Insights into research

Depuis 1991, la fondation Recherche suisse contre le cancer investit dans la recherche et est devenue l’un des principaux organismes de financement de la recherche oncologique. La fondation évalue tous les projets qui lui sont soumis dans l’ensemble du champ de la recherche oncologique et soutient les projets plus prometteurs à hauteur de plus de 20 millions de francs par an.

Here, we showcase exemplary research projects made possible through the generous support of the donors of the Swiss Cancer Research foundation.

15. March 2023

«Kann Hypnose gegen Schmerzen helfen?»

Nach einer Krebsdiagnose werden oft auch chirurgische Eingriffe nötig. Diese können entscheidend zu einer guten Prognose beitragen, haben aber häufig erhebliche Nebenwirkungen. Eine Ärztin und ihr Team wollen erforschen, ob sich Schmerzen nach einer Operation durch Hypnose lindern lassen.

Cancer in general

13. June 2024

«Hereditary causes of cancer in children»

Researchers from multiple Swiss universities and hospitals are investigating the genetic causes of cancer in children and adolescents to enhance diagnosis, treatment, and personalized follow-up care. They actively involve affected individuals and their families in the research process.

Childhood cancer

10. February 2025

«Mit Herzblut gegen Leukämie»

Bereits in jungen Jahren hat sich Dr. Tharshika Thavayogarajah der Leukämieforschung verschrieben. Dank eines Stipendiums der Stiftung Krebsforschung Schweiz geht der Traum für sie nun in Erfüllung.

Blood cancer

23. May 2025

«The Human Side of Tumor Awareness»

A team of researchers aims to improve patients’ understanding of their cancer and support them on their treatment journey by reducing anxiety. Those affected will come into contact with their own tumor, helping them better grasp the disease and face treatment with greater strength.

Cancer in general

19. August 2025

«An immunotherapeutic vaccine for pancreatic cancer»

Pancreatic cancer is particularly treacherous: the tumor forms a dense, fibrous layer of connective tissue that surrounds it like a protective shield. This makes it more difficult for both medications and immune cells to reach the tumor. Now, a research team at the University of Zurich has developed a novel vaccine that specifically targets these fibrous structures in the tumor environment, offering new hope for treatment.

Pancreas cancer

12. September 2025

«The fine line between trust and mistrust»

What creates trust in breast cancer patients? And what can cause them to lose it? In a study that followed twelve patients from diagnosis to the end of their treatment, nursing scientists discovered different answers to these questions.

Breast cancer

12. September 2025

«The Role of Testosterone in the Development of Breast Cancer»

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women worldwide. In Switzerland alone, around 6,600 women are diagnosed each year. In about 70–80% of cases, these are hormone receptor-positive (HR+) tumors.

Breast cancer

05. January 2026

«Use the morning hours for immunotherapies»

Cells of the immune system also follow an internal clock. They mount their most effective defense responses right after waking up. These insights could soon be incorporated into clinical practice and improve the treatment of cancer patients.

Cancer in general Cancer therapy

06. January 2026

«A New Path of Hope for Children with Sarcomas»

Sarcomas are rare but aggressive cancers that disproportionately affect children. Two researchers are working to develop more precise immunotherapies that may offer gentler and more effective treatment options.

Childhood cancer

09. January 2026

«When waiting helps: Arguments for delayed radiation therapy»

In theory, there are strong reasons to combine immunotherapy and radiation therapy. So far, however, this approach has proven successful in clinical practice only to a limited extent. A research project now explains why this is the case—and what would need to change for radiation therapy to act like a kind of vaccination against cancer.

Cancer in general Cancer therapy

15. January 2026

«Cancer-related Gender Differences»

For a long time, medicine treated the male body as the universal standard. Only in recent years have cancer specialists begun to systematically examine gender-specific differences—and in doing so, are discovering new ways to improve cancer treatment.

Cancer in general Cancer therapy

06. February 2026

«How the metabolism of immune cells influences cancer defence»

Why do some cancers no longer respond to therapy? And why do tumors succeed in evading the immune system? These questions were at the heart of a research project on resistance in B-cell lymphomas.

Cancer in general Cancer therapy