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Ovarian cancer is the second most common malignant disease of the female reproductive organs, and its treatment has made remarkable progress in recent years. As a specialized cancer therapy center, the Hallwang Clinic offers patients from all over the world access to advanced therapies and a precision medicine approach

What is Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer, also known as ovarian carcinoma, is a malignancy of the urogenital tract and usually occurs as a primary tumor. This means it originates directly in the ovarian tissue and can metastasize to other organs and tissues as the disease progresses.

Urogenital tumors in women can develop as ovarian carcinoma, vulvar carcinoma, vaginal carcinoma, cervical cancer (cervical carcinoma), or endometrial cancer (endometrial carcinoma). Ovarian cancer is the second most common malignant disease of the female reproductive organs after endometrial cancer and is considered one of the most aggressive tumors.

Diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer

Due to the anatomical location of the ovaries, tumors can grow undetected for a long time without causing symptoms. As a result, symptoms often appear only in advanced stages. The signs of ovarian cancer and other urogenital tumors are diverse and may include itching, burning, or bleeding, as well as skin changes in the genital area. Other symptoms include hematuria, dysuria, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and nausea.

If ovarian cancer is suspected, a comprehensive physical examination is conducted, usually followed by staging diagnostics, such as PET-CT (positron emission tomography combined with computized tomography), CT, and/or MRI scans (magnetic resonance imaging). These procedures help determine the tumor’s location, size, and whether metastases are present.

If an abnormal tissue mass is detected, a biopsy is required to determine the tumor’s characteristics. A histopathological analysis can then identify the exact (cell) type of the tumor, which is crucial for further treatment planning.

Histopathological Analysis of Ovarian Cancer

Tumor cells exhibit several characteristics, including abnormal cell growth, increased cell division, and the promotion of blood vessel formation. Ovarian carcinomas are classified based on various criteria, particularly their histological appearance and tumor spread. Each tumor also possesses individual genetic properties that influence its biological behavior and treatment options.

Some urogenital tumor cells have hormone receptors on their surface. In cases of suspected ovarian cancer, histopathological analysis of receptor status is standard and plays a key role in treatment decision-making. Patients whose tumor tissue tests positive for one or more of these receptors may benefit from anti-hormonal therapy, treatment with monoclonal antibodies, or antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). Patients whose tumor cells do not exhibit any of these receptor types may still have other surface markers such as PD-1, PD-L1, PD-L2, PSMA, Survivin, NYESO-1, or WT1, which may qualify them for targeted precision-based immunotherapy.

Many patients are unaware that biopsy tissue is stored in the histopathological department of the respective hospital after the initial examination. This tissue material can be used for further genetic analysis and sequencing. Tumors often exhibit multiple genetic modifications that provide cancer cells with a selective growth advantage. Advanced high-throughput technologies now allow for the identification of these mutated genes, potentially leading to highly targeted therapies.

Treatment of Ovarian Cancer: What is the Best Therapy?

A comprehensive screening of tumor tissue is essential to explore all possible targeted treatment options for ovarian cancer. Therefore, it is important to find a laboratory early in the treatment evaluation that examines the tumor tissue for all markers and mutations. The results should be discussed with an experienced oncologist to enable an individually tailored, precise, and targeted therapy.

The treatment of ovarian cancer depends on the stage of the disease, tumor type, and the patient’s general health condition. Ovarian cancer is primarily evaluated for surgical intervention, usually in combination with chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy—either before, after, or in some cases, instead of surgery if an operation is not feasible. Since both radiation and chemotherapy can cause significant cytotoxic side effects, modern therapy concepts for ovarian cancer now also include immunotherapies as part of an umbrella concept.

Immunotherapy for Ovarian Cancer

Immunotherapy is considered a groundbreaking advancement in cancer treatment, as it specifically activates the body’s immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells. Two combinable approaches are used:

• Active Immunization: This approach trains the patient’s immune system to recognize and attack tumor cells, leading to cell destruction or slowed tumor growth.
• Passive Immunization: Antibodies or antibody fragments are administered via infusion or injection to specifically target and destroy cancer cells.

