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The 10th Patient and Relatives Forum will take place on November 23 / Presentations on therapies and support / Panel discussion with patient representatives / Space for individual questions and discussions

The Comprehensive Cancer Center Freiburg - CCCF of the Medical Center of Freiburg invites patients, relatives and interested parties to the 10th Patient and Relatives Forum on Saturday, November 23, 2024 from 9 am to 4 pm in order to provide them with the best possible information about new cancer therapy options. The venue is the Max Weber School (Fehrenbachallee 14, 79106 Freiburg). Experts will provide information on current treatment approaches and diagnostic options for leukemias, lymphomas, lung tumors and the Molecular Tumor Board in easy-to-understand language. Participation is free of charge, but registration is requested.

"Our aim is not only to present new therapeutic approaches to those affected, but also to actively involve them in the decision-making process," says Prof. Dr. Monika Engelhardt, scientific director of the forum and senior physician at the Department of Medicine I at the Medical Center - University of Freiburg. "It is therefore very important to us that patients understand everything as well as possible and are able to make informed decisions about their treatment."

Presentations and personal exchange

The day offers a varied program with lectures and plenty of room for personal exchange with experts from the Medical Center - University of Freiburg as well as hematologists and oncologists from the region. Short presentations in the morning will provide insights into advances in the treatment of lymphomas, leukemias and lung tumors as well as the work of the Molecular Tumor Board. Discussion rounds with experts from the Medical Center - University of Freiburg and surrounding hospitals from the fields of hematology, oncology, surgery and radiotherapy are then planned. The morning will end with a panel discussion on patient involvement in research issues.

In the afternoon, the focus will be on new therapeutic approaches using immunotherapies and support services for patients. These include tips on nutrition, exercise and infection prevention. Information on psycho-oncological care, social counseling, rehabilitation programs and palliative medical treatment will also be available in the foyer. During the lunch break, visitors can take part in a sports activity program. A wind ensemble will provide musical accompaniment to the forum.

Innovations in cancer therapy

"There are numerous innovations in modern cancer therapy that make treatment both more individual and more effective," says Engelhardt. Currently, for example, special antibodies and CAR-T cells are showing great promise for patients with multiple myeloma and lymphoma, among others. These therapies specifically attack cancer cells and activate the immune system. Another important trend is the use of molecular tumor boards, which help to determine the genetic signature of tumors. This enables the targeted use of inhibitory drugs that are precisely tailored to the specific characteristics of the tumor.

The detailed program and the possibility to register can be found here10th Patient and Relatives Forum | Uniklinik Freiburg (uniklinik-freiburg.de)