The GITZ – an independent association.

At the Gastrointestinal Tumor Network Zurich (GITZ), we communicate among experts at eye level. We hold constructive and targeted discussions at the weekly tumor board. There is also room for differences of opinion here, as we together pursue the goal of giving those affected the best possible treatment recommendation.

The GITZ is an independent association, which makes targeted use of synergies. We share the visceral oncology tumor board with the Hirslanden Clinic. Two hybrid meetings take place every week: the GITZ tumor board on Tuesdays at 5pm, the Hirslanden Clinic tumor board Wednesdays at 5pm. The income from the GITZ tumor board flows into the association’s assets, which we use, for example, to finance the organ preservation project, the creation of Swiss treatment guidelines (Gastrointestinal Cancer Guidelines), studies or further training.

Case registration at the tumor board

To register a treatment case, you need a HIN-ID and access to our HIN-Medical Board. It is possible for us to register the case for you and/or present it to the tumor board on your behalf (please contact us at tumorboard@gitz.ch). We can also connect you by telephone.

Conference room

Registration

Further training

The programme for 2025 will follow shortly…

Ongoing studies, registers, guidelines…

Only research can advance the development of gastrointestinal medicine. The GITZ therefore supports the realisation of studies in this area.

HIPANC-002 Study

With this study, we wish to determine whether individualised chemotherapy after prior testing of many medications on living tumor cells of the individual patient is more effective than standardised chemotherapy (i.e. every patient receives the same medication). The study is open to both newly diagnosed patients as well as already treated patients and those whose initial medication is no longer effective. We are hoping for fewer side-effects (as ineffective medication can be omitted) and perhaps even a better effect. This cannot be guaranteed though.

For further information please contact the lead investigator Prof. Dr. med. Jan Schmidt: jan.schmidt@hirslanden.ch

Fortitude-102 Study

We are now able to offer an outstanding first-line therapeutic option in our tumor centre for previously untreated patients with primary metastatic, i.e. already advanced gastric and oesophageal cancer in the transition from the oesophagus to the stomach. The Fortitude-102 study enables us to administer a combined anti-immune anti-body chemotherapy (nivolumab, bemarituzumab and FOLFOX) to patients with specific changes in their tumor. It is a very good strategy with high potential. We request low-threshold referrals of patients with the above-mentioned profile. We are available to answer your questions at any time and look forward to working with you.

Further information is provided directly by the lead investigator Dr. med. Saskia Hendrich: saskia.hendrich@ozh.ch

IWWD register

With the consent of the patients, the GITZ documents the progress of people with rectal cancer whose organ has not been surgically removed. This data flows into the international IWWD register (International Watch & Wait Database for Rectal Cancer). The aim of the IWWD is to collect retrospective and prospective data in order to better understand the risks and benefits of organ-preserving therapies. The results of these surveys are regularly published in renowned specialist journals.

For further information please contact Dr. med. Daniel Helbling daniel.helbling@ozh.ch

GICG

The GastroIntestinal Cancer Guidelines (GICG) were first published in 2023 and are updated annually to reflect Swiss circumstances. We are currently working on the 2024/25 edition, which is also being reviewed internationally. The aim is to establish standardised GI guidelines throughout Switzerland that serve as a practical reference work in everyday medical practice. Our GICG stand out from other guidelines due to their schematic presentation, which makes them much easier to use in practice.

Download Guidelines

FUDR therapy

FUDR stands for Floxuridine, a drug that is used for cholangiocellular carcinoma (CCC) as part of interarterial chemotherapy. A special pump is used directly in the liver to deliver the drug in a targeted manner, which increases efficacy and reduces side effects. This innovative method requires close co-operation between specialist departments and is particularly effective in liver cancer. The FUDR pump is available exclusively in our network across Europe, making it a unique treatment option.

You can find more information about FUDR in this video or contact PD Dr. med. Christian Oberkofler: christian.oberkofler@vivevis.ch

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