Research on immunotherapies for the treatment of ovarian cancer has made significant progress in recent years. This includes studies on CAR-T cell therapy and the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors, both of which have shown promising results.

Ovarian Cancer: Advanced Treatment at the Hallwang Clinic

The Hallwang Clinic has developed one of the world’s most advanced genomic and immunotherapeutic profiles. With our top-tier network of experts, close research collaborations, and unrestricted access to the most innovative therapies, we have a decisive advantage in delivering personalized cancer treatments. Our highly specialized oncology team focuses on:

• State-of-the-art precision medicine
• Comprehensive genetic analysis for targeted therapy
• Combination therapies for improved treatment outcomes
• Holistic and integrative oncological care

This allows us to achieve outstanding results and improve survival rates—even for patients with stage 4 cancer.

When searching for the best treatment for ovarian cancer, patients from all over the world choose the Hallwang Clinic. In addition to advanced therapy concepts, excellent medical care, and an international approach, the trusting and compassionate atmosphere also contributes to ensuring the best possible treatment.

Contact Us for Consultation

Our oncology team is happy to advise you over the phone to gain deeper insights into your specific case. This also enables us to provide you with a preliminary treatment plan and cost estimate. Our oncologists will inform you in detail about medications, therapies, and treatments, including their underlying mechanisms and side effects.

After a physical examination and a detailed in-person discussion, the final treatment plan will be determined. Please understand that complex medical processes, as mentioned above, can only be fully explained through an in-depth consultation on-site.

Bladder cancer, Carcinoma of the fallopian tube, Endometrial carcinoma, Cervical cancer, Uterine cancer, Urethral cancer, Testicular cancer, Nephroblastoma, Renal cell carcinoma (RCC),  Penile cancer, Prostate cancer, Vaginal carcinoma, Vulva carcinoma, Wilms tumor

Cancerous tumors of the urogenital tract, both female and male, are usually of primary nature, which means they start to grow in the urogenital region, with the ability to invade or spread to other parts of the body. Urogenital tumors in female can develop as vulvar cancer, vaginal cancer, cervical cancer, uterine cancer, endometrial cancer as well as ovarian cancer. Urogenital tumors in male patients can develop as penile cancer, prostate cancer or testicular cancer. Urinary cancer can affect both, male and female, and can develop as renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer), or bladder cancer. A neoplasm or also called a tumour is a group of cells that have undergone unregulated growth and may form a mass, but can also be distributed diffusely throughout the body. 

Tumour cells show a number of characteristics, including abnormal cell growth and division absence of programmed cell death, high number of cell divisions, promoting of blood vessel formation, invasion of tissue and metastasis. 

Signs and symptoms of the disease are wide and may include itching, burn or bleeding from the genitals, haematuria, dysuria, change of the skin around the genitals, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and nausea. 

These tumors are classified by several grading systems, as well as primarily by its histological appearance. The histopathological analysis for a receptor status is standard in these cancer diagnosis and plays a crucial role in the decision making process for the right therapy. Urogenital tumor cells, are known to have receptors on their surface, and the first step is an analysis that evaluates for hormones that bind to these receptors. Patients, whose tumor tissue has been tested positive for one or more of these receptors may benefit from an anti-hormone treatment, or a treatment with humanized monoclonal antibodies, or treatment with antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). Patients, whose tumor cells have not any of the receptor types are known to have further surface markers, such as PD-1, PSMA, Survivin, NYESO, WT1, etc., that can be targeted by a precision-based immunotherapeutic approach. 

These tumors are evaluated for surgical intervention, in combination with a chemotherapy and/or a radiotherapy beforehand, following or even instead of a surgical intervention. The most modern method nowadays is the usage of immunotherapies in urogenital cancer patients that are mainly used within a so called umbrella concept. 

Umbrella concept

An umbrella concept considers all aspects of the patient’s medical history, other diagnosis, and general well-being, as well as the available diagnostic constellations and ongoing treatments. An umbrella concept does not rely on one therapeutic option or the other, it is highly considering a precision-based combination of therapies that are evaluated for each individual case.

