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 Klinik Hirslanden. Two hybrid meetings take place every week: the GITZ tumor board on Tuesdays at 5pm, the Klinik Hirslanden tumor board Wednesdays at 5pm. The income from the GITZ tumor board flows into the association’s assets, which we use, for example, to fund projects such as case finding for pancreatic cancer and organ preservation in rectal cancer, the creation of Swiss treatment guidelines (GIOS, Gastrointestinal Oncology Standards), studies or further training.
Case registration at the tumor board
To register a treatment case, regular referrers need a HIN-ID and access to our HIN-Medical Board. For single referrals or if you do not have access, we offer an uncomplicated registration option. 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. We will gladly handle cancer registry submissions directly through the GITZ.
Further trainings
Tumorboard Fortbildung:Wenn Darmkrebs jung trifft!
Warum das kolorektale Karzinom bei jungen Menschen zunimmt – nationale und internationale Perspektiven
Di. 10. Februar 2026
17.45 bis 18:30 Uhr
Referentinnen:
Shabane Barot, MD, PhD Oncologist at Södersjukhuset, Stockholm Sweden
Prof. Dr. Sabine Rohrmann, Leiterin des Krebsregisters der
Kantone ZH, ZG, SH, SZ
Veranstaltungsort:
Videokonferenzraum Klinik im Park, 1. UG
Seestrasse 247
8038 Zürich
Oder Online
(Link folgt nach Anmeldung)
Credits:
SGAIM, SGG, SGMO, SRO, SGC werden mit je 1 Credit angefragt
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
Update November 2025: Recruitment for the BEMARA study has been suspended, which will lead to the subsequent termination of the study. This decision was made by IKF and study director Prof. Lorenzen on the advice of Amgen, who terminated the Phase III FORTIUTE-102 study due to the lack of efficacy of bemarituzumab.
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
GUIDE.MRD Study
The GUIDE.MRD Study is investigating how circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) can be used in blood tests. The aim is to determine whether additional treatment such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy is necessary in early-stage cancer patients in order to treat minimal residual disease (MRD) and prevent relapses. The focus of this study is on the following:
- Comparison of three ctDNA tests to detect MRD after curative surgery or therapy.
- Early detection of relapse by analysing ctDNA after surgery .
- Determination of the earliest detection time point for ctDNA in early colorectal cancer.
- Testing the suitability of small amounts of blood (so-called ‘blood spots’) for ctDNA detection.
In the course of the study, up to 12 blood samples will be taken over a maximum of 36 months, starting before or after surgery. The aim is to clarify whether ctDNA tests help to avoid unnecessary treatments and to recommend additional therapy only to those patients who actually benefit from it.
Inclusion criteria
▪ Colon or rectal cancer, clinical tumor stage I-III.
▪ Patient 18 years or older.
▪ Patient able to understand and sign written informed consent.
▪ Scheduled for curative-intent resectional surgery (including “compromised” curative resections).
Exclusion criteria
▪ Hereditary colorectal cancer linked to familial colonic polyposis or Lynch syndrome.
▪ Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis).
▪ Verified distant metastases.
▪ Malignant colorectal polyps diagnosed after polypectomy.
▪ Patients who are unlikely to comply with the protocol (e.g. uncooperative attitude, inability to return for subsequent visits) and/or otherwise considered by the Investigator to be unlikely to complete the study.
Further information can be obtained directly from the study leader Dr. med. Daniel Helbling: daniel.helbling@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
GIOS (GastroIntestinal Oncology Standards)
The GIOS (GastroIntestinal Oncology Standards) were first published in 2023 and are updated annually to reflect Swiss circumstances. The aim is to establish standardised GI guidelines throughout Switzerland that serve as a practical reference work in everyday medical practice. Our GIOS stand out from other guidelines due to their schematic presentation, which makes them much easier to use in practice.
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
