Cancer Research in Switzerland - Krebsliga Schweiz

Funding patient-centred research
Patient-centred research is essential for continuous
improvement of the medical and psychosocial care of
patients with cancer. Central here is clinical research
conducted independently of the pharmaceutical industry.
For example, very important for patients are
research studies on treatment optimization, which
aim to find the optimal combination and sequencing
in time of existing treatment options, such as chemotherapy,
radiation, and surgery, depending on type
of cancer, stage of cancer, and the patient. Patientcentred
research also includes psychosocial research,
which focuses on the psychological and social consequences
of cancer and aims to find ways to improve
patients’ quality of life. Epidemiological research
studies the prevalence and incidence of cancers in
the population and analyzes the factors that affect
cancer risk, such as age, sex, smoking, diet, exercise,
social network, and environmental factors. Nursing
research focuses on improving the care and support
of patients with cancer and their families.
The boards of the SCL and CRS have been striving
for almost 10 years to increase the funding of patient-centred
research. In past years, various instruments
were introduced, tested, and continuously
critically evaluated. One instrument in particular –
quotas – has proved its worth, but other measures
that did not have the desired effect have been discontinued
or replaced by new ones.
Quotas
Within the area of independent research projects,
60 % of the funding is earmarked for patient-centred
research. Two-thirds of that (or 40 % of the total
funds for independent research projects) are reserved
for clinical research and one-third (20 % of the total
funds) for research in the psychosocial area, nursing
sciences, epidemiology, prevention, public health,
health care and outcomes research. The remaining
40 % of funding for independent research projects is
for basic research.