In case of a suspicion of an urogenital carcinoma, a comprehensive physical examination takes place, usually followed by a PET-CT-Scan, which helps to see whether and where tumor masses are located. It shows us whether the cancer has already spread to other tissues (metastasis). If a mass has been confirmed, it should be biopsied in order to determine the dignity of the tumor. A histopathological analysis can determine the exact (cell) type of the tumor. There are many different types of tumors, and each of them presents unique genetic characteristics. 

What most patients do not know is, that when the first examination on the biopsy has been performed (to determine the tumor type), the tissue is kept and stored at the histopathology department of the hospital, where the biopsy has been performed. This stored tissue material can be used for thorough (genetic) tissue analyses and in-depth sequencing. It is known that tumors show the accumulation of several genetic modifications, thus providing cancer cells with the selective growth advantage to initiate expansion. Now, sophisticated high-throughput technologies enable the identification of these mutated genes in cancers that can lead to a potent targeted therapy. 

It is crucial to perform a thorough broad-spectrum screening so that every patient has a chance to explore all possibilities of a targeted treatment, may it be in a private setting or a clinical trial elsewhere. So it is most important to first find a laboratory that looks for all markers and mutations, and second, to find an oncologist who is willing to work with you in the best (and targeted) way possible. 

Important: Our oncological team is happy to talk to you by phone to get a deeper understanding about your specific case, enabling to provide you with a provisional treatment plan and cost estimate. Our oncologists will provide you all the details on medications, therapeutics and treatments including underlying mechanism and side effects. After a physical examination and an in-depth discussion with you on-site, the definite treatment plan will be discussed. Please understand that complex medical processes as mentioned above can only be explained through a thorough consultation on-site.

Alveolar soft tissue sarcoma, Angiosarcoma, Chondrosarcoma, Chordoma, Desmoid fibromatosis, Dermato-fibro sarcoma, Endometrial stromal sarcoma, Epitheloid cell sarcoma, Fibrosarcoma, Hemangioperycytoma, Kaposi sarcoma, Clear cell sarcoma, Leiomyosarcoma, Liposarcoma, Pleomorphic sarcoma, Osteosarcoma, Rhabdomyosarcoma, Solitary fibrous tumor, Synovial sarcoma, Uterine sarcoma, Soft tissue tumor, Sarcoma

Sarcoma is a cancer that develops from transformed cells of mesenchymal origin. Sarcomas are of primary and are connective tissue tumors, and usually divided in two major groups – soft tissue sarcomas and bone sarcomas. Each group has multiple subtypes, and assigned as low, intermediate or high grade. 

Signs and symptoms of bone sarcomas include bone pain and swelling around the site of the tumor, while the signs and symptoms of soft tissue sarcomas varies, and often presents as lumps and nodules. Sarcomas are classified by their histological appearance, and this classification is important for determining the further path, and management of the disease. 

Sarcoma treatment is highly dependent on its histological appearance, as well as of stage of disease. Surgery is the most common form of treatment for most sarcoma types. Further treatment may include chemotherapy and/or a radiotherapy, and small molecule- or targeted therapy. The most modern method nowadays is the usage of immunotherapies. 

Umbrella concept

An umbrella concept considers all aspects of the patient’s medical history, other diagnosis, and general well-being, as well as the available diagnostic constellations and ongoing treatments. An umbrella concept does not rely on one therapeutic option or the other, it is highly considering a precision-based combination of therapies that are evaluated for each individual case.

The first diagnosis is usually made by diagnostic imaging. A PET-CT-, CT-, or MRI-Scan is performed, which helps to see whether and where tumor masses are located. It shows us whether the cancer has already spread to other tissues (metastasis). If a mass has been confirmed, it should be biopsied in order to determine the dignity of the tumor. A histopathological analysis can determine the exact (cell) type of the tumor. There are different types of tumors known, and each of them presents unique genetic characteristics. 

