The German Cancer Society has certified the newly founded Center for Personalized Oncology (ZPO) at University Medical Center Mainz. The new center, embedded within the structures of the University Cancer Center (UCT) Mainz, is another milestone in improving the care of tumor patients in Rhineland-Palatinate. The goal is to provide those affected by cancer with the best possible individual treatment. This is based on a detailed understanding of the mechanisms of tumor development. The ZPO is the first certified center of its kind in Rhineland-Palatinate and one of 16 certified centers for personalized medicine in Germany that offer these complex examinations with direct recommendations for patients.
To treat cancer patients in a personalized manner and based on current research, intensive exchange and close networking of experts from many disciplines are necessary. A joint “Molecular Tumorboard” is essential for treatment success. This board specifically addresses complex cases where guideline-based therapies are lacking or have been exhausted. An interdisciplinary team of physicians and scientists is necessary to collect and correctly evaluate comprehensive data and develop individual treatments. Within the ZPO Mainz, 23 specialist departments of the University Medical Center Mainz cooperate.
The Centers for Personalized Medicine are being established as part of the innovation fund project of the Joint Federal Committee (G-BA) “DNPM – German Network for Personalized Medicine.” The ZPO Mainz is already integrated into this existing oncological care structure. In collaboration with the other centers of the DNPM, the ZPO Mainz is generating ongoing knowledge for personalized therapies.
The funding project “German Network for Personalized Medicine” (DNPM) is the largest funded project by the G-BA with a total of around 21 million euros and runs for four years. The nationwide project, which supports University Medical Center Mainz with around 1.7 million euros in funding, unites the national university cancer centers, the Comprehensive Cancer Centers (CCC), and the Centers for Personalized Medicine.
Further information:
https://www.unimedizin-mainz.de/uct/das-uct-mainz/zentrum-fuer-personalisierte-onkologie.html
