research.

The factors influencing the implementation of PEF in everyday clinical practice relate to different levels, which are also interrelated. From an individual perspective, for example, personal relevance or the willingness of physicians and nurses to change are important for implementation, while at the hospital level, for example, the commitment of managers and resources such as time and workload are important. At the level of the health care system, cost-effectiveness plays a role, among other things; in the context of the concrete implementation of the support program, the benefit for the individual person and compatibility with everyday hospital life are central influencing factors. At the level of implementation, the question is, among other things, to what extent PEF can be integrated into existing structures. The results of the evaluation form, among other things, a basis for planning PEF implementation studies in other clinics and departments.

Literature: Hahlweg, Lindig et al. Key factors influencing routine implementation of shared decision making in cancer care: Qualitative process evaluation of a staged cluster randomized trial. BMC Health Services Research. 2023. doi: 10.1186/s12913-023-09778-w .

Contact for queries: Dr. Pola Hahlweg ; Dr. Anja Lindig , Institute and Polyclinic for Medical Psychology.

To the article "News from the research UKE"

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August 2023

1st NORD Early Career Summit (NECSt) - Supporting oncology researchers in the early career phase

Network, develop project ideas together and exchange ideas on their own research: On August 25, 2023, the 1st NORD Early Career Summit (NECSt) of the "AG Early Career Scientists NORD" took place with the participation of the Mildred Scheel Nachwuchszentrum Hamburg (MSNZ Hamburg) at the Dorint Hotel Hamburg - Eppendorf and enabled exactly this for our early career scientists:in Hamburg, Kiel and Lübeck.

The NORD Early Career Summit (NORD = Northern Oncology Research and Development) pursues the goal of strengthening young scientists in the field of oncology at the beginning of their career and to network between the three locations. With almost 90 participants, this was a complete success. The event was aimed at PhD students, post-docs, medical students, young physicians and research group leaders from the University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCCH) at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) and the University Cancer Center Schleswig-Holstein (UCCSH) at the University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH).

In the morning, participants were able to present their own projects on the topics of Biomarkers & Liquid Biopsy, Dissemination & Metastasis and Patient Avatars in short presentations. During the first coffee break, the participants had the opportunity for a first exchange of ideas.

For the afternoon, the invited speaker, Prof. Dr. Leonie Ringrose, Professor of Molecular Biology at the Humboldt University of Berlin and independent trainer for topics such as "scientific writing" or "proposal writing" ( www.science-kitchen.net ) had designed a special workshop format for networking and jointly writing grant proposals for new research ideas. In small groups, the young researchers had the chance to get to know each other and their research topics and methodological strengths, and to develop ideas for research projects that could potentially be implemented together.

At the end of the day, the research ideas were compared in short presentations ("pitches"), and the best three "pitches" were selected and awarded prizes by the participants. The participants particularly praised the varied format of the event: "The combination of scientific presentations in the morning and the practical part in the afternoon was super chosen. The usual listening to countless scientific lectures during a conference can be very tiring and lead to disinterest. Here, the number of scientific lectures was just right and it was nice to do something practical in the afternoon to maintain concentration. The workshop topic was also really valuable to me!"

Until November 2023, the young researchers can continue to refine their project ideas and submit them, for example, in the course of the current CONNECT (Cooperative NORD-Networking for Early Career Teams) call for proposals. Within the framework of this funding, up to four joint research projects with the participation of young researchers from the Hamburg, Kiel and Lübeck sites will be supported for 1 year with up to 50,000 euros each.

We are looking forward to a successful event and to the further development of the research ideas developed there.

The event was supported by the German Cancer Aid as part of the Mildred Scheel Young Investigators Center as well as by the University Cancer Center Schleswig-Holstein.

Further information:

Mildred Scheel Young Investigators Center Hamburg

German Cancer Aid

Bilder: Laura Lehmann, Inga Melzer

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August 2023

Patient education starts in the 2nd season

Giving patients a voice - this is the goal of the UCCH together with the University Cancer Center Schleswig-Holstein. Last year, the Patient Competence Center NORD was founded and 13 Patient Ambassadors were trained. In the newly started 2nd season, almost 20 patients are participating who would like to learn more about the disease cancer in order to be able to better use their experience when participating in research projects, committees or congresses.

Involving patients in all phases of research and care is one of the declared goals of the National Decade against Cancer. Particularly in oncology, taking into account the patient's perspective is fundamental to aligning research and care with the needs of patients in the long term and thus ensuring improved compliance, e.g. adherence to medications and therapies. The integration of the knowledge gained from the experience of those affected contributes to increasing the quality of life in everyday life and also, in the long term, the survival time of patients.

In order to be able to participate as a patient in the development of research and care, various competencies and a certain expertise are required. For this reason, the UCCH, in cooperation with the University Cancer Center Schleswig-Holstein at the University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, founded the Patient Competence Center NORTH last year in order to train interested patients and their relatives to become so-called "Patient Ambassadors". The term "ambassador" was chosen by the participants of the competence center themselves, as the name is supposed to reflect that the ambassadors act on behalf of a larger collective and try to act as representatives from the "WE" perspective.

The first season was completed at the beginning of the year - 13 Patient Ambassadors successfully completed the training (we reported). Since then, they have participated in focus groups in the development of research projects, are involved in project advisory boards, give lectures at congresses or collaborate on publications.

Almost 20 people have now applied for the second season - the training series, which will run until February, started on August 18. When asked about their motivation for taking part in the training, they gave a wide variety of answers - most of them already reported on activities and have the desire to become even more involved by acquiring knowledge and continuing to network with each other.

We wish all participants a good start into the training - we are glad that you are part of it!

Photo: Laura Lehmann

Further information:

Patient Competence Center NORD

National Decade Against Cancer - Patient Involvement

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August 2023

Brain tumors in children: International study tests gentler therapy concepts

Federal funding for UKE research project: Childhood cancers can often lead to late effects due to surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, especially in very young patients. An international research team led by the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) is investigating the neurocognitive effects of two chemotherapy procedures for medulloblastoma, the most common malignant brain tumor in children. The scientists' goal is to further improve the treatment standards of cancer therapies in children and to minimize therapy-related long-term consequences. The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) is initially funding the project with around 1.7 million euros.

"Pediatric cancer research at the UKE is making an important contribution to the development of modern, efficient and at the same time gentle therapy methods that have already significantly increased the chances of cure for affected children. This also includes using personalized concepts to reduce the long-term consequences of cancer therapy as far as possible. The international research project led by the UKE can provide important new insights into sustainably gentler treatment options in the treatment of medulloblastoma - and thus further improve the long-term survival prospects of the young patients. I congratulate the scientists involved on the significant federal funding!" says Prof. Dr. Blanche Schwappach-Pignataro, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and UKE Board Member.

"This is the world's first study in children with malignant brain tumors to compare therapy concepts with regard to the resulting late effects. For this purpose, standardized cognitive tests are performed two and a half and five years after diagnosis. The study also addresses important issues such as quality of life after the end of therapy or tumor biology aspects," says Prof. Dr. Stefan Rutkowski, head of the study and Director of the Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at the UKE.

Study in 18 countries on therapy concepts without radiation.

The international research team wants to compare two established chemotherapy concepts for medulloblastoma (MB) with regard to the late effects. The scientists are investigating the question of which of the chemotherapy concepts can most gently replace radiation in affected infants and young children in a certain risk group. Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant brain tumor of childhood. About 40 percent of the patients are younger than five years. Patients with medulloblastoma who have a very good prognosis for recovery even without radiation therapy are included in the study. They will receive either intensive and high-dose chemotherapy, after which the patient's own bone marrow stem cells will be transplanted, or intravenous chemotherapy, which directly targets the affected brain chamber. The study, initially funded by the BMBF for four years, will be conducted in a total of 18 countries in Europe, North America and Australia and will be managed by the HIT-MED study center. The total duration of the study is approximately 13 years, and the BMBF has pledged total funding of 4.8 million euros.

The international research team intends to test two established chemotherapy concepts for medulloblastomas within the scope of the study.

Brain tumors are the most common childhood and adolescent cancer in Germany, with approximately 500 new cases per year. They are also the most frequent cause of death among cancers in children and adolescents, even though more than two thirds of patients are now cured. Treatment usually consists of a multimodal therapy of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Many survivors suffer from the late effects of the therapy, especially when radiation is administered at a very young age.

The HIT-MED study center at the UKE

On behalf of the Society for Pediatric Oncology and Hematology (GPOH), the HIT-MED study center accompanies the treatment of children and adolescents with medulloblastoma, ependymoma and various aggressive brain tumors on a scientific level. The most important tasks of the study group are the optimization of treatment concepts by scientific investigations, standardized co-assessments of the most important diagnostic examinations in established reference centers as well as consultations of the participating hospitals. Since March 2009, the Clinic and Polyclinic for Pediatric Hematology and Oncology of the UKE is the seat of the study center.

Link to UKE press release

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August 2023

Combining expertise to fight lung cancer

World Lung Cancer Day on August 1 provides an opportunity to look at the latest developments in lung cancer therapy. With 50,000 people diagnosed with lung cancer each year, thoracic tumors are among the most common malignant tumors. Molecular characterization of cancer cells now offers the opportunity for novel immunological and targeted personalized therapies.

Thanks to intensive research, the treatment options for patients with lung tumors have improved significantly in recent years. Today, lung tumors represent an important model for the analysis of genetic cancer alterations. They are the basis for targeted treatment with specialized growth inhibitors. Additionally important therapeutic pillars are novel immunotherapies, often used in combination with chemotherapy. The variety of these therapeutic options is determined individually for each patient in consultation with experts in tumor boards. The LungClinic Grosshansdorf and the University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCCH) work closely together in this area and are investigating the optimal therapy concepts for patients in various studies. Immunotherapy in particular has shown significant improvements in advanced stages of the disease. International studies, led in part by Prof. Dr. Martin Reck at the LungClinic Grosshansdorf, have now produced long-term survival rates of 20-40% of patients treated in this way.

"Chemotherapy, radiation and/or immunotherapy, and targeted drugs are our 'new weapons' in the fight against lung cancer. Which combination of drugs has to be given over what period of time depends on the tumor profile of the individual patient," explains Prof. Dr. Martin Reck, head physician of oncology at the LungClinic Grosshansdorf. The certified lung cancer center conducts joint research with the UCCH on the causes and treatment of lung cancer. Lung cancer is one of the cancers for which the main cause has been established. The most effective prevention against lung cancer remains abstaining from tobacco. "It's never too late to quit smoking. At UCCH, we've been trying to prevent smoking initiation for years with our 'No Smoking is Cool' lecture for school children. And with our stop-smoking program for active cancer patients, we try to dissuade patients from smoking when they are diagnosed with cancer, because even that is still effective," says Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer, Director of the UCCH. These activities are complimented by the new approaches in studies on the early detection of lung cancer, in this case pioneered by the LungenClinic Grosshansdorf as part of the Hanse screening study. Prof. Dr. Martin Reck: "Early detection of lung cancer is another opportunity to significantly improve cure rates. That's why we are actively participating in this screening program in a North German network."

Today, genetic analyses of tumor cells are of outstanding importance for the selection of therapies for patients with lung cancer. The corresponding tumor samples from the LungClinic Grosshansdorf and the UCCH are jointly analyzed within the framework of molecular pathology at the UKE and form the basis for therapy concepts. These findings are discussed in joint tumor boards on lung cancer and on molecular therapies (Molecular Tumor Board). But together with UCCH, the LungClinic is also conducting a project to determine biomarkers: "The analysis of blood samples from lung cancer patients should provide information about which therapy options are most suitable and enable individual recommendations," says Prof. Dr. Katja Weisel, Deputy Director UCCH.

"Modern therapy is interdisciplinary," says Prof. Dr. Cordula Petersen, Director of the Clinic for Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology at the UKE, and emphasizes: "The various specialties and clinics work together for the benefit of the patient. Particularly in the case of lung cancer, the continuous respiratory displacement of the organ is a challenge in radiation therapy. In recent years, we have been able to gain very good research results for this and incorporate them as technical innovations in the treatment of our patients."

The regular exchange between experts of the UCCH and the LungClinic Grosshansdorf about the latest study results and the close interaction in a joint network with cooperation partners (oncologists in private practice in Hamburg and the surrounding area as well as hospitals) is an integral part of the care of patients in the region. This also opens up the possibility for physicians in the outpatient and inpatient sector to have their own patients participate in the corresponding concepts for the respective study in question.

"The joint exchange among experts and professional colleagues is indispensable for promising treatment, as the demonstrably improved survival rate of lung cancer patients in recent years has shown. Together, we can make much faster progress with the variety of diagnostic and therapeutic options. The collaboration between the LungClinic Grosshansdorf and the UCCH at the UKE has established itself as an excellent model," says Prof. Dr. Martin Reck.

Further information:

LungClinic Grosshansdorf

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July 2023

XV. UCCH Research Retreat 2023: (Young-) Scientists in Interdisciplinary Exchange

On July 7 and 8, the XV UCCH Research Retreat brought together more than 130 scientists from various departments of the University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCCH) at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) for an interdisciplinary exchange at the Heide Hotel Reinstorf.

The one and a half day retreat consisted of overview lectures on new developments in skin cancer and liquid biopsy research, 12 scientific lecture sessions and one poster session on different cancer types and cross-sectional topics from experimental and translational cancer research as well as psychosocial oncology. In addition to the presentation of the latest research results, the participants:had the opportunity for interdisciplinary dialogues and networking between the different research disciplines and departments.

"Especially for our young scientists in oncology, it is a great opportunity to gain congress experience and present their own work in short talks or scientific posters," says Prof. Dr. Kai Rothkamm, scientific director of UCCH.

The promotion of young researchers is a top priority at UCCH. One of the highlights of the congress is the announcement of the Hubertus Wald Junior Investigator Award in Oncology Research, the Junior Investigator Award in Psychosocial Cancer Research and the Poster Award for 2023. In addition to the recognition of research results already achieved, the UCCH Research Fellowships for 2024 were also announced. Here, clinically active junior fellows will get the opportunity to gain new experience at the "bench" for 12 months in a different department and implement new research projects.

"We are very pleased about the huge interest from all areas. Again, not only the excellent research work is to be emphasized, but also the collegial, familiar atmosphere, which makes the event very special. We sincerely congratulate all award winners and are looking forward to the upcoming research results", says Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer, speaker and director of the UCCH.

The event is sponsored by the Hubertus Wald Foundation and, within the framework of the Mildred Scheel Young Investigators Center, by German Cancer Aid.

The following award winners have been announced:

Hubertus Wald Junior Investigator Award in Oncology Research 2023:

Ann-Kristin Afflerbach (PhD student in the research training group InTechCanDiTh)
Clinic and Polyclinic for Pediatric Hematology and Oncology / Research Institute Children's Cancer Center Hamburg (AG Prof. Dr. Schüller)
Project: "Classification of brain tumors by nanopore sequencing of cfDNA from CSF".