What most patients do not know is, that when the first examination on the biopsy has been performed (to determine the tumor type), the tissue is kept and stored at the histopathology department of the hospital, where the biopsy has been performed. This stored tissue material can be used for thorough (genetic) tissue analyses and in-depth sequencing. It is known that tumors show the accumulation of several genetic modifications, thus providing cancer cells with the selective growth advantage to initiate expansion. Now, sophisticated high-throughput technologies enable the identification of these mutated genes in cancers that can lead to a potent targeted therapy. 

It is crucial to perform a thorough broad-spectrum screening so that every patient has a chance to explore all possibilities of a targeted treatment, may it be in a private setting or a clinical trial elsewhere. So it is most important to first find a laboratory that looks for all markers and mutations, and second, to find an oncologist who is willing to work with you in the best (and targeted) way possible. 

Important: Our oncological team is happy to talk to you by phone to get a deeper understanding about your specific case, enabling to provide you with a provisional treatment plan and cost estimate. Our oncologists will provide you all the details on medications, therapeutics and treatments including underlying mechanism and side effects. After a physical examination and an in-depth discussion with you on-site, the definite treatment plan will be discussed. Please understand that complex medical processes as mentioned above can only be explained through a thorough consultation on-site.

Neuroendocrine Tumors (NET)

A malignant neuroendocrine tumor is a tumor that arise from cells of the endocrine (hormonal) and nervous system. These tumors commonly occur in the intestine, pancreas, and lung, but can also develop in the rest of the body. 

Signs and symptoms of the disease are wide and can include flushes, diarrhea, asthma, heart failure, abdominal cramps and edema, but the disease can also be completely asymptomatic and is diagnosed as an auxiliary finding. In case of a suspicion of a cancerous disease, usually a PET-CT-Scan is performed, which helps to see whether tumor masses are located. If a mass has been confirmed, it should be biopsied in order to perform a histopathological analysis. Neuroendocrine tumors show tissue immunoreactivity for markers of neuroendocrine differentiation and may secrete various peptides and hormones. 

Once this has been done, the patient is evaluated for a therapeutic protocol which is mostly consistent of chemotherapy and/or a radiotherapy. Surgery in neuroendocrine cancer often plays a role for a relief of symptoms and prolonging life. A very encouraging treatment for feasible NETs is the targeted radionuclide therapy, in which peptide- or hormone conjugates are given intravenously to a patient. As neuroendocrine tumors are known to be highly immunogenic tumors, also immunotherapy can be evaluated for these cancer types. 

What most patients do not know is, that when the first examination (histopathological analysis) on the biopsy has been performed, the tissue is kept and stored at the histopathology department of the hospital, where the biopsy has been performed. This stored tissue material can be used for further thorough (genetic) tissue analyses and in-depth sequencing. It is known that tumors show the accumulation of several genetic modifications, thus providing cancer cells with the selective growth advantage to initiate expansion. Now, sophisticated high-throughput technologies enable the identification of these mutated genes in cancers that can lead to a potent targeted therapy within a so called combined concept. 

Thus, it is crucial to perform a thorough broad-spectrum screening so that every patient has a chance to explore all possibilities of a targeted treatment, may it be in a private setting or a clinical trial elsewhere. So it is most important to first find a laboratory that looks for all markers and mutations, and second, to find an oncologist who is willing to work with you in the best (and targeted) way possible. 

Important: Our oncological team is happy to talk to you by phone to get a deeper understanding about your specific case, enabling to provide you with a provisional treatment plan and cost estimate. Our oncologists will provide you all the details on medications, therapeutics and treatments including underlying mechanism and side effects. After a physical examination and an in-depth discussion with you on-site, the definite treatment plan will be discussed. Please understand that complex medical processes as mentioned above can only be explained through a thorough consultation on-site.

Lung cancer is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide. Treating this disease, particularly in its advanced stages, requires personalized therapy concepts. The Hallwang Clinic focuses on modern treatment options such as combination therapies.

What is Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer is a malignant tumor originating from the cells of the lungs or bronchi. Tumor cells are characterized by uncontrolled growth, increased cell division, and the promotion of blood vessel formation (angiogenesis). Lung tumors can develop in two ways: either locally, where the tumor begins growing in the lungs and can spread to other body parts and organs (metastasis), or as a lung metastasis, meaning a secondary tumor from another organ.

