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.

09. September 2026

«Newly discovered protein conformation offers a potential target for cancer drugs»

Several types of cancer are triggered by mutations in a protein called BRAF. Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI have resolved a previously unknown conformation adopted by this protein during cell proliferation. Their study, which has now been published in the journal Molecular Cell, opens new avenues for cancer treatment.

Skin cancer Report

24. August 2026

«Where Glioblastoma Cells Hide»

A successfully completed research project has uncovered an unexpected pattern in aggressive brain tumors: glioblastoma cells survive in protected areas of the brain, remain hidden there, and can later begin growing again.

Brain cancer Cancer in general Report

17. August 2026

«Bringing hope to people with brain tumors»

The prognosis for malignant brain tumors has improved only slightly in recent years. This makes innovative approaches all the more important. A new immunotherapy is intended to provide affected patients with new treatment options in the future.

Brain cancer Cancer in general Report

26. May 2026

«An AI to predict the risk of cancer metastases»

Why do some tumours spread while others remain localised?

Cancer in general Report

05. May 2026

«When ovarian cancer alters the abdominal cavity»

Ovarian cancer often forms secondary tumors, especially in a certain tissue in the abdominal cavity known as the omentum. Researchers from the University of Basel and University Hospital Basel have investigated what happens when the cancer “hijacks” this organ. It is hoped their findings will lead to more successful treatments.

Ovarian cancer Report

30. April 2026

«Cancer with Unknown Primary - CUP»

Cancer with unknown primary tumor (CUP) is one of the most challenging oncological conditions. While metastases are visible, the origin remains concealed. A research project at the University Hospital Zurich demonstrates that even with this difficult-to-classify diagnosis, biological targets for more precise therapies can be identified.

CUP Tumors Report

21. April 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

31. March 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

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