Nikhil Kalra (PhD student in the research training group InTechCanDiTh)
Institute of Tumor Biology (AG PD Dr. Joosse)
Project: "Investigating potential circulating tumor cell release following breast cancer biopsy"

Hubertus Wald Junior Investigator Award in Psychosocial Cancer Research 2023:

Dr. Mareike Thomas (Scientist, Deputy Head of WG)
Institute and Polyclinic for Medical Psychology (WG Prof. Isabelle Scholl)
Project: "Cancer patients' most burdensome problems - An analysis of routine data in a psycho-oncological outpatient facility"

Hubertus Wald Poster Prize 2023:

Annabelle Lobermeyer (PhD student)
Institute of Tumor Biology (AG PD Dr. Joosse)
Project: "The role of circulating tumor cells in the course of disease and therapy of high-grade-serous ovarian cancer patients"

UCCH Research Fellowship 2024:
Funded by donating and receiving department and deanery funds (1/3 each):

Dr. Joao Gorgulho (assistant physician)
Departing clinic: II. medical clinic and polyclinic (Prof. Bokemeyer)
Host clinic: I. Medical Clinic and Polyclinic (Dr. von Felden)
Project: "SIMPLE PETUNIA - Soluble Immune Mediators in the Prognosis of diverse maLignanciEs and the PErsonal anTitumoral immUNe surveIllance Ability"

Julius Röhrle (Resident)
Departing clinic: Department of Otorhinolaryngology (Prof. Betz)
Host clinic: Laboratory of Radiation Biology and Experimental Radiation Oncology (Prof. Rothkamm / PD Dr. Kriegs)
Project: "Double Trouble: Identifying optimal combinations for the IAP-inhibitor Debio 1143 for the radiosensitization of HNSCC cell lines and tissue slices"

Piet Sonnemann (Resident)
Departing clinic: II Medical Clinic and Polyclinic (Prof. Bokemeyer)
Host clinic: Institute of Tumor Biology (Prof. Pantel / PD Dr. Joosse)
Project: "Interactome of ASXL family proteins"

Photo: Britta Fritzsche

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July 2023

PaSaGeRO: New study on patient safety in radiotherapy to set standards for routine care

The aim of the PaSaGeRO (Patient Safety in German Radiation Oncology / "Development of an Assessment Instrument for Patient Safety") study funded by German Cancer Aid is to develop an assessment instrument for patient safety in the field of radiation therapy. This is intended to enable all radiation therapy facilities to perform a self-assessment and, based on this, to make targeted improvements to the processes and structures of their own department.

In recent years, there have been many advances in the treatment of cancer through the use of radiotherapy. Technical advancements and the increasing availability of additional drug therapies mean that ever more complex therapy concepts can be implemented. When radiation is used, it is ensured that the therapy is safe and effective by following oncology guidelines and the Radiation Protection Act. Although patient safety is of great importance in radiation therapy, no instrument currently exists to assess it in a structured way in a radiation therapy facility.

The current so-called safety indicators are not suitable for evaluating the processes in radiotherapy for various reasons; for example, there is no dedicated recording of outpatient care, although approx. 80 % of radiotherapy patients are cared for on an outpatient basis. Therefore, the selection of safety-effective measures is the responsibility of each facility. Due to the lack of central standards, each facility must expend considerable resources to establish individual solutions to increase patient:ing safety. This poses the risk that important aspects of patient:ing safety may remain underrepresented, resulting in under- or overdoses and undetected and untreated side effects.

To address these issues, this current study aims to develop a questionnaire that can measure patient:inside safety in radiation therapy settings. This questionnaire will include specific patient:inside safety indicators that are tailored to the requirements of radiation therapy and that can be used in practice. With this tool, radiation therapy facilities will be able to systematically assess their patient:inside safety and take specific actions to increase patient:inside safety.

The project is led by the Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology and the Institute and Polyclinic for Medical Psychology of the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf in collaboration with cooperation partners.

A topic that is noticed - the Working Group Radiological Oncology (ARO) of the German Society of Radiation Oncology e.V. awarded the ARO Study Prize for the project during this year's annual congress. We congratulate the award winners!

Further information:
Department of Radiotherapy and Radiooncology
Institute and Polyclinic for Medical Psychology

from left: Maximilian Grohmann and Dr. Andrea Baehr (both Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology), Prof. Dr. Isabelle Scholl and Eva Christalle (both Institute and Polyclinic for Medical Psychology).

Photo: Dr. Andrea Baehr

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July 2023

Best sailing weather for the #activeoncokids on the Alster

The ActiveOncoKids were allowed to get a taste of sailing air again. In bright sunshine, the North German Regatta Association (NRV) invited the children and young people with cancer to the Onkopiraten action on the Außenalster

Summer, sun, sunscreen: that was the motto of this year's #activeoncokids visit to the NRV on July 8. In perfect weather, the calm waters with light winds provided the ideal setting for an unforgettable sailing experience.

Exercise in the fresh air was the top priority for the former children and young people with cancer, as well as their friends and siblings. With three boats of the Y70 boat class and one experienced sailing professional from the NRV in each case, they took to the water. Not only the reflecting blue, but also the view of the panorama of the city was wonderful for all participants.

After a joint lunch, the participants went out on the water again - this time with parents and accompanying persons. All around a nice day for all participants.

The ActiveOncoKids North network of the Hamburg, Kiel and Lübeck sites will continue its sporting activities this year:On September 10, 2023 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., children and young people can discover riding as a sporting activity during therapeutic riding at the Gärtnerhof am Stüffel e.V. in Hamburg.

Registration is requested by e-mail to s.elmers@uke.de.The work of Sport-Wiss. Simon Elmers is supported by the Fördergemeinschaft Kinderkrebs-Zentrum Hamburg e.V..

Further information:
North German Regatta Association
Network ActiveOncoKids North
Children's Cancer Center at the UKE
Fördergemeinschaft Kinderkrebs-Zentrum Hamburg e.V.

Photos: Courtesy of Peter Kähler, NRV

June/July 2023

Successful 1st Hamburg Patient:inside Congress Cancer Medicine 2023

On June 30/July 1, 2023, the UCCH organized the 1st Hamburg Patient:inside Congress Cancer Medicine 2023 in cooperation with the University Cancer Center Schleswig-Holstein, the Cancer Societies Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein e.V. and the Contact and Information Center Hamburg (KISS). In addition, the "By Your Side" prize was awarded on the initiative of the BMS Immuno-oncology Foundation.

Under the motto "Perspectives" the UCCH invited for the first time to two days of Patient:inside Congress. The aim was to create an exchange and information platform for the participation of patients and their environment. Whether as a patient, family member, patient representative, physician, nurse or researcher - the perception of the "glasses" of the other person broadens the horizon and contributes in the long term to improved care and research in oncology. The various forms of patient participation are also a central theme of the National Decade against Cancer.

Approximately 120 participants accepted the invitation to the Erika-Haus of the UKE. Science Senator Katharina Fegebank, UKE Board Member Joachim Prölß and Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer, Director of the UCCH, opened the event. After all, Senator Fegebank, together with Education Minister Karin Prien (Schleswig-Holstein), is also patron of the Patient Competence Center NORD and gladly supports the training of patients to become ambassadors. Alexia Parsons, Head of Unit of the National Decade against Cancer of the BMBF, traced the perspective of the Decade and made clear how important participation in cancer research and therapy is for the future from a patient:inside perspective. Markus Wartenberg from the Sarcoma Foundation showed his way in participation in research and science.

What is the basis of patient:inside participation in research and care and what structures are there? This was presented in lectures and taken up in the panel discussion. The participants agreed on the following guiding principles: Successful patient:ing participation needs accessibility, respect, curiosity, communication and education.

On the second day, participants were able to learn about the current state of research in personalized medicine, shared decision making and surgical cancer therapy.

The emotional highlight was the presentation of the "By Your Side" award at the initiative of the BMS Foundation for Immuno-oncology - the laudation brought tears to the eyes of many. For more information on the award winners, see below.

Afterwards, the participants were given guided tours of the laboratory and the radiotherapy department, where they were able to take a look under the microscope or learn about the technology of radiotherapy.

At the same time, experts in the fields of oncology/hematology, prostate cancer, complementary medicine, breast cancer, gynecological cancer and skin tumors were available for discussion. Cancer and skin tumors were available for speed dating - an offer that was used by many for a one-on-one exchange.

In the following workshops, the participants got to talk about the different levels of patient participation and were able to review the 2 days together.

One thing was certain - there will be another Patient:innenkongress next year!

If you are interested in becoming a patient ambassador, you can find more information here:
Patient Competence Center NORD

Greetings from politicians and cancer societies:
Under the tab Greetings-DE

News about the award "An Deiner Seite" on pages of the BMS Foundation Immunoncology:
News "On Your Side

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June 2023

Residual tumor cells: Standardized liquid biopsies to improve cancer therapy

International research project under scientific coordination of the UKE

An international consortium coordinated by the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) aims to develop reference standards for the use of liquid biopsies in cancer therapy. Validated and standardized methods for detecting traces of cancer that remain in the body are intended to promote forms of therapy tailored to the specific clinical picture and thus increase the success of cancer therapy. The "GUIDE.MRD" project will receive a total of around 17.6 million euros in EU funding over a five-year period.

The scientific leadership of the project "GUIDE.MRD" - "GUIDing multi-modal thErapies against Minimal Residual Disease by liquid biopsies" lies with Prof. Dr. Klaus Pantel, Director of the Institute for Tumor Biology at the UKE. The consortium aims to collect robust data on the use of liquid biopsies (liquid biopsy) for the detection of minimal residual oncological disease. So-called minimal residual disease (MRD) can be the starting point for later cancer metastases. In this context, reference standards for the detection of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) will be developed and promising diagnostics will be clinically validated in studies on colorectal cancer, non-small cell lung cancer and pancreatic cancer. The goal of GUIDE.MRD is to provide a detection tool on this basis that can identify the risk of metastasis at an early stage and prevent it through subsequent targeted multimodal treatment options.

"I congratulate all the institutions involved on this great success, which will strengthen Hamburg as a health and cancer research location. Over the next five years, this pioneering project will help find solutions for many people in coping with serious diseases. I am very pleased that the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf is working intensively with international partners and industry representatives on this groundbreaking initiative. My great thanks go to Prof. Klaus Pantel, the UKE and all those involved!", says Katharina Fegebank, Senator for Science, Research, Equality and Districts.

"The standardized use of liquid biopsies in oncological MRD diagnostics can make an important contribution to tailoring cancer therapies even more precisely to the individual clinical picture and thus providing patients with the best possible therapy. The significant EU funding for this important research project is also a tribute to the UKE's outstanding expertise in oncology research. I warmly congratulate all those involved on this success in project funding," says Prof. Dr. Blanche Schwappach-Pignataro, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and UKE Board Member.

"Early detection of metastases is one of the most important goals in cancer research, as metastases are the main reason for the aggressiveness of cancer. Earlier diagnosis using a blood test should open up the possibility of timely therapeutic intervention through liquid biopsy, which is a central research topic at UCCH," says Prof. Dr. Klaus Pantel, Director of the Institute of Tumor Biology at UKE.

One challenge in oncological treatment is to determine which patients need additional treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy, to eliminate any remaining cancer cells. These cells have already spread before tumor surgery and therefore remain in the body as MRD after surgery. The cells cannot be detected by radiological methods; however, they release small fragments of tumor DNA into the patient's bloodstream. These fragments are called circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). There are already tests for the detection of ctDNA in blood samples, whose detection capacities vary so far. Through intensive collaboration with patients as well as industry, regulatory authorities and payers, the GUIDE.MRD consortium therefore aims to advance the use of ctDNA diagnostics with high sensitivity and specificity in the clinical MRD setting.

3.4 million euros for the UKE

The European Union is funding the project, which involves 24 partners from 13 countries, as part of the "Horizon Europe" program in the area of " Innovative Health Initiative Joint Undertaking " (IHI JU). The total EU funding amounts to around 17.6 million euros, of which around 2.3 million euros will go directly to the UKE. The industrial partners contribute another 16.8 million euros, of which the activities in the UKE are supported with an additional 1.1 million euros. The objectives of GUIDE.MRD are also in line with the European Plan to Fight Cancer and the European Commission's " Mission on Cancer - Implementation Plan ".

Link to press release

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June 2023

#ActiveOncoKids at the Millerntor Stadium

On June 7, 2023, the #ActiveOncoKids were hosted by Hamburg soccer club FC St. Pauli for the second time. The children of the UCCH Children's Cancer Center were able to let off steam with skill and agility exercises while strengthening their motor skills around soccer.

Climbing, rowing, riding, gliding or canoeing - the range of activities offered by the ActiveOncoKids Center North is wide. This time, the kids aged 4 to 13 had a great time on the "amateur turf" of the second division club. After an initial relaxed training session, the participants and their families had the opportunity to take an exclusive tour of the famous Millerntor Stadium. The tour started at the North Stand and was followed by one highlight after the other: Tryouts on the substitutes' bench, a look inside the players' dressing rooms, the players' tunnel, the ballroom, and plenty of time for questions in between.

After a small final tournament, the kids were able to take home a certificate for their successful participation - all in all a successful event.

In the ActiveOncoKids North network of the Hamburg, Kiel and Lübeck locations, there will be more sports this year:On July 7, 2023 from 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., children and young people can try their hand at sailing on the Außenalster at the Norddeutscher Regatta Verein. Registration is requested by e-mail to s.elmers@uke.de .

The offer is made possible, among others, by the Fördergemeinschaft Kinderkrebs-Zentrum Hamburg e.V..

ActiveOncoKids North Network

Clinic for Pediatric Hematology and Oncology

Support Association Children's Cancer Center Hamburg e.V.

Photo: Laura Lehmann

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May 2023

UCCH University Breast Center reopened - rooms shine in new splendor

The UCCH University Breast Center hosted the grand opening of the renovated rooms in the Center for Oncology (O24) on May 24. In addition to viewing the new rooms, the focus was on networking with all partners.

The goal has been achieved: After several months of construction, the UCCH University Breast Center now presents itself in bright and airy rooms on the first floor of the Center for Oncology. There is plenty of space for patients and their relatives to make use of counseling sessions, therapy and other services offered by the breast center team.

"I am very grateful to all patients and their relatives, and of course to our staff, for the patience with which they endured the construction phase during ongoing operations," thanked Prof. Barbara Schmalfeldt, Head of Gynecology at the UKE, "I am very pleased that we can now once again present all functions from a single source."

During the reopening, the team members of the Breast Center introduced themselves to the guests, first and foremost Dr. Lisa Steinhilper, new Head of the Breast Center, as well as Prof. Volkmar Müller, Deputy Clinic Director and Head of the Day Clinic.

The various cooperation partners from plastic surgery, breast diagnostics, radiation oncology, the Center for Familial Breast and Ovarian Cancer (FBREK) and the complementary services offered by UCCH also spoke about their work.

The organizers were particularly pleased that Franziska Holz from the Hamburg Cancer Society and Hayriye Oguz as the patient representative of the BRCA network were also present, as this underscored the consistently good cooperation in recent years.

Prof. Katja Weisel, Deputy Director of the UCCH: "In the treatment of our oncological patients, the focus is not only on professional excellence, but above all on empathy, and I am sure that the aura of the new rooms will contribute a great deal to the emotional basis. We at UCCH wish the team a great start to their new routine."

Photo: Avin Hell

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May 2023

Outdoorgym - new equipment on UKE grounds allows exercise in fresh air

Outdoor fitness equipment is popular in the green spaces and parks here in the north. Thanks to a donation to UCCH, three pieces of equipment have now been inaugurated on the UKE grounds for fitness-loving patients, visitors and staff. The goal for the oncologists at UCCH is clear: exercise, exercise, exercise.

Ms. Schäfer is undergoing follow-up care after her cancer and is pleased with the new exercise offerings: "It was important to me to stay active even during my therapy. I take part in various fitness programs and move around a lot in the fresh air. When I see equipment like this, I always incorporate it into my program right away."

Three different pieces of equipment are now available for free use on the green lawn next to the cab stand across from the main entrance, whether for leg muscles, strengthening arm and neck muscles, or balance.

"There are now many studies showing that physical activity has many positive effects both during therapy and in the aftercare of cancer," says Dr. Wiebke Jensen, a sports scientist at UCCH. "It can help to reduce side effects such as fatigue or sensitivity problems in the hands and feet. In addition, it can also make patients mentally stronger when they exercise in the fresh air - not to mention the booster for the immune system."

"I am very grateful for this donation from the Playfit company - it means that our patients can expand their activities and get moving when they visit the outpatient clinics or wards," says Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer, Director of the UCCH, who immediately tried out the equipment himself.

Margit Budde-Cramer and Inclusion Ambassador Daniela Möller handed over the equipment to the UCCH exercise team on behalf of the Playfit company "As a manufacturer of outdoor fitness equipment, our primary goal is to get people moving. Through our participation in Rowing Against Cancer, we became aware of UCCH's exercise program and jumped right into action with this fundraiser."

Happy about the new equipment: Daniela Möller, Margit Budde-Cramer, Britta Schäfer, Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer, Dr. Wiebke Jensen (from left).