There are two main histological types of lung cancer: small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). NSCLC is further divided into subtypes, including large-cell lung cancer (LCLC), adenocarcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.

Classifying tumors based on their histological appearance is crucial for assessing disease progression and treatment planning. Additionally, molecular genetic characteristics of tumor entities play an increasingly important role. Mutations in genes such as EGFR, ALK, ROS1, cMET, HER2, RET, and FGFR1 can be specifically targeted. Modern targeted therapies and immunotherapies significantly improve patient survival rates. Comprehensive diagnostics, including genetic analyses, allow for precise therapy selection and can greatly influence treatment success.

Diagnosing Lung Cancer

Symptoms of lung cancer vary and may include chest pain, coughing, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, weight loss, weakness, or fever. In early stages, lung cancer often goes undetected due to non-specific or absent symptoms.

Initial diagnosis is usually performed through imaging diagnostics. A PET-CT scan (positron emission tomography combined with computerized tomography) provides information on whether and where tumor masses are located in the body and whether the tumor has metastasized to other tissues. If imaging reveals a suspicious mass, a biopsy is performed to determine tumor characteristics. A histopathological analysis then identifies the exact (cellular) type of the tumor. Since various tumors have unique genetic features, identifying these differences is essential.

Many university centers now routinely conduct molecular genetic screening analyses. However, many patients are unaware that if such screening was not performed during biopsy, a retrospective analysis of the tissue sample is still possible. The tissue is preserved in the hospital’s histopathology department after the initial biopsy examination and can be used for further (genetic) tissue analyses and sequencing.

Tumors often exhibit multiple genetic modifications that give cancer cells a selective growth advantage. Advanced high-throughput technologies enable the identification of these mutated genes, which can lead to highly targeted therapies.

A thorough tumor tissue screening is therefore essential to explore all potential treatment options. Modern targeted therapies and immunotherapies are based on individual tumor characteristics and have significantly expanded lung cancer treatment options.

For optimal therapy, it is important to choose a specialized laboratory for genetic analysis and work with an oncologist who can integrate the results into a tailored treatment plan.

Lung Cancer Treatment: What is the Best Therapy?

Some lung tumors can be surgically removed if deemed operable. In other cases, oncologists may recommend chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy before or after surgery. However, since these treatments involve significant cytotoxic side effects, another option has emerged in treating lung cancer: immunotherapy.

Immunotherapy for Lung Cancer

Immunotherapy is a groundbreaking advancement in cancer treatment, as it activates the body’s immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells. Two complementary approaches are employed:

• Active Immunization: This approach trains the patient’s immune system to recognize and attack tumor cells, leading to cell destruction or slowed tumor growth.

• Passive Immunization: Antibodies or antibody fragments are administered via infusion or injection to specifically target and destroy cancer cells.

The range of immunotherapeutic approaches is extensive, including antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), checkpoint-blocking antibodies (anti-CTLA-4 or anti-PD-1/PD-L1), as well as monoclonal, polyclonal, and trifunctional antibodies.

Lung Cancer: Additional Therapies

In addition to immunotherapy, lung cancer treatment includes long-established genetically targeted therapies against EGFR mutations (epidermal growth factor receptor) and molecularly targeted therapies against cMET, ALK, ROS1, RET, HER2, and FGFR1.

Combination therapies are increasingly being used in lung cancer treatment, requiring a high level of expertise and years of experience in precision medicine. As a highly specialized oncology private clinic, we stand by your side as a trusted partner.

Lung Cancer: Advanced Treatment at the Hallwang Clinic

The Hallwang Clinic has developed one of the most advanced genomic and immunotherapeutic profiles worldwide. Thanks to our top-tier expert network, close research collaborations, and unrestricted access to the latest therapies, we have a significant advantage in providing personalized cancer treatments. Our highly specialized oncology team focuses on:

• State-of-the-art precision medicine
• Comprehensive genetic analysis for targeted therapy
• Combination therapies for improved treatment outcomes
• Holistic and integrative oncology care

This enables us to achieve outstanding results and improve survival rates—even for patients with stage 4 cancer.

