Patient Advisory Board Swiss Cancer Institute

Aims and benefits of the Patient Advisory Board

The Patient Advisory Board of the Swiss Cancer Institute plays a central role in the continuous development of clinical cancer trials in Switzerland. As an advisory body, it supports us in research projects, in communication and in strategic decisions - with the aim of making clinical research relevant for those affected and as patient-friendly as possible.

Our goals at a glance

Promoting communication between researchers and patients
Identifying patient needs in order to align research priorities in a targeted and practical manner
Improving information about study content and conditions of participation
Greater involvement of those affected in the planning and development of clinical studies and issues
Development of innovative therapies that are consistently oriented towards the needs of patients
Encouraging participation in trials in order to jointly advance clinical cancer research in Switzerland

Through the active participation of the Patient Advisory Board, we create trust, transparency and relevance - key factors for successful clinical cancer trials in Switzerland.

Partnership-based research for better cancer therapies

Continuous dialogue with those affected, i.e. cancer patients and their loved ones, as well as patient organizations, is crucial to the development of new and improved cancer therapies. The aim is to increase the chances of recovery and sustainably improve the quality of life of those affected.

This is why we launched the Patient Advisory Board in November 2015 - an initiative to systematically incorporate the experiences, perspectives and needs of cancer patients and their relatives into our clinical cancer research.

Our collaboration with the Patient Advisory Board is based on transparency, trust, respect, fairness and genuine partnership - with the common goal of further developing oncology in a patient-centered way.

As someone who has been affected by cancer, it is particularly important to me that the frequent side effects and after-effects of cancer treatment are continuously researched, openly communicated, and, where possible, minimized.

Dr. Ursula Ganz-Blättler Patient Advisory Board Swiss Cancer Institute

As a researcher, I often deal with clinical trials and am familiar with their structure and ethical framework. I want to make the technical elements of such trials easier for patients to understand.

Dr. Sander Botter Patient Advisory Board Swiss Cancer Institute

As someone affected by cancer, I want to understand how it works and what treatment options are currently available. It makes sense to use my own experience with cancer to benefit other patients.

Dr. Tourane Corbière Patient Advisory Board Swiss Cancer Institute

I like interacting with other people affected by cancer, improving access to study results, and gaining a better understanding of research. I want to take active steps to fight cancer.

Michael Emmenegger-Müller Patient Advisory Board Swiss Cancer Institute

Life is a rollercoaster ride. I want to share my experiences with cancer, my grief and my joy with others. In doing so, I can help those affected and contribute to the advancement of medicine and research.

Aldo Fiscalini Patient Advisory Board Swiss Cancer Institute

I want to help ensure that research projects can be used for patient treatment as quickly as possible.

Dr. Bernd Hägele Patient Advisory Board Swiss Cancer Institute

I have years of experience as the partner of someone with cancer and as the head of an internationally networked patient organization. This helps me understand cancer treatments and support those affected.

Helga Meier Schnorf Patient Advisory Board Swiss Cancer Institute

I would like to help encourage other affected individuals to become recognized partners in scientific and ethical committees.

Rosmarie Pfau Patient Advisory Board Swiss Cancer Institute

With my professional and personal experience, I work to ensure that those affected are well informed and can take part in important decisions.

Dr. Isabelle Roos Patient Advisory Board Swiss Cancer Institute

You need a lot of support, especially after the illness, because even though you have survived, life is completely different than before. That is what I am committed to.

Lorenz Tanner Patient Advisory Board Swiss Cancer Institute