Cancer Research in Switzerland - Krebsliga Schweiz

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be totally unaffordable for academic organizations
and institutions, and, in the end, unfeasible. In addition
to elaborating the HFG, solving this cost coverage
problem through a revision of the Swiss health
insurance law (Krankenversicherungsgesetz, KVG,
Art. 49) is an urgent concern.
Institutions like SAKK or the six competence centres
for clinical research (Clinical Trial Units, CTUs) in
Swiss hospitals can also conduct successful research
within the current regulatory conditions. But this is
only possible with clearly higher costs and human
resources. If the right course is set through the legislation,
Swiss research can become more attractive in
international comparison, the quality of patient care
and access to new medications can be improved, and
support of the young generation of physicians and
researchers can be optimized. Implementation of the
suggestions offered above would contribute towards
ensuring that Swiss research remains innovative and
of the highest quality – to the benefit of all persons
affected by cancer.
Prof. Beat Thürlimann, MD
Beat Thürlimann is head physician
and head of the Breast Centre
at the Cantonal Hospital of
St Gallen. After completing his
medical studies at the University
of Zurich and working as an
assistant physician at University
Hospital Zurich, he worked at
Pretoria Academic Hospital
in South Africa and then at the Cantonal Hospital
St Gallen. He has been an active member of the SAKK
board for many years and was appointed president in
July 2010. He served as president of the breast cancer
project group from 1993 to 2005. His main professional
interests are breast cancer, adjuvant therapy, new
medications, international research and gynaecological
tumours.
Phone +41 (0)71 494 18 88
beat.thuerlimann@sakk.ch
www.brustzentrum-sg.ch
Arnoud Templeton, MD
Arnoud Templeton works as
medical advisor at the SAKK
Coordinating Centre in Bern.
He has been a senior clinical and
research fellow in oncology and
haematology at the Cantonal
Hospital of St Gallen since April
2011. His main clinical and
research interests are urogenital
tumours and integrative oncology.
Phone +41 (0)71 494 10 62
arnoud.templeton@sakk.ch
www.onkologie-sg.ch