Patients from around the world choose the Hallwang Clinic for the best lung cancer treatment. In addition to our advanced therapeutic concepts, excellent medical care, and an international focus, the compassionate and supportive environment also plays a key role in promoting the best possible treatment.

Get a Consultation

Our oncology team is happy to provide a phone consultation to gain a deeper understanding of your specific case. This allows us to offer a preliminary treatment plan and cost estimate. Our oncologists will provide detailed information about medications, therapies, and treatments, including underlying mechanisms and potential side effects.

After a physical examination and an in-depth discussion with you on-site, the final treatment plan will be determined. Please understand that complex medical processes, as mentioned above, can only be fully explained through a comprehensive in-person consultation.

Whether laryngeal cancer, retinoblastoma, or salivary gland carcinoma – the treatment of head and neck tumors requires individually tailored therapeutic approaches. The Hallwang Clinic relies on innovative, personalized strategies, including combined immunotherapies.

Head and neck tumors encompass various types of cancer that occur in the oral cavity, nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, sinuses, or salivary glands. They often arise due to harmful substances such as alcohol and tobacco (noxious agents). Additionally, infections with the human papillomavirus (HPV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) play a role in the development of these tumors.

The following types of head and neck tumors are particularly notable:

• Eye tumor
• Ependymoma
• Pituitary tumor
• Laryngeal cancer (laryngeal carcinoma)
• Lip tumor
• Oral cavity carcinoma
• Paranasal sinus tumor
• Nasal tumor
• Retinal tumor (retinoblastoma)
• Pharyngeal carcinoma (throat tumor)
• Salivary gland carcinoma
• Tongue carcinoma

Diagnosis of Head and Neck Tumors

Symptoms of head and neck tumors vary widely and may include lymph node swelling, persistent sore throat, hoarseness, oral bleeding, or bad breath.

Head and neck tumors are classified based on their histological appearance, location, and cell structure. Most of these tumors are squamous cell carcinomas, while some are classified as adenocarcinomas depending on their tissue of origin.

If a head and neck tumor is suspected, a comprehensive physical examination is usually followed by imaging diagnostics such as PET-CT or MRI. These methods allow for tumor localization and assessment of possible metastasis. If a suspicious mass is detected, a biopsy is required to determine the tumor’s characteristics. The subsequent histopathological analysis identifies the tumor’s exact cell type.

Most patients are unaware that the tissue obtained during the biopsy is stored in the histopathology department of the respective hospital. This tissue sample can be used for detailed genetic analyses and sequencing. Tumors often exhibit multiple genetic mutations that provide cancer cells with a selective growth advantage. Modern high-throughput technologies enable the identification of these genetic alterations, facilitating the development of targeted therapies.

A comprehensive screening of tumor tissue is crucial for enabling personalized treatment strategies. Therefore, selecting a specialized laboratory for the genetic analysis of tumor tissue and collaborating with an experienced oncologist is essential to receiving the best personalized therapy.

Treatment of Head and Neck Tumors: What Is the Best Therapy?

Head and neck tumors are often treated with a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation therapy, particularly in the early stages. However, these therapies can cause significant cytotoxic side effects.

Nowadays, head and neck tumors are also treated with immunotherapeutic approaches, particularly monoclonal antibodies. Immunotherapy is considered a groundbreaking advancement in cancer treatment, as it activates the body’s immune system to specifically recognize and destroy cancer cells. Two approaches can be used, which can also be combined:

• Active immunization: This approach trains the patient’s immune system to recognize and attack tumor cells, leading to cell destruction or slowed tumor growth.
• Passive immunization: Antibodies or antibody fragments are administered via infusion or injection to specifically target and destroy cancer cells.

A significant breakthrough in treatment is the approval of pembrolizumab, a checkpoint inhibitor, as a first-line treatment for metastatic or inoperable recurrent squamous cell carcinomas in the head and neck region. Head and neck tumors are considered highly immunogenic, especially when caused by viruses such as HPV or EBV.

