Clinical trials are used to test the efficacy and safety of new drugs, therapy concepts or dosages. This usually involves comparing a new treatment with a proven standard therapy.

Goal: To continuously improve cancer treatment - scientifically sound and patient-oriented.

There are different types of trials - depending on the research objective and type of treatment:

• Single-arm trials, also known as non-randomized studies. All patients receive the same treatment
• Randomized trials: Patients with comparable characteristics and disease situations are randomly divided into two or more groups, also known as two or more arm trials. The doctor and patient cannot choose the group themselves. One group receives the therapy to be tested, the other group receives the established treatment, also known as standard therapy.
• Open trial: Both the doctor and the patient know which treatment the participants will receive.
• Blind trial: Patients do not know whether they are receiving the new or the previous therapy. However, the doctors know this.
• Double-blind trials: Neither the doctors nor the patients know which patients are receiving the new therapy and which are receiving the standard therapy. If medically necessary, unblinding can be carried out at any time.
• Multicenter trials: These are carried out at several clinics (centers) at the same time.
• Therapy optimization trials: A therapy optimization trial is often carried out to further improve a proven drug therapy. In such a study, an existing treatment is tested under new conditions (e.g. in combination with another drug, in a previously unapproved area of application or in a new dosage). Such studies are frequently carried out with cancer drugs in particular. Often a slightly modified treatment can further improve the results or reduce side effects.
• First-in-man trials: The drug is tested on humans for the first time.
• Observational trials: In these trials, the participants do not receive any experimental treatment. It is observed how the participants react to an existing treatment. For this purpose, additional measurements are taken from the participant. Or additional biological material is taken (e.g. blood samples or small tissue samples).

Each of these trials follows a clearly defined trial protocol - your safety is always paramount.

In medical research - especially in cancer medicine - there are various types of research projects in which patients can participate voluntarily. The aim is always to improve treatments, gain new insights and further develop care.

Clinical trials: new therapies compared to standard treatment
Clinical trials are used to test the efficacy and safety of new drugs, therapy combinations or dosages. A comparison is usually made between:

• a group that receives the new treatment
• and a group that receives a proven standard therapy.

The results - such as efficacy or side effects - are carefully documented and scientifically evaluated. Clinical trials in oncology follow a fixed study protocol and often last several years. Participation is voluntary and can be withdrawn at any time - without any disadvantages for your regular medical treatment.

Important to know: No placebos are used in cancer research, and cancer drugs are never tested on healthy people.

Observational trials: medical knowledge through close monitoring
Not every trial involves a new treatment. Observational trials are used to investigate how patients react to existing therapies. This involves collecting additional data - such as blood or tissue samples - without changing the ongoing treatment.

Goal: To better understand the behavior of diseases and optimize therapeutic approaches.

Human research with existing data and samples
In human research projects or so-called re-use research, existing health data or biological samples (e.g. tissue) are used to answer new medical questions.
As a rule, patients give their general consent to this form of research when they are admitted to hospital - this consent can be withdrawn at any time.

Transparency and security for all participants
Regardless of the type of study, your participation is voluntary, safe and compliant with data protection regulations. All trials are checked and approved by official bodies. You decide for yourself whether you want to participate - and can withdraw at any time.

Medical care as part of a clinical trial takes place where you are used to from your regular treatment - in:

• oncology centers,
• outpatient clinics,
• hospitals,
• or in the practice of your specialist or family doctor.

Depending on the type of trial, it may be necessary for all or part of the treatment to be carried out in a specialized oncology center. These centers have the necessary experience, infrastructure and expertise to reliably implement the strict requirements of clinical trials and ensure your safety at all times.

On our website you will find an overview of all trial centers and hospitals involved in our clinical trials - including information on which trials are currently being conducted and where.

About the trial centers

About trials

All participants voluntarily decide to take part in a study. They receive comprehensive information, medical support and can end their participation at any time - without any disadvantages for their regular treatment.

Explanatory video: How a clinical trial works

Clinical trials follow a clearly defined procedure - the so-called trial protocol. This sets out exactly how the trials will be conducted, which treatments are planned, which data will be collected and how the safety of the participants will be ensured.

Responsibility for implementation lies with the trial physician, supported by an experienced team consisting of:

• medical professionals (e.g. nursing staff),
• trial coordinators
• and other qualified employees of the clinic or trial center.

During your participation in the trial, you will also remain in contact with your treating doctor or oncologist. This close cooperation ensures that you receive comprehensive, safe and individualized medical care during the trial.

Goal: Complete support and reliable compliance with all trials specifications - for your protection and for meaningful research results.

As a participant in a clinical trial, you have extensive rights:

• Clarification & transparent information: understandable information and explanations
• Data protection & data security
• Freedom of choice and self-determination
• Medical care at the highest level: careful treatment and monitoring
• Continuous information about alternatives, new findings about the effects of the intervention under trial, risks, benefits
• Continuous information about your clinical condition and the results of the trial
• Voluntariness & right of withdrawal: termination of mtrial participation at any time

At the same time, you commit to active cooperation:

• You reliably keep agreed appointments
• You adhere to your doctor's instructions and the instructions for taking medication
• You answer the doctor's questions about your condition truthfully
• You record your data and comments as completely, accurately and in as much detail as possible in the trial diary, notepad or questionnaires
• You inform your doctor immediately if you notice any changes or abnormalities in your health
• You work together with your doctor in a spirit of trust. They need the information that only you can give them so that they can ensure your maximum safety.

All trials are strictly controlled in Switzerland. The responsible ethics committees, Swissmedic and/or the FOPH review each trial in advance. Implementation takes place in specialized clinics with trained specialist staff.
Since 2024, the Patient Advisory Board has also been reviewing trials in the area of the Swiss Cancer Institute - for even more practical relevance and patient perspective.

In order for a clinical trial to be conducted in Switzerland, it must meet strict legal requirements. The basis for this is the Swiss Human Research Act (HRA). This law protects the dignity, health and personal rights of the participants and at the same time ensures that medical research is conducted in accordance with clear quality and safety standards.

A clinical trial may only start if it:

• has been checked and approved in advance,
• is independently controlled,
• and fulfills all legal requirements.

Approval is granted by:

• a cantonal ethics committee,
• Swissmedic (for drug trials),
• and, if applicable, the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH).

These authorities check, among other things, whether:

the trial is medically and ethically justifiable,
the safety of the patients is guaranteed
and the participants are adequately informed and protected.

Your advantage as a patient: A clinical trial will only be approved in Switzerland if all conditions are met.

Trial treatments take place in oncology centers, outpatient clinics, hospitals or medical practices - depending on the type of trial. On our website you can see which trials are being carried out where.

Your personal health data and samples are treated in strict confidence. The evaluation is encrypted (pseudonymized) or anonymized - in full compliance with the Data Protection Act and medical confidentiality.

• Swiss Cancer Institute Trial Overview
• Swiss Human Research Portal (FOPH)
• clinicaltrials.gov (international study registr)
• EU Trial Registry

Patient participation: With those affected for those affected

Our studies are developed with the active participation of the Patient Council. In this way, we ensure that the needs, experiences and perspectives of people affected by cancer are directly incorporated into the research.

Learn more about the Patient Advisory Board