Photo: Laura Lehmann

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May 2023

Rowing against cancer: check presentation for the exercise program of the UCCH

The Foundation Living with Cancer recently handed over the check from the proceeds of the "Rowing against Cancer" benefit regatta 2022 to the University Cancer Center Hamburg. 16,000 EUR will benefit the UCCH's exercise program for the benefit of cancer patients.

The team of the charity regatta "Rowing against Cancer" in Hamburg is happy about the result: The Foundation Living with Cancer, which is responsible for the nationwide Rowing against Cancer regattas, could recently hand over the proceeds of the last Hamburg regatta in summer 2022 to the UCCH.

"More than 60 double four teams participated last year for the good cause," says Volker Zaehle, the representative of the Foundation Living with Cancer, "It is really great to see how many rowers:inside participate again every year and thus also donate to the good cause. I am very happy to be able to hand over this amount to UCCH on behalf of the foundation for its exercise program. I thank all the sponsors and donors who made this possible."

Rowing Against Cancer is a tradition in Hamburg - last year the regatta was held for the 12th time. Under the patronage of our Senator of the Interior, Andy Grote, representatives of the city, hospitals and various Hamburg companies and associations compete against each other in friendly competition.

The donation will benefit the exercise program for oncology patients at the UCCH: "Exercise and sport are indispensable in the therapy of our cancer patients - many studies prove the positive effects of a life rich in exercise," says Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer, Director of the University Cancer Center Hamburg at the UKE, "When I see that patients also participate in the regatta, my heart always swells - after all, I can see that our exercise program works. I am glad and happy to have built up such a sustainable network in the city on this topic here with our partners - first and foremost the Living with Cancer Foundation and the HANSA e.V. rowing society - and all the sponsors, and I thank everyone for their commitment."

The venue on the Alster at the Ruder-Gesellschaft HANSA e.V. (Schöne Aussicht) is a place that is well known to many Hamburg residents and visitors: "For us as a club, it is an absolute highlight in the rowing year when we can host this regatta," explains RG HANSA Chairman Sebastian Franke, "In addition to training and practice in the sport of rowing, it is a special concern for us to be involved with all members on this special day. Over 60 double fours - a good 300 rowers:inside - there is everything from beginners to professionals, a wonderful day with a really good atmosphere."

Rowing Against Cancer will take place again this year - on 03 September 2023 the regatta will be held on the Außenalster. If you are interested in participating, please feel free to contact us at uke.de/ruderngegenkrebs .

Picture: Avin Hell, Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer, Sebastian Franke, Volker Zaehle, Dr. Wiebke Jensen (from left to right).

Photo by Laura Lehmann

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May 2023

Award of the Wilhelm Warner Prize 2022 to Stefan Pfister

On May 12, 2023, Prof. Dr. Stefan Pfister received the Wilhelm Warner Award 2022 from the foundation of the same name. The prize was presented by Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer, Head of the University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCCH) and board member in the Wilhelm Warner Foundation, in the Fritz Schumacher Lecture Hall at the UKE.

Prof. Dr. Stefan Pfister is Director of the Hopp Children's Tumor Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Head of Department at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and pediatric oncologist at Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD) and receives the award for his outstanding contributions to research into molecular genetic characteristics of childhood brain tumors. His studies provide previously undiscovered insights into genetic alterations that lead to the development of brain tumor types. In addition, new information on hereditary factors could be obtained. His results are also an essential basis for new personalized study concepts in childhood brain tumors.

Prof Pfister also has a long-standing collaboration with the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf in the context of his research projects, in particular with the working groups led by Prof. Dr. Stefan Rutkowski from the Department of Pediatric Hematology & Oncology and Prof. Dr. Ulrich Schüller from the Institute of Neuropathology.

The Wilhelm Warner Prize is awarded each year to renowned scientists in the field of cancer research. The foundation goes back to the Hamburg restaurateur Wilhelm Warner, who died of cancer in 1960, and was established in Hamburg in 1961. Its aim is to promote cancer research by awarding the Wilhelm Warner Prize annually to renowned German scientists.

We sincerely congratulate the laureate and wish him every success for his future research project.

Link:
KiTZ Heidelberg

Photo: Diana von der Goltz, Prof. Dr. Dieter K. Hossfeld, Prof. Dr. Stefan Pfister, Carl-Jan von der Goltz,Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer (left to right).
Pictured: Laura Lehmann

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May 2022

13th "International Symposium on Minimal Residual Cancer" - a complete success in Hamburg

At the beginning of May, physicians and researchers exchanged the latest findings in oncology, immunology and liquid biopsy in Hamburg. The invitation of Prof. Klaus Pantel from the Institute of Tumor Biology at UCCH and Prof. Catherine Alix-Panabieres from the Laboratoire Cellules Circulantes Rares Humaines (LCCRH), University of Montpellier, was accepted by 420 delegates from 26 countries.

The ISMRC meetings were established in 1996 to focus specifically on research and clinical applications of liquid biopsy ("liquid biopsy") in cancer patients. After a break due to COVID-19, the symposium returned to its place of origin, Germany, and was held as an in-person event from May 2-4, 2023.

The international high-profile meeting provided a great opportunity to come together for three days and exchange ideas on the latest developments in the fields of oncology, immunology and liquid biopsy. The congress included presentations on circulating nucleic acids (DNA, miRNA), circulating tumor cells (CTCs), exosomes, and other liquid biopsy analyses with a focus on clinical and translational studies and an emphasis on immunotherapy.

The 2023 Symposium in Hamburg was supported by the European Liquid Biopsy Society (ELBS), a large consortium of institutions from academia and industry with a vision to bring liquid biopsy assays into clinical practice.

Plenary lectures were given by leading international experts in the field of liquid biopsy, cancer immunology, metastasis research and immunotherapy, including Nobel Laureate Tasuko Honjo from Kyoto, Japan.

The ISMRC also supports young investigators - outstanding presentations were recognized with the "Young investigator Award."

Members of UCCH were represented in all sessions - exchanges continued at a brisk pace over the 3 days.

More information about the ELBS: European Liquid Biopsy Society Network

Photo: Prof. Dr. Klaus Pantel, Prof. Dr. Catherine Alix-Pannabieres, Prof. Dr. Katja Weisel and Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer (from right).

Pictured: Avin Hell

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April 2023

New cooperation partners in the UCCH network

The competence network of the University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCCH) continues to grow.

We welcome two new cooperation partners: The specialist practices Onkologische Tagesklinik im Heidekreis - Praxis für innere Medizin Hämatologie Onkologie and the Kinderwunschzentrum Altonaer Strasse im Gynaekologicum Hamburg (Medizinisches Versorgungszentrum GbR) are now in mutual exchange with our oncological center of excellence.

We are looking forward to the cooperation for the optimal care of our patients.

Links:

UCCH Cooperation Partner

Kinderwunschzentrum Altonaer Strasse Hamburg - Gynaekologicum

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April 2023

#TogetherstrongagainstCancer - UCCH runners give it their all

Last Sunday, April 23, 2023, several UCCH colleagues successfully participated in the 37th Hamburg Marathon.

The runners completed the 42.195 kilometer course as a relay team with enthusiasm and team spirit. The Hanseatic city provided an excellent backdrop in sunny weather and with numerous enthusiastic spectators.

We congratulate the runners and are happy about their successful participation.

Photo: Inga Melzer

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April 2023

4th Cancer Careers Day : How to communicate your science

On April 21, 2023, the 4th Cancer Careers Day as a joint online event of the Mildred Scheel Junior Research Center (MSNZ), the University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCCH) and the University Cancer Center Schleswig-Holstein (UCCSH) was dedicated to the question of how good science communication can be implemented.

Science communication takes place almost everywhere: Between project partners in an interdisciplinary collaboration, in the exchange between physicians and patients or in the private sphere in stories about work. Knowledge is communicated everywhere and must be so comprehensible that the most diverse addressees can understand a highly complex topic, usually without prior knowledge. It is therefore crucial that young scientists learn how to communicate their research results in an understandable and appealing way.

The introductory talk by Jens Foell, editor at maithink Media and trainer at NaWik, highlighted the communication channels in science communication on social media and explained what to look for when communicating science topics. Avin Hell, Referent:in for Communication and Patient:Involvement at UCCH, presented the framework and formats for communicating science topics.

As another highlight of the event, actively communicating scientists were also interviewed in a panel discussion, including Marisa Kurz, physician at LMU Klinikum Großhadern and freelance editor at Spektrum.de and Spektrum Gesundheit, and Lorenz Adlung, junior research group leader at UKE and podcast co-host at bugtales.fm. Both reported on their personal experiences from everyday life as communicators.

The participants of the event thus gained valuable insights into the different aspects and approaches of science communication in order to communicate their own research results to different target groups in the best possible way.

The event series "Cancer Careers Day" provides an overview of career opportunities within and outside the "classical" academic world and takes place twice per calendar year. Through discussions and interviews with experts from a wide range of fields, from classic (but also unconventional) "university jobs" to the pharmaceutical industry, communications, law, PR and others, participants:inside gain insight into what all these careers actually look like and what skills are required to be successful.

Link:

Mildred Scheel Young Scientists Center Hamburg - MSNZ Hamburg
National Institute for Science Communication (NaWik)

Photo: Pexels

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April 2023

Non-smoking is cool - UKE prevention event for pupils started again in presence

On 13.4. it was time again - 150 pupils: inside of the 6th classes from 3 different schools from the Hamburg area came to be trained in smoking prevention.

The initiative Non-Smoking is Cool is carried out jointly by the University Cancer Center Hamburg and the German Center for Addiction Issues of Children and Adolescents. Given the current alarming figures on children and adolescents who smoke, the relaunch of the series after the Corona break comes at just the right time.

When asked if they had learned anything new today, many students nodded in agreement: "My dad smokes, I'm going to tell people at home today that he has to stop," said one student. After all, not smoking is cool, as the 150 students who had gathered in lecture hall W30 at the invitation of UCCH and the German Center for Addiction Issues in Childhood and Adolescence together with their teachers learned.

In the course of the Non-Smoking is Cool story, more than 100,000 Hamburg schoolchildren have already taken part in the education and prevention program. So far, the numbers have confirmed the success - many children and young people have refrained from smoking.But recently the trend has reversed - according to a new study by DEBRA , the number of smoking children and adolescents aged 14 to 17 has almost doubled from 8.7% in 2021 to 15.9% in 2022. In addition to cigarettes and shisha smoking, there are also the new e-cigarettes, which are often sold at gas stations and kiosks in violation of the Youth Protection Act and are considered a possible gateway drug.

The UKE doctors explained the addictive dangers of smoking in a way that was appropriate for children and took plenty of time to answer the children's questions. They did not gloss over anything and pointed out the potential consequences, such as cancer or severe lung damage. The fact that, for example, one smoked shisha is the equivalent of 100 smoked cigarettes generated astonished murmurs among the children. In a film, the children experienced first-hand the examinations and interviews with the patients.

Mr. Rohwerder, accompanying teacher from Gymnasium Süderelbe, says about Non-Smoking is Cool: "As a teacher, I see a high effect in this event. We go right into the middle of the action, directly into the clinic. The fact that doctors are teaching the subject here gives smoking prevention a very professional and therefore particularly credible perspective. I also think it's good that students in the 6th grade are invited here; we see a lot to be gained from starting so early."

Non-smoking is cool goes again in series - immediately the prevention meeting is offered up to the summer all 2 weeks. Interested Lehrer:innen can direct their questions to Andrea Lentfer in the secretariat of the German center for addiction questions of the child and youth age under alentfer@uke.de .

Further information:
Not smoking is cool
German Center for Addiction Issues in Childhood and Adolescence

Photos: Anne Marie Asemissen and Avin Hell

from left: Representing the lecturing team of physicians: Dr. Anne Marie Asemissen, Dr. Sören Galow, Maximilian Kirchner, Martin Ansgar Horn (all II. Med. Clinic)

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March 2023

Innovations in Visceral Oncology - First Networking Event at UCCH

On March 29, 2023, medical representatives of the different disciplines around visceral oncology came together to exchange information about the latest diagnostic and therapeutic developments. The event was organized in cooperation with the UCCH network partners.

The symposium was interdisciplinary in nature and aimed to provide participants with an overview of the latest developments in visceral oncology. This included innovative diagnostic procedures such as liquid biopsy, but also new therapeutic options such as immuno-oncology and personalized medicine.

The first part of the symposium focused on visceral surgery in transition to the latest surgical techniques. Prof. Dr. med. Thilo Hackert, new director of the Department of General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), took the opportunity to introduce himself and explain the possibilities and limitations in surgery for pancreatic cancer. He also spoke about the importance of robotically assisted surgery using surgical robots.

The second part of the event focused on precision medicine in radiation and systems therapy of gastrointestinal tumors. In addition, the latest approaches in personalized medicine were presented, in which the tumor profile of individual patients is analyzed in order to develop an individually tailored therapy. All in all, the training event was a great success, which will be repeated in the coming years. The participants were able to gain insights into the latest developments in visceral oncology and discuss them with their professional colleagues.

Photo: Avin Hell

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March 2023

German Society for Palliative Medicine - new working group on relatives founded

In order to address the needs of relatives in palliative care more specifically, the German Society for Palliative Medicine founded its own WG "Relatives" on March 7. One of the speakers is Prof. Dr. Karin Oechsle, head of palliative medicine at the UKE.

The DGP comments: "The topic of accompanying and caring for relatives in the context of palliative care is a multi-professional issue, where there is still a great need for action both in the area of care, but above all in the area of research as well as in the education, training and continuing education of various professional groups. Relatives, like the sick people themselves, belong in the focus of palliative care, since they have various unmet support needs, a limited quality of life, a significant psychosocial burden, and numerous psychological morbidities."

In addition to Prof. Dr. Karin Oechsle, other speakers include: Prof. Dr. rer. medic. Stephanie Stiel from the Hannover Medical School and Denise Kirsch from the Palliativnetz Hamburg-West e.V.

Further information from the German Society for Palliative Medicine

Contact Prof. Dr. Karin Oechsle

Prof. Dr. Stefan Rutkowski

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February 2023

International Children's Cancer Day: "Children are not small adults"

Questions for... Prof. Dr. Stefan Rutkowski

More than 500,000 people are diagnosed with cancer in Germany every year - among them about 2,200 children and adolescents. When a child is diagnosed with cancer, the shock is deep. The good news is that the chances of curing children with cancer have improved enormously in recent years thanks to advances in research and therapy. On the occasion of International Children's Cancer Day on February 15, Prof. Dr. Stefan Rutkowski, Head of the Children's Oncology Center at the University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCCH) of the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), talks about current developments in cancer medicine and therapy.

Which types of cancer are particularly common in children and adolescents?

Prof. Dr. Stefan Rutkowski: The diagnosis of cancer is always a shock, especially when it hits children. In the age group up to 15 years, we see leukemias, i.e. blood cancer, particularly frequently, with a share of over 30 percent. Tumor diseases in the brain and spinal cord are in second place with around 24 percent, followed by diseases of the lymphatic tissue with 14 percent (lymph node cancer). In this age group, tumor diseases are particularly aggressive because cancer cells multiply rapidly.

Why is this so?

Prof. Rutkowski: Children are still developing, they are growing. Growth always means cell division. Cancer is particularly common in children where cells divide and grow more frequently, for example in the lymph nodes. Bone cancer is the most common type of cancer diagnosed in adolescents during puberty because they grow particularly quickly during this phase. Children are not small adults. The cancer, the therapy and the course of the disease differ in many respects from those in adults.

How does cancer manifest itself in children?

Prof. Rutkowski: Symptoms that can indicate cancer in children include persistent pain and fever, headaches, vomiting, and an unusual bulge in the abdomen. Unexplained bleeding or night sweats and a gleam in the eyes may also be signs. If such symptoms, even non-specific ones, become increasingly noticeable, parents should take action and have them clarified by a doctor.

Is cancer more curable in childhood?

