Insights into research

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, around 200 researchers, physicians, and nursing professionals across Switzerland can develop groundbreaking methods for cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. The path is often demanding and challenging, yet every new insight made possible by our donors brings us closer to higher survival rates and a better quality of life for cancer patients.

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

16. March 2026

«Chemotherapy rewires gut bacteria to curb metastasis»

Chemotherapy commonly damages the intestinal lining, a well-known side effect. But this injury does not remain confined to the gut. It reshapes nutrient availability for intestinal bacteria, forcing the microbiota to adapt.

Colorectal cancer Report

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 Report

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 Report

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 Video report

08. January 2026

«Gut Microbes as a Promising Approach in Cancer Therapy»

Certain gut bacteria can strengthen the immune system and, in experiments, slow the growth of tumors. This is shown by a successfully completed research project.

Colorectal cancer Report

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 Report

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 Video report

17. November 2025

«The quality certification shows parents that their child is in good hands»

Children with cancer deserve the best possible treatment. What exactly does that mean? Researchers have now defined objective quality criteria. This supports professionals as well as families of children with cancer, says pediatric oncology specialist Katrin Scheinemann, who led the project.

Childhood cancer Interview

09. October 2025

«How much does palliative care cost?»

Since the needs of patients hospitalized in a palliative care unit can vary greatly, cost calculations should be done on an individual basis. That is the goal of this research group.

Cancer in general Report

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 Report

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 Interview

12. September 2025

«Helping people with a hereditary cancer risk»

Many families are impacted by an increased risk of cancer due to genetic changes that are often passed down from one generation to the next. A new nationwide study in Switzerland is exploring how these families manage the unique challenges arising from their hereditary cancer risk.

Cancer in general Report