Swiss Foundation Leads the Charge in Personalized Cancer treatment
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A collaborative approach to cancer research, spearheaded by the ISREC Foundation in Switzerland, is yielding promising results in the fight against a disease that affects nearly half the population. With support from donors like Loterie Romande, the foundation is driving innovation in precision oncology and immunotherapy, offering new hope for more targeted and effective treatments.
according to data released by the Federal Statistical Office, approximately one in two men and two in five women will develop cancer during their lifetime. This translates to roughly 42,000 new diagnoses each year, underscoring the pervasive impact of the disease – a reality highlighted annually on World Cancer Day, Febuary 4th.
The Complexity of Cancer and the need for Innovation
Traditional cancer treatments – including ablation, X-rays, and chemotherapy – frequently enough come with significant side effects and aren’t always effective due to the complex nature of the disease. Mutations and the sheer variety of cancer types present a formidable challenge to finding global solutions.
Researchers are increasingly focused on understanding the origins and progression of different tumors, paving the way for more targeted interventions. “The most promising approaches are linked to a personalized strategy, aiming to target the reproduction of cancer cells with maximum precision,” explained a senior official at the ISREC foundation. Precision oncology, immunotherapy – which harnesses and modifies a patient’s own cells to fight the disease – and flash radiotherapy are at the forefront of these advancements.
Bridging the Gap Between Research and Patient Care
The ISREC Foundation, established over fifty years ago, was instrumental in creating the Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research (ISREC), which became part of the EPFL Faculty of Life Sciences in 2008. Despite this integration,the Foundation continues to play a vital role by funding “translational” research – projects that actively connect laboratory discoveries with clinical practice.
“By coupling researchers and clinicians, we significantly enhance the relevance and applicability of research, accelerating the timeline for translating discoveries into patient benefits,” stated Prof. Pierre-Marie Glauser, president of the ISREC Foundation.
This collaborative spirit is embodied in the AGORA center, built by the ISREC Foundation on the CHUV hospital site in Lausanne. Since 2018, the center has brought together approximately 300 researchers and clinicians from institutions including CHUV, the University Hospitals of Geneva, the University of Lausanne, the Federal Polytechnic School of Lausanne, and the Ludwig Institute, all dedicated to combating cancer.
Investing in the Future of Cancer Research
The Foundation’s commitment extends beyond current research projects. It actively supports academic research and the progress of the next generation of scientists through funding for university chairs and doctoral scholarships. Since 2022, the TANDEM program has awarded grants of at least half a million francs annually to approximately six projects across Switzerland that integrate research and medical practice.
These initiatives are funded through donations from private foundations, institutions, and individuals, as well as through bequests. Loterie Romande, which allocates its annual profits to nearly 5,000 public utility projects in French-speaking Switzerland, is a key financial supporter of the ISREC Foundation.
The ISREC Foundation’s dedication to fostering collaboration and innovation offers a beacon of hope in the ongoing battle against cancer,promising a future where more personalized and effe