Prof. Rutkowski: Nowadays, thanks to advances in research and therapy, more than 80 percent of cancers diagnosed in children and adolescents are curable. That is very good news! Nevertheless, a diagnosis of cancer in children remains a life-altering event that is associated with enormous organizational and emotional challenges.

What treatments are available?

Prof. Rutkowski: The treatment options depend on many factors, primarily on the type of cancer, the course of the disease, its extent, tumor biology and other individual factors such as the age of the patient. In general, surgical therapy, radiation therapy and chemotherapy are available, but new, so-called targeted forms of therapy are also increasingly being used. Even though the chances of cure are very good for the majority of patients, the care of seriously ill children and adolescents must be ensured, and the need for research remains very high.

Photo: UKE

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February 2023

UCCH participates in Youth research - Jury

"Make ideas big" - under this motto, students presented their scientific projects at the regional competition Jugend forscht at the UKE. The UCCH participated in the jury with several members - all to promote the next generation.

Approximately 120 students presented 52 projects in 7 subject areas at the regional competition at the UKE. This was preceded by an intensive discussion of their scientific research questions and experiments at the schools. The Jugend forscht jury, made up of UKE employees and teachers, among others, judged the written projects in advance. On Valentine's Day, February 14, the time had come: the projects were presented live to the respective jury members at the UKE.

It was a matter of honor for the UCCH to support young scientists as jury members:Prof. Dr. Andrea Morgner-Miehlke, Deputy Director of the UCCH, Dr. Catarina Schlüter, Head of the Clinical Cancer Registry, Dr. Britta Fritzsche, Coordinator of the UCCH Biobanks, and Avin Hell, Officer for (Science) Communication, happily participated in the jury.

Photo: Avin Hell

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February 2023

Dr. Martini Award 2023: MSNZ researchers among the first-place winners

On February 13, Germany's oldest medical prize was awarded to five UKE researchers by Katharina Fegebank, Senator for Science and Second Mayor of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, and Prof. Dr. Ansgar W. Lohse, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Dr. Martini Foundation and Director of the I. Medical Clinic and Polyclinic of the UKE. Two researchers from the Mildred Scheel Young Investigators Center were among the first-place winners.

The first prize was awarded twice: It went to Dr. Anastasios Giannou from the I. Medical Clinic and Polyclinic and Clinic for General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery, and Dr. Jan Kempski, I. Medical Clinic and Polyclinic, for their evidence that the human immune system is a driver in cancer metastasis. (Second, the first prize was awarded to Anne Mühlig, M.D., and her doctoral student Johanna Steingröver, Ph.D., from the Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, for their research on a new understanding and treatment options for severe childhood kidney disease).

The second prize was awarded to Dr. Michael Bockmayr, Clinic and Polyclinic for Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, for his innovative research on risk assessment of spinal cord tumors by molecular biological and bioinformatic methods.
Dr. Kempski's and Dr. Bockmayr's oncology research topics have been significantly advanced in this effort through funding from UCCH's Mildred Scheel Young Investigators Center.

"We have been awarding the Dr. Erich Martini Prize here in Hamburg as a center of science for 140 years - that is truly remarkable. I am very pleased that this year we are honoring five outstanding young scientists:in the UKE. If we want to help shape the future of medicine, we need to provide targeted support for our young medical talent. This year, the young scientists have advanced their work in the field of severe childhood kidney disease and cancer research. Thanks to the cutting-edge research at the UKE, we are learning more every day about diseases and possible therapies that will make a lasting difference to all our lives. I warmly congratulate all the award winners on this important distinction," says Katharina Fegebank, Minister for Science, Research, Equality and Districts and Second Mayor of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg.

"With your excellent research spirit and your commitment, you have all contributed to providing new approaches to solving highly complex medical problems. I congratulate you warmly on this on behalf of the Foundation. At the same time, I would like to thank the donor Eva-Maria Greve for her generous support," says Prof. Dr. Ansgar W. Lohse, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Dr. Martini Foundation and Director of the I. Medical Clinic and Polyclinic of the UKE.

Photo: UKE, Axel Kirchhof, Text: Anja Brandt, Avin Hell

Prof. Dr. med. Klaus Panel

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February 2023

EU funding to enable blood test for early detection of pancreatic cancer

9.8 million euros for international research project led by UKE - Major success for cancer research at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE): A project for the early detection of pancreatic cancer led by the UKE will receive 9.8 million euros in EU funding

The research consortium with partners from eight countries has set itself the goal of developing a blood test for the early detection of pancreatic cancer over the next five years. On the German side, the consortium includes the University Cancer Center in the UKE, the University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) and Heidelberg University Hospital.

In the PANCAID project ("PANcreatic CAncer Initial Detection via Liquid Biopsy"), which is funded by the EU until 2027, the scientists involved aim to collect blood samples from patients with pancreatic cancer as well as from healthy individuals and those at increased risk of developing the disease. Computer analysis and artificial intelligence will be used to identify the key cellular markers responsible for the development of pancreatic cancer. "At the end of the process, we want to have developed the design for a clinical trial in which the new blood test will be simultaneously tested for its effectiveness in many European treatment centers," says Prof. Dr. Klaus Pantel, director of the Institute of Tumor Biology and head of the international research consortium.

"We are very pleased to receive outstanding funding from the EU for this important project in cancer medicine. It is one of only five funded projects out of 78 applications submitted to the EU in the 'Mission Cancer' program. Congratulations to Prof. Pantel's team, who will take cancer research at the University Cancer Center Hamburg in the UKE a big step forward with this project," says Prof. Dr. Blanche Schwappach-Pignataro, Dean of the Medical Faculty and UKE Board Member.

Blood test could improve treatment chances for pancreatic cancer

Cancer of the pancreas usually only causes symptoms such as weight loss, pain in the abdomen or back, loss of appetite or nausea when the disease is already advanced. "Most patients die within a year of diagnosis. That's why there is a great need for action here," explains Prof. Pantel. "If we succeed in developing a meaningful blood test in the coming years, it could enable earlier diagnosis and thus more promising treatment." About 19,000 people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in Germany every year. Smoking, obesity or high alcohol consumption increase the risk of the disease, as do type 2 diabetes, chronic pancreatitis or a family history of pancreatic cancer.

Kick-off event in Hamburg from February 13 to 15

The EU is funding the project, which involves 18 partners from eight countries (Germany, Sweden, Spain, Austria, Belgium, France, England and Israel), as part of the "Horizon Europe" program in the "Mission Cancer" area. The total funding amounts to 9.8 million euros, of which 1.8 million euros will go directly to UKE. The project started on January 1, 2023, with the first meeting of all participating scientists from February 13 to 15 in Hamburg now marking the joint launch.

Further information:

pancaid-interim ( pancaid-project.eu )

Photo: UKE

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February 2023

The first patient ambassadors are trained

The two University Cancer Centers at the University Hospitals UKE and UKSH jointly founded the Patient Competence Center North in August last year. After 6 months, the first Patient Ambassadors have completed their training.

No less than 13 Patient Ambassadors happily hold their certificates in their hands - they have successfully completed the training at the Patient Competence Center North after 6 months.

The Patient Competence Center North was founded by the two Cancer Centers in Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein at the University Hospitals UKE and UKSH in August with the aim of training those affected by a cancer disease for active participation and competent collaboration in research questions, networking and strategic orientation. The new Patient Ambassadors bring the important perspective of their own experience to the future dialogue with physicians, researchers and health policy makers.

The concept of the Patient Competence Center North follows the demands of the National Decade against Cancer and is also supported by the state politics of the two federal states Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein.
The patient ambassadors will start their work on research topics, committee work and projects in the next weeks and report about their work in the following link.

Who is interested: The next training course will start in the 2nd half of the year. Please contact Avin Hell at a.hell@uke.de for more information.

Further information about the Patient Competence Center North.

Photo: Laura Lehmann

Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer

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February 2023

World Cancer Day: Innovative therapies in the fight against cancer

Questions for... Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer

Cancer - every one of us has probably come into contact with it at some point: In Germany alone, around 500,000 people receive this diagnosis every year. Although cancer medicine has developed in recent years, cancer is the second most common cause of death after cardiovascular disease. On the occasion of World Cancer Day on February 4, Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer, Head of the Center for Oncology and Hematology at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) and the University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCCH), talks about current developments in cancer medicine and therapy.

What exactly is cancer and where can it occur?

Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer: First of all, cancer is a terrible diagnosis for those affected. From a medical point of view, cancer is a multitude of different forms of disease with very different organ origins. But they all have one thing in common: the malignant development of the body's cells. While healthy body cells grow in a controlled manner and fulfill a specific task, cancer cells grow uncontrollably and have a destructive effect. Cancer can occur throughout the body and affect all organs.

What is the most common form of cancer?

Prof. Bokemeyer: The most common cancer in men is prostate cancer, in women breast cancer, followed by lung and colon cancer in both sexes. The chances of cure often depend on the time of diagnosis and qualified therapy. Although it is not yet clear in detail how cancer develops, we know that there are some risk factors, for example smoking, obesity or lack of exercise, and viral influences. About 40 percent of tumor diseases are due to lifestyle and corresponding external influences. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid risk factors and to take advantage of regular preventive examinations.

What are the greatest achievements in cancer medicine?

Prof. Bokemeyer: There has been considerable progress in cancer treatment in recent years, but two major developments in particular. One is immunotherapy, in which the body's own immune system is trained to fight cancer cells. The other is targeted, personalized cancer therapy. Here, an analysis of the DNA of the cancer cells is carried out in order to be able to give exactly the right medication based on this and thus achieve the greatest possible effect.

What will cancer medicine look like in the future?

Prof. Bokemeyer: We know that not everyone responds to a therapy in the same way; each person has their own unique disease history and specific conditions. This is precisely where the cancer medicine of the future comes in, because it will be increasingly individualized and tailored more precisely to the tumor disease of the individual patient. This makes it not only much more effective, but also less side-effective and better tolerated, in order to ultimately increase the chances of cure with the least possible side effects and long-term consequences.

What role does patient involvement play?

Prof. Bokemeyer: In order to improve cancer medicine even further, it is extremely important to involve patients' perspectives in research, treatment and therapy. That's why we train patient ambassadors at the UKE: Former cancer patients are trained in medical issues and procedures so that they can contribute the perspective of those affected. After all, patients themselves know best how therapy and treatment can be made even more patient-oriented.
Photo: UKE

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January 2023

Social Media Week on the occasion of World Cancer Day on February 04, 2023

The motto of this year's World Cancer Day is "Close the care gap". We at the University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCCH) would like to draw attention to the topic of cancer and the numerous facets of the disease with a week of action on the UKE Instagram channel (uke_hamburg) from Jan. 30-Feb. 04.

Each of us has already come into contact with the topic of cancer, either directly or indirectly, and about 510,000 people are newly diagnosed each year, with an upward trend. But the chances of being cured of a cancer diagnosis or of having a high quality of life despite cancer are also constantly growing thanks to innovative research.With our Cancer Action Week on Instagram, we want to draw attention to the diagnosis of cancer and shed light on the numerous facets of the disease.

You can expect a mix of general facts, the latest research findings on CAR-T cell therapy for liquid and solid tumors, prevention, patient involvement, care and supplies, and complimentary medicine.

We look forward to your digital visit on the UKE Instagram channel (uke_hamburg)!

Instagram channel of the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (uke_hamburg)

To the post of the German Cancer Aid on the occasion of World Cancer Day

Photo: © Chinnapong - Fotolia.com

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December 2022

Doctoral Grants and Fellowships 2023

On December 21, 2022, the Hubertus Wald Foundation's doctoral grants and fellowships for the year 2023 were awarded to four young scientists in the fields of tumor biology, cancer research and cancer therapy.

The Hubertus Wald Foundation supports the doctoral projects of young scientists with the various forms of funding. The scholarships are intended to enable the respective doctoral candidates to focus primarily on the content of their doctoral thesis for at least one year. Both experimental approaches and clinical investigations within the framework of clinical studies or data evaluation are supported.

The following awards are granted:

Hubertus Wald Doctoral Grant 2023

• Jeannine Bollmann
• Malte Friedrich

Hubertus-Wald PhD Fellowships 2023

• Shari Schneider
• Yagana Wahid

We congratulate the award winners and wish them all the best for their upcoming PhD projects.

Photo: Avin Hell

Teilnehmer:innen vor dem Erika-Haus am UKE

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November 2022

Three years Mildred-Scheel-Young Investigators Center Hamburg

The Mildred Scheel Young Investigators Center (MSNZ) in Hamburg has been in existence since 2019 - time to look back. For this purpose, the board of directors, members of the advisory board, the MSNZ Fellows and interested parties met for a symposium on November 22, 2022. The event was also broadcast via livestream.

Within the framework of the funding of the MSNZ Hamburg by the German Cancer Aid, more than 40 scientists have already been supported in various funding lines and (pro rata) positions have been funded. In three oral and one poster session at noon, the MSNZ Fellows presented the outstanding research results of current projects with a focus on dissemination and metastasis.

In addition to the financial support, the participants particularly appreciated the additional offerings. These include training and information opportunities such as the Cancer Careers Day, mentoring and various networking events. Especially under the difficult conditions of the Corona pandemic, a scientific exchange across disciplines was made possible.

Bruce Zetter (Dana Farber/Harvard Cancer Center, Boston), external scientific advisor of the MSNZ, particularly praised the active cooperation between medical and clinician scientists in the individual projects: "Many hospitals only talk about this cooperation, but here it is really practiced. And it's the only way how things go from bench to bed side. Congratulations!" Medical Scientists are natural scientists working in the field of medicine, whereas Clinician Scientists are physicians working in clinical science.

The cooperation of physicians and scientists as well as external research institutions such as Fraunhofer Institutes or DESY are among the central concerns of the Young Investigators Center.

The funding of the Mildred-Scheel-Young Investigators Center Hamburg by the DKH currently runs until 2025, and it is currently unclear whether there will be a follow-up funding program after that. However, the current symposium impressively demonstrates how successful such funding programs can be in the scientific community.

At least a partial continuation of the center's activities by means of a performance-based savings model as well as support from local foundations is already planned, so we can look forward to exciting events in the future.

Related links:

Mildred-Scheel-Nachwuchszentren der deutschen Krebshilfe

Mildred-Scheel-Nachwuchszentrum Hamburg

Photo: Laura Lehmann

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November 2022

Pancreatic Cancer: Early Diagnosis is Crucial

Pancreatic cancer (pancreatic carcinoma) is one of the third most common tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. In Germany, almost 17,100 people are diagnosed with the disease every year. On the occasion of World Pancreatic Cancer Day on November 17, Priv.-Doz. Dr. Marianne Sinn, senior physician at the II Medical Clinic and Polyclinic and at UCCH, and Priv.-Doz. Dr. Faik G. Uzunoglu, Senior Physician at the Clinic and Polyclinic for General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), will provide information about the disease and treatment options.

What is pancreatic cancer?

Priv.-Doz. Dr. Uzunoglu: Our pancreas has two important tasks: First, in the exocrine tissue, it produces digestive enzymes that help us digest and absorb fats, proteins and sugars. Second, in the endocrine tissue, it produces hormones, especially insulin and glucagon, which regulate blood sugar. Pancreatic cancer is a malignant tissue change, the majority of tumors develop from the exocrine gland tissue.

What are the causes of the disease?

Priv.-Doz. Dr. Sinn: The risk factors that can lead to pancreatic cancer have not yet been conclusively determined. However, we do know that smoking and high alcohol consumption increase the risk. In addition to genetic factors, chronic inflammation, obesity and diabetes mellitus can also contribute to an increased risk of disease. The average age of onset is 72 for men and 75 for women. A balanced diet, sufficient exercise and a healthy lifestyle can have a preventive effect.

What are the symptoms?

Priv.-Doz. Dr. Sinn: The insidious thing is that the disease initially causes hardly any symptoms or only non-specific symptoms, which means that it is usually diagnosed too late. Possible symptoms include loss of appetite, back pain, nausea, diarrhea, new-onset diabetes mellitus or unexplained weight loss. If the tumor is located in such a way that it blocks the outflow of bile, jaundice may also develop.

