Cancer Treatment – Physical and Psychological Help

Munich also takes a leading position in the field of oncology. Munich General Hospital (Städtisches Klinikum), the university hospitals, and a large number of private clinics, practicing oncology specialists and after-care organizations offer a wide range of therapies and services. Medical provision for tumour patients is in line with highly qualified international standards. Oncological research at the two universities is augmented by research in genetics and molecular biology, for instance by the Max Planck Society in Munich-Martinsried and other oncology research centres funded by industry.

The latest diagnostic methods such as magnetic resonance, computer-assisted tomography and the techniques of nuclear medicine such as molecular tumour diagnostics are standard practices. Even revolutionary imaging techniques such as PET (positron emission tomography), the most sensitive investigational method for determining the status of cancerous conditions and the cause of unclear increases in tumour markers, and which is also used in determining and monitoring therapy, are widely available in Munich. These diagnostic techniques prevent the status of the disease from being over or under-estimated. Supposedly inoperable cases can then be recognized as operable, for instance, or radical surgery can be substituted by radio chemotherapy.

In Munich, the latest surgical techniques are applied, whether it be minimal invasive surgery for organ conservation, for instance by endoscopic surgery, or breast retaining mammary surgery. The cited diagnostic and therapeutic methods are closely linked to the other indispensable oncological areas of chemo- and radiotherapy as well as to the latest techniques in molecular therapy and stem cell transplantation. The quality of chemotherapeutic treatment is characterized by international co-operation at the highest level of innovative quality.

Radiation therapy is the third column in the field of oncology. Munich’s radiation therapy facilities use the latest radiotherapy techniques, such as intensity-modulated radiotherapy, a method that uses radiosurgery and nuclear medicinal system therapy according to requirements. In addition, intense work is in progress in Munich on the use of proton therapy as a 3D therapy. When completed, the Proton Centre will provide the most innovative from of radiotherapy available for the treatment of tumours.

After-care for tumour patients is specific to the tumour and is carried out in accordance with high-quality guidelines and in conjunction with the after-care facilities and clinics in the city of Munich and in the surrounding districts.