What are the treatment options?

Priv.-Doz. Dr. Uzunoglu: Whether pancreatic cancer can be surgically removed depends on whether the tumor is in contact with the vessels of the liver or small intestine and whether metastases are already present. If there is no contact with the vessels and there are no metastases, the tumor can be surgically removed directly. In advanced tumors, chemotherapy may be necessary before surgery. The latter may also be necessary if there is aggressive tumor growth or the patient:s condition does not allow direct surgery. Especially for tumors that have already metastasized, chemotherapy and possibly radiation are available as treatment options.

How successful are the treatment options?

Priv.-Doz. Dr. Uzunoglu: Diagnosis at an early stage of the disease is crucial for improving the prognosis. In addition to further intensive research, it is therefore essential to raise the awareness of colleagues and patients for possible warning signs. Unfortunately, treatment options with curative intent are only available for about 20 percent of patients, and of these, about 15 to 30 percent are still alive five years after surgery. Unfortunately, this is a particularly aggressive form of cancer, which is why it is so important to be aware of the warning signs, which can become apparent at an early stage.

The certified Pancreas Center of the UKE University Cancer Center is organizing an online video conference on the occasion of World Pancreatic Cancer Day on November 17, 2022, in which patients:inside and relatives can ask questions. In addition, affected persons and relatives have the opportunity to contact the telephone consultation hours of the Pancreatic Cancer Center of the UKE at 0152 22 84 38 30 from 9:00 to 16:00.

Further information: UKE - Pankreassprechstunde - Welt-Pankreaskrebstag

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November 2022

New funding program for oncology tandem research at UCCH and UCCSH

CONNECT – are the names of the new grants announced by the two Cancer Centers at the University Hospitals of Hamburg-Eppendorf and Schleswig-Holstein (Kiel and Lübeck sites). The aim is to bring together young oncology clinical and scientific researchers from both institutions in tandems to enable them to spend one year together in research. CONNECT stands for "Cooperative NORD-Networking for Early Career Teams".

After a review process, receive funding:

• Dr. Dorothee Winterberg, Department of Internal Medicine II, Kiel Campus, and Dr. Richard Tilman Hauch, Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hamburg, are conducting research on new immunotherapy options for high-risk childhood leukemia.
• Anna Maxi Wandmacher, M.D., Department of Internal Medicine II and Institute for Experimental Tumor Research, Kiel Campus, and Franziska Brauneck, M.D., Department of Medicine II, Hamburg, are investigating immunotherapeutic approaches to pancreatic cancer and acute myeloid leukemia.
• Dr. Alexander Fabian, Department of Radiotherapy, Kiel Campus, and Dr. Katharina Hintelmann from the Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, Hamburg, focus on radiobiological characterization and therapy monitoring of breast cancer at different stages of metastasis.
• At the Lübeck Campus, Dr. Lorenz Oelschläger from the Department of Hematology and Oncology, with colleague PD Dr. Jasmin Wellbrock, II. Med. Clinic, Hamburg, will receive funding to study associations between different transcription factors in cases of Acute Myeloid Leukemia that have a particular initial mutation in a tyrosine kinase (FLT3).

The projects are each endowed with 50,000 EUR. CONNECT is financially supported by the Medical Faculty of Christian Albrechts University in Kiel, the Medical Section of the University of Lübeck, and the Mildred Scheel Young Investigators Center in Hamburg, which is funded by German Cancer Aid.

At the end of the joint research period, the projects will be presented at the cross-site Northern Oncology Research & Development (NORD) seminar.

Photo: Sebastian Bechstedt

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November 2022

Award ceremony for this year's Hubertus Wald Research Prizes

Research awards and fellowships were presented this year by the Hubertus Wald Tumor Center - UCCH to young scientists. The awardees were selected at this year's UCCH Research Retreat over the summer. At the awards ceremony, all projects were presented in short and understandable talks to those in attendance, including representatives of the Hubertus Wald Foundation, which has made these awards possible for years.

"There is nothing more important than paving the way for those who want to get involved in cancer research and cancer medicine to enter the research community, whether through networking or just by funding the projects accordingly," said Prof. Carsten Bokemeyer, director of UCCH, at the opening of the awards ceremony in the historically restored Fritz Schumacher Lecture Hall. With three research awards for young investigators, two poster awards and three research fellowships for the coming year, it was proven how great the interest is in the UCCH community to participate in future research development.

Also present were the two representatives of the Hubertus Wald Foundation Board of Trustees, Prof. Dr. Hartwig Huland and Rüdiger Ludwig. The Hubertus Wald Tumor Center as a whole receives significant support from the Hubertus Wald Foundation. In addition to the awarding of research prizes, the clinical care of people with cancer is the focus of the funding. The Hanseatic entrepreneur Hubertus Wald (1903-2005) and his wife Renate devoted themselves for decades to the promotion of culture and medicine, resulting in the Hubertus Wald Foundation in 1993. In a brief retrospective, Prof. Bokemeyer reported on previous awardees and their careers, who have since achieved important positions in cancer research and medicine.

This year, UCCH research fellowships, the Hubertus Wald Junior Investigator Award in Oncology Research 2022 to two promising young scientists, the Hubertus Wald Junior Investigator Award in Psychosocial Cancer Research 2022 for the first time, and several poster awards were presented. The awards will be presented at a ceremony at a later date.

The following award winners were pleased with the awards:

Hubertus Wald Junior Investigator Award in Oncology Research 2022:

Dr. Franziska Brauneck
II Medical Clinic and Polyclinic / Mildred Scheel Junior Research Center Hamburg
Project: "The blockade of CD39 by a newly engineered nanobody construct restores proliferation and activation of T cells in ovarian cancer"

Dr. Melanie Schoof
Research Institute Children's Cancer Center Hamburg / Clinic and Polyclinic for Pediatric Hematology and Oncology
Project: "Exploration of cellular origins and therapeutic targets by modeling high-grade pediatric glioma of the MYCN subclass in mice".

Hubertus Wald Junior Investigator Award in Psychosocial Cancer Research 2022:

Cheyenne Topf, M. Sc.-Psych.
Institute and Polyclinic for Medical Psychology
Project: "Patient-centered cancer care through the provision of audio recordings of their clinical encounters for patients - Study protocol and first results of a feasibility study"

Poster Prize 2022:

Alicia Eckhardt
Laboratory of Radiation Biology and Experimental Radiation Oncology / Institute of Neuropathology
Project: "Global mean methylation serves as independent prognostic marker in glioblastoma"

Ayham Moustafa
Laboratory of Radiation Biology and Experimental Radiation Oncology / Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine
Project: "Identification of predictive proteome profiles in prostate cancer sensitive to PARP- and/or ERG-inhibition plus irradiation"

UCCH Research Fellowship 2023
(for a research period in the coming year, funded by 1/3 each by the donor and host institutions and by the Dean's office)

Sophia Cichutek
Sending party: II Medical Clinic and Polyclinic (Prof. Bokemeyer)
Receiving party: I. Medical Clinic and Polyclinic (Prof. Schulze zur Wiesch)
Project: "Comparative characterization of exhaustion patterns of dysregulated T cells in acute myeloid leukemia and chronic viral infections".

Dr. Jacob Clausen
Sending party: Department of Otorhinolaryngology (Prof. Betz)
Receiving party: Laboratory of Radiation Biology and Experimental Radiooncology (Prof. Roth-kamm / PD Dr. Kriegs)
Project: "Monitoring head and neck cancer treatment by immune checkpoint inhibition using func-tional kinome profiling".

Dr. Alice Ryba
Sending party: Department of Neurosurgery (Prof. Westphal)
Receiving party: Institute of Tumor Biology (Prof. Pantel)
Project: "The circulating immunome of glioblastoma patients".

Congratulations to all award winners!

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October 2022

3rd Cancer Careers Day under the motto "Research abroad"

What happens after the doctorate, post-doc position or residency? This question is asked by young scientists and the career options are manifold! Under the motto "Research Abroad", the third Cancer Careers Day took place on October 28, 2022 as a joint online event of the Mildred Scheel Junior Research Center (MSNZ), the University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCCH) and the University Cancer Center Schleswig-Holstein (UCCSH).

The low-threshold opportunity to work on scientific projects abroad for a limited period of time and to gain valuable methodological and personal experience is one of the advantages of working in academic research. The stay can be planned for periods ranging from two weeks to several years anywhere in the world. Such stays are supported by renowned funding bodies such as the Leopoldina Academy of Sciences, the German Cancer Aid, the German Research Foundation (DFG) or the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).

After a short welcome to all participants, Kristin Günther (University of Hamburg), Dunja Hofmann (KoWi - Kooperationsstelle EU der Wissenschaftsorganisationen) and Dr. Inga Melzer (MSNZ Hamburg) presented various funding opportunities for research stays abroad.

For example, the German Cancer Aid offers a "Short Term Fellowship" for short-term research stays at institutions in Germany and abroad. The German Research Foundation (DFG) - especially with the Walter Benjamin Program - addresses scientists in the qualification phase following their doctorate and offers the opportunity to independently implement their own research project at the location of their choice.

In the European Research Area (ERA), there is the "Horizon 2020" program for research and innovation. The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) contained therein pursue the goals of supporting the careers of researchers through international mobility and the networking of research institutions within Europe.

In the panel discussion that followed, six participants from Stockholm, Melbourne, Liverpool, Kiel, Heidelberg, Oxford, and Hamburg shared their experiences and the funding they received to go abroad. A stay abroad is not only beneficial for new professional impressions, but also offers the opportunity to get to know new cultures and the "way-of-life" in the respective country.

Also the compatibility of family and job does not have to be a hurdle on the way abroad. Among other things, the personal background is taken into account by the DFG in the funding amount. For those interested in going abroad, the only thing to keep in mind is that the organizational processes from the funding application to the start of the trip to the destination can usually take between six to twelve months.

The event series "Cancer Careers Day" provides an overview of career opportunities within and outside the "classical" academic world and takes place twice per calendar year. Through discussions and interviews with experts from a wide range of fields, from classic (but also unconventional) "university jobs" to the pharmaceutical industry to communications, law, PR and others, you will get an insight into what all these careers actually look like and what skills are required to be successful.

For news around events for scientist:s, feel free to sign up for the UCCH Science mailing list at ucch.science.info@uke.de .

Photo: Pexels

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October 2022

Prof. Dr. Cordula Petersen and Brainlab project partners are among the "circle of the best" of the German Future Prize 2022

Prof. Dr. Cordula Petersen, Director of the Clinic for Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, as well as Stefan Vilsmeier and Claus Promberger of Brainlab, a provider in the field of digital medical technology, were included in the "Circle of the Best" of the German Future Prize 2022 by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on November 26.

As a team, they were among the three nominees this year with the development of a high-precision radiation technology against lung cancer.

About 60,000 people per year develop lung cancer, and one in four of them dies. The reason for this is that in 70 percent of cases the malignant disease is only detected at a very advanced stage. In a good half of all cancer patients in Germany, radiation therapy now plays a major role in curing the disease. With the new technology, even a very small lung tumor can be irradiated at an early stage and with pinpoint accuracy, as it uses real-time data to calculate the patient's breathing movements. In this way, radiation therapy can be better controlled, damage to surrounding healthy tissue and side effects can be reduced, and treatment can be faster than with conventional radiation treatments.

The method developed by Stefan Vilsmeier and Claus Promberger is scientifically supported by Prof. Cordula Petersen and her team. With their experience in stereotactic radiosurgery and radiotherapy, they are able to decisively advance the practical implementation especially in the field of novel treatment concepts.

Further information on the project (German)

Photo: ©Brainlab

Prof. Dr. Barbara Schmalfeldt

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October 2022

Prof. Dr. Barbara Schmalfeldt elected president of the DGGG

Prof. Dr. Barbara Schmalfeldt, Director of the Clinic and Polyclinic for Gynecology at UKE, has been elected as the new President of the German Society for Gynecology and Obstetrics (DGGG).

"My primary concern is to represent with the DGGG the outstanding importance of the specialty of gynecology and obstetrics in the health care system, in society and vis-à-vis politics," she said after her election on the sidelines of the 64th DGGG Congress in Munich. Prof. Schmalfeldt has held various positions in the professional society for nearly 20 years, and she has been clinic director at UKE since 2015.

Photo: UKE

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September 2022

Reinhold-Schwarz-Award for Psychooncology 2022

The two psychooncologists Prof. Dr. Isabelle Scholl and Dr. Pola Hahlweg have received the Reinhold-Schwarz-Award for Psychooncology 2022. The prize was awarded during the 20th annual meeting of the AG Psychoonkologie of the German Cancer Society. The prize is awarded for pioneering studies that serve to promote and further develop psychooncology.

The Reinhold-Schwarz-Award for Psychooncology 2022, endowed with € 2,500, was awarded in equal parts to two papers this year. Kristina Herzog from the University Hospital Dresden and Leipzig receives the award for her publication "Illness perceptions in patients and parents in paediatric oncology during acute treatment and follow-up care", published in the journal Psycho-Oncology 2022. As the 2nd paper, Prof. Dr. Isabelle Scholl and Dr. Pola Hahlweg as joint first authors from the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf receive the award for their work "Evaluation of a program for routine implementation of shared decision-making in cancer care: results of a stepped wedge cluster randomized trial", published in ZS Implementation Science 2021.

The work of Scholl and Hahlweg is dedicated to the current and highly relevant topic of implementing participatory decision making (PEF) in oncology and focuses on the question of whether a program for implementing PEF can increase acceptance. The qualitative and quantitative study approach with differentiated methodology was particularly highlighted by the reviewers. "There have hardly been any methodologically high-quality studies on the practical implementation of participatory decision making (PEF)," said Gabriele Blettner. "PEF is only implemented to a limited extent in everyday care in oncology. The results show that new approaches would have to be developed for its introduction in routine oncology care," Blettner added.

The award ceremony took place during the 20th annual meeting of the Working Group for Psychooncology (PSO) of the German Cancer Society (DKG).

The Reinhold-Schwarz-Reinhold-Schwarz-Award for Psychooncology has been awarded since 2013 by the Weiterbildung Psycho-soziale Onkologie e.V. (eng. Advanced training in psychosocial oncology) (WPO) and serves to promote young scientists and to further develop psychooncology.

Since 1994, the WPO has been offering seminars and curricula throughout Germany that provide up-to-date expertise on onco-logical and psychosocial topics. The aim of the WPO is to expand practical skills and to promote interdisciplinary cooperation between the various professional groups involved in psycho-oncology.

Congratulations to the winners!

Information about "Working Group for Psychooncology" (German)
Advanced training in psychosocial oncology (WPO) (German)

Photo: Eva Hecht, UKE

Participants of the II GS InTechCanDiTh Retreat 2022

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September 2022

Interdisciplinary exchange at the II GS InTechCanDiTh Retreat 2022

On September 15 and 16, 2022, the 2nd Retreat of the Research Training Group "Innovative Technologies in Cancer Diagnostics and Therapy" (GRK) took place in Bad Bramstedt. Participants from 15 research institutions of the UKE and the TUHH exchanged information about the state of the art in various research and PhD projects.

In order to be able to deal with the great challenge of excellent research in the future, a constant further development of cancer research is indispensable. This is where the Research Training Group comes in with its support for young researchers and particularly promotes interdisciplinary cooperation for the development of innovative key technologies in all areas of cancer research.

In a well-known conference location, a professional exchange on 12 funded projects of the GRK took place between clinicians, natural scientists and engineers. For example, researchers are investigating biomarkers that could provide information about resistance to immunotherapies in cancer treatment. In addition, a wide variety of projects are underway on analysis methods for tumor tissues, including the integration of artificial intelligence (AI).

In addition to the further development of analytical methods, some researchers are working on cancer in specific organs. One project is investigating different release processes of circulating cancer cells in tissue damage associated with breast cancer. Another research:in group is investigating ways to monitor childhood brain tumors using liquid biopsy approaches.

This year, the participating PhD students were responsible for organizing the retreat themselves. For this, they were given a set budget framework and coordinated the social program, accommodation and catering for the physical well-being. The retreat was a successful event with valuable knowledge exchange among all participants.

Research Training Group (GRK) Project Overview University of Hamburg

Photo: Moustafa, Ayham

September 2022

Strengthening skin cancer research

On September 15, 2022, the Fleur Hiege Center for Skin Cancer Research was inaugurated in the presence of Science Senator Katharina Fegebank and benefactors Astrid and Dr. Wolfgang Hiege. Its aim is to strengthen dermatooncological research. The new center will be headed by Prof. Dr. Stefan W. Schneider, Director of the Clinic and Polyclinic for Dermatology and Venereology, Deputy Clinic Director Prof. Dr. Christoffer Gebhardt, and Prof. Dr. Klaus Pantel, Director of the Institute for Tumor Biology under the umbrella of the University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCCH), and will be supported by the Hiege Foundation over the next few years.

"I am very pleased that we were able to inaugurate the Fleur Hiege Center for Skin Cancer Research today. Here, the first-class work of a young research team will set new standards in skin cancer diagnostics and treatment in the future. The new center is a promising milestone for this field. My great thanks go to all those involved and, of course, to the donor couple, Astrid and Dr. Wolfgang Hiege," says Katharina Fegebank, Senator of the Authority for Science, Research, Equality and Districts.

"We sincerely thank the Hiege family for their commitment. The support serves translational research and will thus directly benefit our patients. I would like to thank them on behalf of the scientists, nurses, doctors and patients," said Prof. Schneider.

The center is named after the daughter of the founding couple, Fleur-Mareen Habig, née Hiege, who died of malignant melanoma at the age of 32. "In memory of Fleur, who would have turned 50 today, we established the Hiege Foundation in 2006. Its purpose is to help defeat skin cancer. We are pleased to be able to create a lasting legacy in Hamburg today - at Fleur's birthplace - and to be able to continue to advance diagnostics, treatment and prevention in this field together with the UKE," say Astrid and Dr. Wolfgang Hiege.

Prof. Bokemeyer, Director of UCCH, states: "An important foundation stone for the further development of translational research has been laid here. We are very pleased about this from the UCCH point of view."

Further information about Fleur Hiege Stiftung (GERMAN)

(Picture from left: Prof. Bokemeyer, UCCH, Prof. Schneider, UKE Department of Dermatology, Prof. Pantel, Institute of Tumor Biology, Founders Astrid and Dr. Wolfgang Hiege, Senator for Science Katharina Fegebank, Prof. Gebhardt, UCCH Skin Tumor Center)

Bild: Eva Hecht, UKE

September 2022

At #activeoncokids NORD, the happiness of this earth is on the back of horses!

On Saturday, September 10, 2022, the Center ActiveOncoKids North offered the opportunity for therapeutic riding at the "Gärtnerhof am Stüffel" in Bergstedt. The taster day brought former children and adolescents with cancer and their siblings in contact with specially trained therapy horses.

Under the well-known motto of ActiveOncoKids "Discovering possibilities", 12 children of various ages came to the north of Hamburg this time to try their hand at horseback riding. For the Reittherapeut:innen of the Stüffel the holistic contact with the horse in relation to care and riding stands in the foreground.

The children devoted themselves lovingly to the care of the horses, even the manes of the animals were allowed to be embellished with braids and flowers, which came from the in-house Demeter garden. The therapy horses are accustomed to this handling with long training - even the coat was allowed to be decorated by the smaller children with finger paint in colorful patterns. All points to accustom the children to the contact with the animals and to diminish in playful way any fears.

After a joint round on the horse, it was time to get on the horse. The young riders were able to practice their skills on the horses, balancing beets on spoons and cups from one fence post to the next.

Under the apple trees overlooking the riding arena, parents and relatives could watch the action while enjoying coffee and cake. The Demeter farm includes extensive apple orchards, sunflower fields and vegetable gardens, which are beautifully spread around the riding arena. Besides horses, Galloway cattle are also among the animal inhabitants.

The children had a lot of fun caring for and decorating the animals, and everyone especially loved the finger painting - a successful day at the Gärtnerhof am Stüffel.

The ActiveOncoKids offer events for children at regular intervals. They have already had a taste of stadium life at FC St. Pauli, sailed on the Outer Alster at the NRV, and participated in various activities in Kiel and Lübeck. On 19 November Indoor Parcours will be the next event. The goal of the network is to jointly provide exercise opportunities and adequate sports support for children and young people with and after cancer.

To make sure you don't miss any further events of the ActiveOncoKids Nord network, send an email to s.elmers@uke.de with the subject "Registration Newsletter ActiveOncoKids Nord" and you will be informed regularly about the latest topics of the network.

Photos: Laura Lehmann

Further information about ActiveOncoKids North (GERMAN)

Further information about Gärtnerhof am Stüffel e.V. (GERMAN)

Further information about the work of the Clinic for Pediatric Hematology and Oncology

Further information about the Fördergemeinschaft des Kinderkrebs-Zentrums Hamburg e.V. (GERMAN)

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September 2022

Information day on multiple myeloma

The 3rd of September was dedicated to multiple myeloma. In collaboration with the Healthtree Foundation, UCCH organized an information day for patients, relatives and interested parties. A special highlight: Prof. Dr. Jesus Berdeja, one of the leading myeloma specialists in the field of new immunotherapeutics, had traveled from the USA especially for the day.

The development of new drugs and new drug combinations have significantly changed, expanded and improved the treatment of multiple myeloma in recent years. Targeted cellular therapies as well as new antibody constructs will also be used more frequently in the future. With this wealth of options, however, questions arise: when is which therapy right for me? How do I get access to the new treatments? What additional supportive measures can I take?

These were the questions addressed by the speakers at the Information Day, which was held in the Anatomy lecture hall. The event was opened by Gregor Brozeit of the Healthtree Foundation: "I am very pleased that we can offer the participants three speakers who are known worldwide in this field and I hope that we can intensify our cooperation in the future.

The first speaker was Prof. Dr. Katja Weisel, who presented various forms of immunotherapies for the treatment of multiple myeloma. She was particularly pleased that Reinhard Uhde from Tübingen, her patient who was one of the first to receive CAR-T cell therapy under her direction as part of a therapy study in Germany, took part.

CAR-T cells are taken from the patient's body and then genetically modified outside the body. Prof. Dr. Jesus Berdeja from the Sarah Cannon Institute in Nashville, USA, explained the processes behind this and provided information about the possible side effects.Prof. Dr. Cyrus Khandanpour from the University Cancer Center Schleswig-Holstein at the UKSH showed other therapy methods in the form of bispecific antibodies.

The event was rounded off with a report on the experiences of Reinhard Uhde in collaboration with Jürgen Martens, the head of the Multiple Myeloma Self-Help Group Hamburg. After a discussion round with all experts, Prof. Dr. Matthias Rostock explained which complementary measures are available for the treatment of multiple myeloma.

Further information about the Healthtree Foundation:
HealthTree

Further information on the Multiple Myeloma Self-Help Group Hamburg:
Multiples Myelom Selbsthilfegruppe Hamburg (GERMAN)

Photo: Avin Hell

August 2022

That was Rowing Against Cancer 2022

In the best weather conditions and in an exuberant mood, 70 double fours competed in the charity regatta on Hamburg's Außenalster. In the morning, the representatives of the city and the UCCH professors raced against each other.

The charity regatta "Rowing against Cancer" was held for the 12th time by the Foundation Living with Cancer in cooperation with the University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCCH) and the Rowing Society HANSA e.V. under the patronage of Senator of the Interior Andy Grote.

This year there was a record number of registrations - more than 70 boats with supporters from health care and other companies started for the good cause. Right at the beginning of the event, the professors of the Cancer Center and the representatives of the Senate, first and foremost State Councillor for Sport Christoph Holstein, had an exciting race in the show race, which the medical team won.

Patients also rowed - the boat of the "Alsterchaoten" was able to achieve a good ranking - after all, they had already trained diligently in rowing for cancer patients. The representatives of the University Cancer Center and the Asklepios Tumor Center Hamburg were very pleased about the participation and emphasized once again how important it is to keep fit with sports and exercise during and after therapy.

At noon, there was a little surprise: the women's rowing national league 8s had a tough fight against the junior eight, which competes in Youth for Olympics. Here you could see how the boats literally fly over the water with the precisely coordinated beat of the professionals. The Bundesliga 8 won by one second to loud cheers.

The beginner and expert races were also hard fought to the end. In the beginners' final, the "Dynamo Tresen" team from the Techniker Krankenkasse won the trophy. Second place also went to a TK team - "Die spontanen Techniker". The bronze medal was awarded to the team "AZ3" of the company AstraZeneca.

In the expert final, the "Herzschlag" team from the UKE's University Heart Center once again made it onto the winners' podium. Just a few seconds behind were the silver medal winners "Team Sexy" from the Allemannia Rowing Club. The team "Gigwork Orange" of the company Deutsche GigaNetz GmbH was happy about the third place.

It was obvious that all participants of the regatta enjoyed spending the day together outdoors and on the water.

A special moment during the regatta: This year the rowing club HANSA e.V. celebrates its 150th anniversary and is one of the oldest rowing clubs in Germany. On behalf of the Federal President and the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, State Councillor Christoph Holstein presented the Chairman of the RG Hansa, Sebastian Franke, with the "Sports Plaque of the Federal President" on the sidelines of the event - we at UCCH extend our warmest congratulations!

Photos: Laura Lehmann

Bildergalerien zur Veranstaltung der RG Hansa Hamburg:

Photo galleries of the RG Hansa Hamburg:

All photos

Award ceremony

Teams

Best of

August 2022

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Obituary: In memory of Dr. iur. Günter Heß

Dr. Günter Heß, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Hubertus Wald Foundation, passed away on August 17, 2022 after a serious illness.

The directors and the board of the Hubertus Wald Tumor Center - Universitäres Cancer Centers Hamburg (UCCH) as well as our staff mourn him very much.
For many years, Dr. Günter Heß was a committed companion in the promotion of cancer research and medicine through the Hubertus Wald Foundation at our Tumor Center. Whether at the Hubertus Wald Award Ceremony for international researchers or in the evaluation of research projects, he was always interested in implementing the founder's idea of Hubertus and Renate Wald for the benefit of cancer patients.

With his constructive suggestions, he was committed to the continuous development of the Tumor Center. We will greatly miss him as a warm-hearted, open-minded and approachable conversational partner and valued companion.

August 2022

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Setting the course for UCCH research at annual Research Retreat

New location, more participants. On August 19 and 20, more than 120 researchers from UCCH and partner institutions met in Bad Bramstedt to exchange information about their scientific research projects and to discuss possible collaborations. A new feature was a session on "Health Services Research", which was very well received.

"Those who take part in the UCCH Research Retreat want to get an overview of the research topics being worked on at the Cancer Center. By looking at the bigger picture, it is possible to initiate collaborations. Young researchers also have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the congress atmosphere and present themselves in short talks or poster work," says Prof. Dr. Kai Rothkamm, the UCCH Deputy Director for Scientific Topics. "We are particularly pleased that research representatives from the Kiel and Lübeck University Cancer Centers also participated, as this is a sign of our good cooperation."

UCCH Research Fellowships, the Hubertus Wald Junior Investigator Award in Oncology Research 2022 to two promising young scientists, the Hubertus Wald Junior Investigator Award in Psychsocial Cancer Research 2022 for the first time, and several poster prizes were awarded again this year. The awards will be presented at a ceremony at a late date."After the Corona period, we were able to meet again in presence for the first time and immediately with such an overwhelming number of participants - I am very pleased that the researchers at UCCH are so interested in interdisciplinary collaboration. I would especially like to emphasize that with the session on health services research, we were able to give researchers from psycho-oncology and epidemiology a platform for the first time," explains Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer, Director of the UCCH.

The following award winners were pleased with the awards:

Hubertus Wald Junior Investigator Award in Oncology Research 2022:

Dr. Franziska Brauneck
II Medical Clinic and Polyclinic / Mildred Scheel Junior Research Center Hamburg
Project: "The blockade of CD39 by a newly engineered nanobody construct restores proliferation and activation of T cells in ovarian cancer"

Dr. Melanie Schoof
Research Institute Children's Cancer Center Hamburg / Clinic and Polyclinic for Pediatric Hematology and Oncology
Project: "Exploration of cellular origins and therapeutic targets by modeling high-grade pediatric glioma of the MYCN subclass in mice".

Hubertus Wald Junior Investigator Award in Psychosocial Cancer Research 2022:

Cheyenne Topf, M. Sc.-Psych.
Institute and Polyclinic for Medical Psychology
Project: "Patient-centered cancer care through the provision of audio recordings of their clinical encounters for patients - Study protocol and first results of a feasibility study"

Poster Prize 2022:

Alicia Eckhardt
Laboratory of Radiation Biology and Experimental Radiation Oncology / Institute of Neuropathology
Project: "Global mean methylation serves as independent prognostic marker in glioblastoma"

Ayham Moustafa
Laboratory of Radiation Biology and Experimental Radiation Oncology / Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine
Project: "Identification of predictive proteome profiles in prostate cancer sensitive to PARP- and/or ERG-inhibition plus irradiation"

UCCH Research Fellowship 2023
(for a research period in the coming year, funded by 1/3 each by the donor and host institutions and by the Dean's office)

Sophia Cichutek
Sending party: II Medical Clinic and Polyclinic (Prof. Bokemeyer)
Receiving party: I. Medical Clinic and Polyclinic (Prof. Schulze zur Wiesch)
Project: "Comparative characterization of exhaustion patterns of dysregulated T cells in acute myeloid leukemia and chronic viral infections".

Dr. Jacob Clausen
Sending party: Department of Otorhinolaryngology (Prof. Betz)
Receiving party: Laboratory of Radiation Biology and Experimental Radiooncology (Prof. Roth-kamm / PD Dr. Kriegs)
Project: "Monitoring head and neck cancer treatment by immune checkpoint inhibition using func-tional kinome profiling".

Dr. Alice Ryba
Sending party: Department of Neurosurgery (Prof. Westphal)
Receiving party: Institute of Tumor Biology (Prof. Pantel)
Project: "The circulating immunome of glioblastoma patients".

July 2022

#ActiveOncoKids train with FC St. Pauli

Get a taste of stadium air? That came true for children from the UCCH Children's Cancer Center - they were invited by FC St. Pauli to spend an afternoon training at the Millerntor Stadium. Where normally the Rabauken of FC St. Pauli play, the mixed-age group was allowed to let off steam during various soccer training sessions.

After sailing on the Außenalster, climbing in Kiel and gliding in Lübeck, the Active-OncoKids Nord were invited to play soccer for FC St. Pauli. Oliver Hetze and Michel Welke invited the children on behalf of the FC St. Pauli Rabauken to training at the Millerntor.

Priv.-Doz. Dr. Gabriele Escherich from the Clinic and Polyclinic for Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, who already knew the children from her time at the UKE, welcomed the children and hoped: "I'm glad if you find fun in sports again through the training today and possibly feel like continuing with it later."

Simon Elmers, sports scientist and responsible for the ActiveOncoKids activities in Hamburg, commented: "I have been playing soccer privately for years - it was a lot of fun for me to switch with the children from the previous small kicking game on the hospital ward to the Rabauken pitch right next to the stadium. We thank FC St. Pauli very much for this opportunity."

The children of different age groups had great fun during the training. During the well-deserved break, ex-professional Jan-Philipp Kalla took the children on a tour of "his" stadium. In the team cabin, he told the excited young and old listeners which teams had already visited the stadium. The highlight for the children was running out through the players' tunnel. But there was one thing they learned right away: the players' turf is sacred and no visitors are allowed to enter it.

Photos: Avin Hell

To Zentrum Nord Netzwerk ActiveOncoKids (DE)

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May 2022

Koester Prize 2022 of the German Society for Radiation Oncology goes to UCCH scientist

On May 28, 2022, the Koester Prize 2022 was awarded to PhD student Sandra Classen of the Homologous Recombination group in Radiation Biology and Experimental Radiology of Prof. Kerstin Borgmann in Stuttgart, Germany. The award ceremony took place during the 28th Congress of the German Society of Radiation Oncology (DEGRO), which this year was themed "Precise, Personalized and Individualized".

At the annual congress, the award winner presented research results on "Effects of BRCA1 mutations on radiation resistance and immunophenotype in breast cancer cells." Her research shows that BRCA1 mutations affect immunophenotype and radiation resistance in breast carcinomas.

BRCA1 mutations that increase the likelihood of breast cancer development are mutations within individual human genes that play important roles in DNA damage repair. These mutations affect a cell's immunogenic surface characteristics and, as a result, how resistant a tumor is to radiation therapy.

Prof. Cordula Petersen, Director of the Clinic for Radiotherapy and at the same time President of DEGRO is pleased: "This year's DEGRO congress in Stuttgart was again characterized by a scientifically excellent exchange. I am all the more pleased that a researcher from the UKE has won the Koester Prize - thanks to the support of the Dr. Hans and Hildegard Koester Foundation. I congratulate Ms. Classen very warmly on the prize."

The Koester Prize is awarded among a total of eight of the highest-scoring presentations at DEGRO's annual congress in conjunction with the Dr. Hans and Hildegard Koester Foundation. The prize money is € 2,000.

Congratulations to the award winner!

Picture: Kindly provided by DEGRO (German Society for Radiation Oncology).

(from left to right): Prof. Cordula Petersen (DEGRO President), Sandra Classen (award winner) and PD Dr. Johanna Gellermann (member of the Board of Trustees of the Dr. Hans and Hildegard Koester Foundation).

Further information about DEGRO Degro - DEGRO - German Society for Radiooncology e.V.

Further information about the working group of Prof. Kerstin Borgmann
UKE - Laboratory for Radiation Biology & Experimental Radiooncology - AG1 Homologous Recombination

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May 2022

Set sail and up on the Außenalster!

Under this motto, the Onkopiraten set sail for the second time on May 14 at the invitation of the foundation of the Norddeutscher Regatta Verein (NRV). The event was organized as part of the ActiveOncoKids Nord network and offers children and adolescents with cancer from the pediatric oncology center under Prof. Rutkowski the opportunity to try sailing and thus find their way back into sports. The sports and exercise work is supported by the Fördergemeinschaft Kinderkrebs-Zentrum Hamburg e.V..

After a welcome by Gunter Persiehl, commodore of the NRV, it was time to put on life jackets and get into the maneuverable J70 sailboats. The NRV youth coaches took great care to familiarize the Onkopiraten with the boats. They learned what jib and sheet are and proudly practiced their first tacks and jibes. The weather offered the best wind conditions and a spectacular view of some of the sights of the Hanseatic city.

During the lunch break, the first strategic considerations for the "fun regatta" in the afternoon were already exchanged. Small tips were given by Gunter Persiehl, who told exciting stories from his 77 years of sailing experience and explained one or the other term again.After the regatta in the afternoon it was clear: One first and two second places. The participants sailed happily into the harbor of the NRV.

Simon Elmers, sports scientist at the pediatric oncology center of the UCCH and Hamburg representative in the ActiveOncoKids Nord network, summarized the day: "I am very happy that thanks to the support of the NRV our formerly seriously ill children and young people have been able to enjoy sailing. They really enjoyed a sporty, and experiential day on the water. A success through and through!"

The goal of the ActiveOncoKids network is to jointly provide exercise opportunities and adequate sports support for children and adolescents with and after cancer. Individual sports science advice and exercise programs during and after treatment help children and adolescents get back into sports, resume previous sports activities (recreational, club and school sports) or discover new sports. Fun in movement, but also great group and nature experiences are in the foreground and promote self-efficacy.

In the ActiveOncoKids North network of the Hamburg, Kiel and Lübeck locations, there is even more sporting action this year: on July 8, 2022 from 2 - 5 p.m., children and young people can get a taste of soccer at FC St. Pauli in the Millerntor Stadium. Registrations are still possible until June 17, 2022 at s.elmers@uke.de or l.hail@uke.de .

To make sure you don't miss any more events of the ActiveOncoKids Nord network, send an email to s.elmers@uke.de with the subject "Registration Newsletter ActiveOncoKids Nord" and you will be regularly informed about the latest topics of the network.

More information about the network ActiveOncoKids Nord (DE).

More information about the youth work and offers of the Norddeutscher Regatta Verein (DE).

Further information on the work of the Clinic for Pediatric Hematology and Oncology .

Further information on the Fördergemeinschaft des Kinderkrebs-Zentrums Hamburg e.V (DE).

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February 2022

We are looking for study participants for various studies on quality of life issues.

We offer various studies on quality of life issues in the fields of exercise, nutrition and complementary medicine.Cancer patients who decide in principle to participate in a study make a significant contribution to the further development of research. At the same time, it gives participants the opportunity to take advantage of offers within the framework of the study that are not yet anchored in standard care.

The University Cancer Center Hamburg has a large number of studies, on the one hand in preclinical and clinical research, and on the other hand also studies that deal with the question of improving quality of life. In recent months, various studies have been started at the UCCH, which are presented here in bundled form.

Cancer patients with a gastrointestinal tumor who are at the beginning of their (chemo)-therapy can participate in the PREVENT study. The study is investigating whether acupuncture and vibration training can counteract chemotherapy-induced polyneuropathy (i.e., limb-related sensory disturbances and painful insensations).

In the FatiGO study, UCCH researchers want to find out whether different exercise sessions can help improve physical exhaustion (fatigue) in post-cancer patients.

The VIBRANCY study is also aimed at cancer patients in follow-up care. Here, too, guided vibration and sensorimotor training will be used to investigate whether this supports a reduction in chemotherapy-induced polyneuropathy (CIPN).

The INTEGRATION study is determining the effect of nutrition and physical activity during outpatient oncological therapy (initial diagnosis), with a view to adopting this into standard care if necessary.

The Taste II study will investigate the effect of targeted taste and smell training and individual nutritional counseling on improving taste perception in patients undergoing chemotherapy with taste impairments.

The Gut Health study is designed to investigate whether a prebiotic diet with or without the support of probiotics can alleviate gastrointestinal symptoms in patients after colon cancer.

To help cancer patients:in who suffer from cognitive impairments such as impaired concentration and forgetfulness that have developed in connection with the cancer and its treatment, the complementary medicine study MBSR has been developed. The Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (so-called MBSR= Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction) is taught via online trainings as a classical MBSR program.

The complaints mentioned, such as polyneuropathy, fatigue, loss of taste or smell, and concentration disorders, sometimes persist over a long period of time - usually beyond the end of therapy - and in some cases have a considerable impact on coping with everyday life and lead to a reduction in quality of life, often also to an impairment of the ability to work.

All the more important if you as a cancer patient:in interest and would like to contribute to our research in this area.

All studies and the respective contact can be found at:
UCCH study offerings on quality of life issues (bottom of page)

Image: Pexels-Mikhail Nilov

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February 2022

World Cancer Day 2022: Cancer medicine and research in the wake of the Corona pandemic

For the past two years, the Corona pandemic has dominated everyday life - including the daily routine in hospitals. But what impact does this have on patients with cancer and how is cancer research developing? On the occasion of World Cancer Day on February 4, which this year has the motto "Close the Care Gap", Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer, Director of the University Cancer Center Hamburg, answers questions about the current situation in cancer research and medicine.

What has changed in cancer medicine during the Corona pandemic?

Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer: The corona pandemic continues to have a major impact on cancer medicine, both in terms of patient care and research. Cancer patients belong to the vulnerable group of people who are more easily infected with Corona, respond less well to vaccination and may also have a more severe course. Thus, the focus is on establishing and implementing adequate hygiene as well as new treatment concepts. In addition, a nationwide survey of Comprehensive Cancer Centers has shown that at the peak of the waves, limited intensive care capacities repeatedly lead to restrictions, especially in follow-up care but also in the performance of surgeries. At the same time, initial data suggest that due to reduced screening measures, the stages of the disease are more advanced at diagnosis than before the Corona pandemic. We conclude that patients are not attending their check-ups or are attending them later, either because they fear infection or because medical providers are overburdened by the pandemic, so that there are only a few free appointments. A significant problem is emerging here, and I would therefore like to appeal to everyone: Do not take physical ailments lightly, make sure you make timely preventive and treatment appointments with your treating physicians.

To what extent has everyday life for scientists changed significantly?

Prof. Bokemeyer: There have been many adjustments in the area of research. In the laboratories, for example, we introduced a shift system so that we could carry out test series in compliance with pandemic-related hygiene regulations. At the same time, however, Corona has shown that it is possible to advance the development of new drugs. The scientific basis of mRNA vaccination technologies is also relevant for cancer therapy; we are already testing such approaches in clinical trials in combination with other new immunological therapy methods.

What challenges do you see for the coming years in cancer research and medicine?

Prof. Bokemeyer: Our most important focus for the next few years is to expand our structural infrastructure as the UKE Cancer Center and to further strengthen our competence networks as a basis for medicine and research beyond the region. For example, last year we founded the consortium "Cancer Center Nord Hamburg - Schleswig Holstein" with our partners at the University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein in Kiel and Lübeck and have already launched joint projects. In addition, our primary goal is to bring innovations to patients and their families as quickly as possible and to shape this process together with the patients. In the next few months, for example, a Patient Competence Center North will be created, where we aim to train patients to participate in broader topics related to our daily work and the discussion in the healthcare sector on an equal footing.In addition, Corona has catalyzed the leap into digital: Our monthly educational series for our patient:ins takes place entirely online, our Patient Advisory Council meets online, and our conventions are online. In addition, an online service for grieving relatives has been created in the national network. Of course, we are looking forward to meeting again in analog form in the future, but parts of our activities will remain online.

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January 2022

Center for familial breast and ovarian cancer in new premises

Patients seeking advice and support on questions of a genetic predisposition to breast or ovarian cancer will find the services of the Center for Familial Breast and Ovarian Cancer (BRCA Center for short) in new premises since January 2022.

The team around the director Prof. Dr. Isabelle Witzel has moved to building N22 to be able to expand the counseling services.

All contact details remain unchanged, the team is looking forward to your visit.

Information about the BRCA Center (DE)

For more information on familial breast and ovarian cancer, please also visit the BRCA Network e.V. page.

Image: Avin Hell, UCCH

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December 2021

"Grieving in special times" interactive website is online (DE)

During the Corona pandemic, grieving after the death of a loved one is also very limited in many ways. It is not always possible to say goodbye in person, and funerals can often only be held in small groups. Many people are also permanently burdened by a lack of visiting opportunities in hospitals and nursing homes or by other restrictions during the last phase of their loved one's life.

Staff members of the Palliative Medicine Department of the II Medical Clinic and Polyclinic at the University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCCH) have developed a mourning homepage as part of the Palliative Care in Pandemic Times (PallPan) research network of the Network University Medicine (NUM), which has now gone online.

The interactive website "Mourning in Special Times" ( www.trauern-in-besonderen-Zeiten.de (DE)) is intended to provide mourners with the opportunity to obtain information and assistance on dealing with grief in pandemic times, further support services and recommended literature. Above all, however, the website is intended to enable mourners to express their grief in a virtual mourning room and to experience through the testimonials of others affected that they are not alone in their situation. Self-tests are designed to help mourners assess the psychological stress they are experiencing as a result of their grief. Even those who are not affected themselves, but would like to help someone close during this time, will find suggestions and ideas on how others can be supported in their grief during times of pandemic.

Further information: https://pallpan.de/ (DE)

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November 2021

Cancer researcher Prof. Dr. Benjamin Besse receives Hubertus Wald Prize for Oncology

French cancer researcher Prof. Dr. Benjamin Besse has been awarded this year's Hubertus Wald Prize for Oncology. This was in recognition of his many years of commitment and outstanding achievements in the field of bronchial carcinoma therapy. The prize is endowed with 10,000 euros and is awarded every two years by the Hubertus Wald Tumor Center - Universitäres Cancer Center Hamburg (UCCH). In addition, several young scientists:inside the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) received junior researcher awards and scholarships.

"In the case of bronchial carcinoma, groundbreaking therapeutic successes have emerged in recent years on the basis of consistent research, on the one hand through so-called immunotherapy and on the other hand through targeted therapy in the presence of genetic tumor mutations. Prof. Besse has made a decisive contribution to this development with his medical research. I am all the more pleased that Prof. Besse is receiving the award this year, because together with our partner, the LungenClinic Grosshansdorf, we want to further develop these forms of therapy even more intensively in the future in national alliances and can also incorporate his expertise in consulting here," says Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer, Director of the Hubertus Wald Tumor Center.

Prof. Besse is head of the Department of Thoracic Oncology at the major French cancer center, the Institut Gustave Roussy. At the same time, he holds a professorship in Medical Oncology at the University Paris-Sud, Orsay. In addition to his diverse clinical and research work, he is the initiator of many European studies that have led to improved immunotherapeutic treatment strategies for patients with lung cancer.

In addition to Prof. Besse, several UKE young scientists were honored: The Hubertus Wald Young Investigator Award for Oncology Research was awarded to Dr. Joseph Tintelnot, assistant physician at the II Medical Clinic and Polyclinic (Oncology, Hematology, Bone Marrow Transplantation with Department of Pneumology). Three other researchers received poster awards and four other students received doctoral fellowships. (See PDF for listing)

"It has been a matter close to our hearts in Hamburg for years to strengthen young scientists in oncology. Excellent scientific research has long since ceased to be a lone wolf issue, but thrives on networking. With our support, we enable both physicians to invest their working time in research and natural scientists to get to know the areas of clinical care. This is the only way to enable a forward-looking partnership between medicine and science," says Prof. Dr. Kai Rothkamm, Deputy Director for Science and Research at the Hubertus Wald Tumor Center.

The Hubertus Wald Tumor Center receives significant support from the Hubertus Wald Foundation. In addition to awarding research prizes, clinical care for people with cancer is the focus of the funding. The Hanseatic entrepreneur Hubertus Wald (1903-2005) and his wife Renate dedicated themselves for decades to the promotion of culture and medicine; this led to the establishment of the Hubertus Wald Foundation in 1993. "The Foundation's support for the UKE Tumor Center is an important concern for us and contributes greatly to providing the best possible care for patients with cancer," says Prof. Dr. Hartwig Huland, trustee of the Foundation and founder of the Martini Clinic of the UKE.

We warmly congratulate all the award winners!

Photo: Teresa Brachmann, UCCH

Prof. Bokemeyer (2nd from left) as well as Dr. Herms and Prof. Huland (6th and 7th from left) from the Hubertus Wald Foundation congratulated Prof. Besse (4th from left) and all other award winners.

Overview of the other Hubertus Wald Award winners

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November 2021

Research Award of the Hamburg Cancer Society for UCCH Researchers

Prof. Dr. Katja Weisel, II Medical Clinic and Polyclinic, and Dr. Justine Münsterberg, Clinic and Polyclinic for Neurology, have been awarded the Research Prize of the Hamburg Cancer Society. The prize is endowed with a total of 10,000 euros, which is shared by the award winners.

Prof. Weisel was recognized for her work on intensified myeloma therapy in elderly patients and those who are not suitable for autologous stem cell transplantation. The work shows that the new therapy is not only more effective, but in particular demonstrates that the quality of life is even better with the more intensive therapy for the affected patients.

Dr. Münsterberg has investigated the significance of the expression of ALCAM for the occurrence of brain metastasis in non-small cell lung cancer as part of a multidisciplinary research group in a basic research-oriented scientific study. The work offers approaches for future determination of prognostic factors and therapeutic procedures as well as potentially for prevention of brain metastasis.

Congratulations to both award winners!

More information about the award ceremony at Hamburger Krebsgesellschaft e.V.

Image: Hamburger Krebsgesellschaft e.V.

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November 2021

15th anniversary for palliative medicine

Palliative medicine cares for people with an incurable, progressive disease. Its primary goal is to maintain or restore a good quality of life for patients and their families. This goal has now been pursued for 15 years by the palliative physicians at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) and for ten years at the independent palliative care unit of the II Medical Clinic and Polyclinic at the University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCCH). The head of palliative medicine at the UKE and holder of the endowed professorship for palliative medicine with a focus on research on relatives, Prof. Dr. Karin Oechsle, explains how palliative medicine has developed since then and how her work has been changed by the Corona pandemic.

Palliative medicine at the UKE celebrates its 15th anniversary this year. How have palliative medicine concepts changed during this time?

Prof. Dr. Karin Oechsle: Palliative medicine is about enabling patients with a far-advanced disease and a limited life expectancy to maintain their quality of life until the end. An important task of palliative medicine is symptom relief. However, in addition to the alleviation of physical symptoms such as pain, the psychological, social and spiritual problems of patients and their relatives are also a priority. To ensure this, we work together in multiprofessional teams. In addition to our work on the palliative ward, we offer consultations in all clinics of the UKE and care for patients and their relatives in other wards. In the palliative care consultation at the UCCH, we also advise patients early in the course of their illness on how they can best prepare themselves for what they may face as the disease progresses. In addition, we actively participate in student teaching and various research topics in palliative medicine. At UKE, the focus is primarily on research into relatives, i.e. how we can better actively address the problems and needs of relatives in our everyday therapeutic work and support them in this.

How has your work changed as a result of the Corona pandemic?

Prof. Dr. Karin Oechsle: Particularly challenging for us, but of course especially for our patients and their relatives, were the visiting restrictions. We have supported relatives in being close to the patients "from a distance". Among other things, we provided tablets that enabled video conferences between patients and their relatives, as well as the inclusion of relatives in patient discussions or visits. In addition, it was important to us to maintain an intensive exchange with the relatives. Since the beginning of the pandemic, a member of our multiprofessional team has proactively called the relatives daily and informed them about the state of health. In addition, our bereavement counselors offered regular telephone consultations. Special information folders for relatives were also prepared.

Have you scientifically monitored the impact of the Corona pandemic on palliative care?

Prof. Dr. Karin Oechsle: We are involved in the Palliative Care in Times of Pandemic (PallPan) research network, which is part of the University Medicine research network funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research. Within this framework, we conducted a scientific study together with the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU) on the needs and problems of relatives in palliative care. In addition, we have incorporated the family-related aspects into the national recommendations for action, which are intended to provide support for patients and their families as well as employees in the event of future pandemics and to enable the maintenance of palliative care structures and services.

What specific impact did the COVID-19 pandemic have on the needs of palliative care patients and their families?

Prof. Dr. Karin Oechsle: In an interview study with palliative care patients and their relatives, which we conducted with the LMU Munich, it became clear that many of the needs identified were independent of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, however, there were also pandemic-related particularities. For example, patients and relatives reported fear of infection, and both groups were burdened by pandemic-related contact restrictions, which can lead to feelings of loneliness and social isolation, and even traumatizing experiences at the end of life. In addition, the role of relatives as caregivers has changed. Visiting restrictions prevent them from fulfilling their tasks and needs as caregivers and/or companions of seriously ill and dying patients. The relatives thus experience psychological and moral stress in the struggle to balance the preservation of social relationships at the end of life on the one hand and the protection against infection by reducing social contacts on the other.

Further information on palliative care (DE)

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September 2021

UCCH research grants awarded for 2022

On September 22, UCCH directors awarded UCCH Research Fellowships to 3 physicians, giving them time to conduct research over the next year.

The UCCH Directors were very pleased to present the three UCCH Research Fellowships to the 3 candidates. Finally, all three physicians will have the opportunity to devote separate time to research outside of clinical operations in 2022.
The scholarships are financed in equal parts by the sending and the receiving institution as well as by the dean's office.

The following were pleased with the scholarships:

Dr. Julian Kött (assistant physician)
from the Clinic and Polyclinic for Dermatology and Venereology (Prof. Schneider/Prof. Gebhardt) will conduct research in the Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (Prof. Renné) on "The role of neutrophil extracellular traps for coagulation and metastasis of malignant mela-noma patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibition" in 2022.

Dr. Julian Götze (assistant physician)
from the Department of Oncology and Hematology (Prof. Bokemeyer/PD Dr. Sinn)
will conduct research in the Institute of Tumor Biology (Prof. Pantel/Prof. Wikman) in 2022 on the topic "Iden-tification and characterization of circulating cancer-associated fibroblasts (cCAFs) in pancreatic cancer."

Richard Hauch (Assistant Professor)
from the Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology (Prof. Rutkowski)
will conduct research at the Research Institute Children's Cancer Center Hamburg (Prof. Horstmann) on the topic "Engineering of iPSC-derived natural killer cells for adoptive transfer as a treatment strategy for high risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia".
Congratulations and good luck in the research year!

Photo: Avin Hell, UCCH
UCCH directors congratulated the 3 candidates: (from left)
Prof. Dr. Andrea Morgner-Miehlke, Prof. Dr. Katja Weisel, Dr. Julian Kött, Richard Hauch, Dr. Julian Götze, Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer.

September 2021

Keep moving: Strengthening children and young people with and after cancer

Exercise programs for children and adolescents with cancer have been an important component of treatment for years. Now the University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCCH) and the University Cancer Center Schleswig-Holstein (UCCSH) have joined forces in the ActiveOncoKids network, which is funded by German Cancer Aid, to form the Center North. Together they want to draw attention to this important topic with action days. The first event was on September 11: under the guidance of exercise therapists and sponsored by the Fördergemeinschaft Kinderkrebs-Zentrum Hamburg e.V., young cancer patients at the UCCH were able to try their hand at stand-up paddling on the Alster.

It can be quite wobbly on a stand-up paddling board, but the children and young people who took part in the action day of the Active Onco Kids Netzwerk Nord showed no problems with touching it. After a short briefing, they went out on the Outer Alster for a joint excursion. After heavy thunderstorms in the days before, the weather turned out to be so friendly that the young patients could at best only get wet from below during a rather involuntary slip.

"Every year, about 2,000 children and adolescents are diagnosed with cancer in Germany. For young patients, an active and healthy lifestyle is important, as initial studies show. In the long term, regular exercise improves fitness and reduces the likelihood of late complications. The Children's Oncology Center has therefore been pursuing the goal for years of encouraging young cancer patients to exercise even during therapy," says Prof. Dr. Stefan Rutkowski, Director of the Clinic for Pediatric Hematology and Oncology and Head of the certified Children's Oncology Center.

"Our team of sports therapists is already going from room to room on the ward, trying to provide exercise opportunities for our patient:s. The ward corridor can quickly become a soccer field or the site of a table tennis match," says Simon Elmers, sports scientist and exercise therapist for the children and adolescents.

Dr. Klaus Bublitz, Managing Director of the Fördergemeinschaft Kinderkrebs-Zentrum Hamburg e.V. sums up: "Under the slogan KNACK DEN KREBS, we have been raising public awareness of the issue of cancer in children for years. Since 2020, our association has also enabled sports and exercise therapy at the Children's Cancer Center Hamburg by financing a sports therapist. We are therefore very happy to support this Active Onco Kids Day and have sponsored the stand-up paddling activity for affected children there."

Various water sports were also offered at the Kiel, Lübeck and Sylt sites as part of the day of action - whether stand-up paddling, sailing, surfing or canoeing - the children were enthusiastic participants.

"I am pleased that through our association with our partners at the University Cancer Center Schleswig-Holstein in the North Center of the ActiveOncoKids network, we are focusing on the topic of sports and exercise for young patients with cancer. With our kick-off event and other subsequent events, we want to inspire children and young people to take more exercise - an important building block for a good quality of life," says UCCH Director Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer.
For the organizers, it was clear: This day of action will be held more often.

Further information:

Active Onco Kids Network
https://www.activeoncokids.de

Support Association Children's Cancer Center Hamburg e.V.
Forschungsinstitut Kinderkrebs-Zentrum Hamburg - We research for the future of children with cancer

Pediatric Oncology Center
UKE - Pediatric Hematology and Oncology

Photos: Copyright UKE, Teresa Brachmann

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September 2021

Oncology at UKE among the top 30 worldwide

In the annual ranking by the U.S. magazine "Newsweek" of the top 200 oncology institutions internationally, the Center for Oncology at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf is ranked 29th, placing it among the top 30 worldwide.

"We are very pleased with this ranking," says Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer, head of the Center for Oncology, "as it shows the reputation our cancer medicine has worldwide."

The institutions in Berlin, Cologne and Heidelberg are the only other German centers listed among the top 30.

The evaluation criterion is which hospitals or medical centers have the most modern facilities and the most knowledgeable and experienced physicians.
It also evaluates which facilities give patients access to the best diagnosticians, the best possible care and the most effective treatments.

Newsweek world's best specialized hospitals in oncology 2021

Onkopiraten: Sailing for children and adolescents with cancer on the Außenalster lake

On September 4, it was time to "cast off" - children and adolescents with cancer from the pediatric oncology center under Prof. Rutkowski were invited by the foundation of the North German Regatta Association (NRV) to get a taste of sea air and try their hand at sailing.

The Norddeutscher Regatta Verein is one of the world's leading sailing clubs - the medal table at the Tokyo Olympics is proof of this. In addition to competitive sports, the club is particularly committed to training the next generation of sailors. More than 250 children and young people train regularly at the Außenalster.

"It is important to us that you find the fun in the movement again. I am confident that the day on the water and learning the sailing handles has an important contribution to this," said host Gunter Persiehl, Commodore of the North German Regatta Association (NRV) and at the same time Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation of the NRV, when welcoming the assembled children and young people who had accepted the invitation through the mediation of the Children's Oncology Center of the UCCH. Jürgen Flemming, Chairman of the Foundation, and Günther Cords, 2nd Chairman of the Board of Trustees, were very happy to agree with this welcome.

The children were welcomed with open arms by the youth coaches and were allowed to get a taste of the sea on 3 J70 sailboats. The Outer Alster showed itself from the most beautiful weather side - with sun and light wind conditions the boats could reto the NRV harbor.

The unanimous opinion of all participants: "That was really a great day!".

Prof. Dr. Stefan Rutkowski, Director of the Clinic for Pediatric Hematology and Oncology and Head of the certified Children's Oncology Center, was delighted with the Foundation's generosity: "This was really a special experience for our young patients. After often long inpatient stays, it is a special moment for us treatment providers to see the laughter reflected in their faces as they move outside in the fresh air. I would like to thank you very much for this great action on behalf of all children and parents."

For more information on youth work and other activities offered by the North German Regatta Association:
www.nrv.de

Further information on the work of the Clinic for Pediatric Hematology and Oncology:
Pediatric Oncology Centerally

Images: Peter Kähl, NRV, und Avin Hell, UCCH

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August 2021

5th Onco-Workshop on Clinical Trials

On August 31, the 5th Onco-Workshop for Clinical Trials was held again. In 21 thematic blocks, the wide range of study offers for patients with tumor diseases was presented. The event was held for the first time as a cooperation between the University Cancer Centers in Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein.

The organizers from the UCCH Oncology Study Center had not expected such a response: More than 130 interested people from UCCH and UCCSH had registered to participate. The originally planned analog format was therefore held as an online conference at fairly short notice.

After the opening by the directors of the two Cancer Centers, the presenters from the individual departments gave a brief overview of their open and planned study concepts in many individual talks.

"I am always impressed with the diversity with which our clinical research is progressing and thus directly addressing the care of our patients," says Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer, Director of the UCCH, "The development in recent years has been enormous in this regard: just 6 years ago, approximately 2,500 patient:ing were enrolled in clinical trials each year; last year, we reached nearly 7,000 patient:ing with our offerings. Last but not least, this is an outstanding achievement of our entire network partners."

This year, special focus was placed on the cross-entity early phase trials with CAR-T cell therapies as well as the molecularly targeted basket studies.

For more information on the Onco-Workshop, please visit:
www.onko-workshop.de

Image: With permission of the Elsa Brändström House.

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August 2021

XIII UCCH Research Retreat as Virtual Conference

On August 27 and 28, the scientists and researchers of the University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCCH) met for an online retreat. Around 100 participants exchanged their research results and developed new ideas for further projects.

Under the question "Who is the UCCH? YOU are the UCCH!", Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer opened the retreat and gave the participants an overview of current developments in the UCCH research landscape.

The first session was opened by Prof. Dr. Matthias Wilmanns, Head of EMBL Hamburg, with an overview lecture on "Metastasis & microenvironment interactions". Other sessions were held on "Immuno-Oncology", "Data Science in Cancer Medicine", "Prostate Cancer", "Neuro-Oncology", "Gastrointestinal Cancer" and "Gynecological Tumors". Some sessions were held with the participation of researchers from the University Cancer Center Schleswig-Holstein (UCCSH). In addition, other research topics were covered in lightning talks.

"The Research Retreat is an important opportunity for our researchers to get an overview of the entire range of UCCH research in addition to their own topics. This often results in new approaches to form synergies in the individual disciplines, for example by using a new methodology," explains Prof. Dr. Carsten Bokemeyer.

"At the same time, the retreat is also a place for young junior scientists to practice presenting their content and to be measured on their work," says Prof. Dr. Kai Rothkamm, Deputy Director for Research at UCCH.

This year, several young investigators were recognized for their work by a vote of an interdisciplinary panel and the retreat participants.

The 2021 Hubertus Wald Young Investigator Award was presented to Joseph Tintelnot, MD (Department of Oncology and Hematology/Department of Gastroenterology/Department of General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery/Mildred Scheel Cancer Career Center Hamburg).

The 2021 Poster Award recipients are Shweta Godbole (ZMNH), Moritz Kaune (Department of Oncology and Hematology), and Benedict Markmann (Department of General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery).

Congratulations also to the recipients of the 2022 UCCH Research Fellowship:
Julian Kött, Department of Dermatology and Venereology.
Julian Götze, Department of Oncology and Hematology.
Richard Hauch, Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology.

We will report on the awarding of the prizes at a later date - at this point we would like to congratulate all prize winners and scholarship holders.

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August 2021

UCCH launches "Peer2Me" mentoring program

After a successful pilot phase, the mentor program "Peer2Me" for young cancer patients has been launched at the UCCH. In the future, selected mentors will act as "buddies" for young cancer patients, advising them during the course of their disease. The project of the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) and the University Medical Center Leipzig is funded by the German Cancer Aid with about 340,000 euros. In Germany, about 17,000 young adults between the ages of 15 and 39 develop cancer each year.

"Experiencing cancer in young adulthood is often accompanied by far-reaching physical, social and psychological consequences for those affected. The psychological stress of young adults suffering from cancer manifests itself in particular in the form of anxiety, fatigue and depression," says the head of the research project, psychooncologist Prof. Dr. Corinna Bergelt from the Institute and Polyclinic for Medical Psychology at UKE.

"Young cancer patients often report emotional stress and a lack of information, especially in the areas of performance, career and fertility. In addition to family and friends, the focus is on exchanges with others of the same age who are affected," adds co-leader Sarah Dwinger, a psychological psychotherapist and psychooncologist in the Medical Psychology Department.

This is precisely where the "Peer2Me" project comes in. The selected mentors have themselves experienced cancer and are between the ages of 18 and 39. As part of the program, they are trained to offer their experience to young adults of the same age who have been diagnosed with cancer in the past six months during acute treatment. The mentors' support is intended to reduce the psychological burden on young cancer patients. In addition, the patients should be able to better inform themselves about the various aspects of the disease, in order to support them in dealing with this challenge.

If you would like to become a mentor yourself, please send an e-mail to s.dwinger@uke.de. The program, which was developed by Leipzig University Hospital, has already been tested in a pilot phase and evaluated in a scientific study. A total of 19 acutely ill young cancer patients were included in the Leipzig study. They were individually accompanied by 11 mentors over a period of three months. In subsequent interviews, both the mentors and the patients commented positively on the exchange at eye level. The patients benefited most from the informal exchange about side effects and treatments and the opportunity to discuss questions on various topics with those affected. All patients could imagine becoming mentors themselves in the future.

Image: Pexels

August 2021