However, in clinical practice, patients whose tumors test positive for PD-1 but do not respond directly to checkpoint inhibitor therapy often do not receive further treatment cycles. Our experience shows that intensifying the treatment protocol, for example, by adding an anti-CTLA-4 antibody or a targeted chemotherapy, can significantly improve the therapy response in a patient-specific approach.

Treatment of Head and Neck Tumors at the Hallwang Clinic: Advanced Therapeutic Concepts

As a highly specialized oncology private clinic, we recommend obtaining a second opinion when evaluating immunotherapeutic treatment concepts, particularly regarding patient-individualized targeted and immunotherapeutic combination therapies.

The Hallwang Clinic has developed one of the most advanced genomic and immunotherapeutic profiles worldwide. Thanks to our top-tier expert network, close research collaborations, and unrestricted access to the most innovative therapies, we have a crucial advantage in delivering personalized cancer treatments.

Our highly specialized oncology team focuses on:

• Cutting-edge precision medicine
• Comprehensive genetic analysis for targeted therapy
• Combination therapies for improved treatment outcomes
• Holistic and integrative oncological care

This enables us to achieve outstanding results and improve survival rates – even for patients with stage 4 cancer.

Looking for the Best Treatment for Head and Neck Tumors?

Patients from around the world choose the Hallwang Clinic for the best treatment of head and neck tumors. In addition to our advanced therapeutic concepts, excellent medical care, and international orientation, the trusting and compassionate atmosphere contributes to ensuring the best possible treatment.

We warmly invite you to contact us to learn more about our holistic cancer treatment center.

Get Expert Advice

Our oncology team is happy to provide telephone consultations to gain a deeper understanding of your specific case. This also allows us to provide you with a preliminary treatment plan and cost estimate. Our oncologists will inform you in detail about medications, therapies, and treatments, including their underlying mechanisms and potential side effects.

After a physical examination and an in-depth discussion with you on-site, the final treatment plan will be determined. Please understand that complex medical processes, as mentioned above, can only be thoroughly explained through an in-person consultation.

Other Diagnosis

If you have not found your condition in the list, it doesn’t mean that there exists no treatment option. It may just mean that your illness can not be categorized. So let’s start at the beginning. 

Cancer is characterized by abnormal cell growth with the ability to invade or spread to other parts of the body. A neoplasm or also called a tumour is a group of cells that have undergone unregulated growth and may form a mass, but can also be distributed diffusely throughout the body. 

Tumour cells show a number of characteristics, including abnormal cell growth and division absence of programmed cell death, high number of cell divisions, promoting of blood vessel formation, invasion of tissue and metastasis. 

Preventive check-ups are crucial to detect cancer as early as possible. 

Diagnosis and essential Diagnostics 

When abnormalities are found, GPs, naturopaths or the patients themselves contact us for a second opinion or a general consultation about treatment possibilities. Often, we are asked to perform certain blood tests (at specialized laboratories) to determine the number of circulating tumor cells. It is known, that these tests have their limitations too. The cells are stained with a certain antibody e.g. EpCAM in order to count the number of vital tumour cells. But in case the tumour is EpCAM-negative, determining (EpCAM-positive) cancer cells will not be possible, leading to a false readout. So these tests may only be interesting for certain tumour types and are usually used for treatment response monitoring, after the diagnosis of cancer has been confirmed, and tumour characteristics have been identified. Once you know the (genetic) characteristics of your tumour, a specific test to count circulating tumour cells (CTCs) can be designed. 

One important step in cancer diagnosis is a PET-CT-Scan, which helps to see whether and where tumor masses are located. It shows us whether the cancer has already spread to other tissues (metastasis). If a mass has been confirmed, it should be biopsied in order to determine the dignity of the tumor. A histopathological analysis can determine the exact (cell) type of the tumor. There are many different types of tumors, and each of them presents unique genetic characteristics. 

Important: What most patients do not know is, that when the first examination on the biopsy has been performed (to determine the tumor type), the tissue is kept and stored at the histopathology department of the hospital, where the biopsy has been performed. This stored tissue material can be used for thorough (genetic) tissue analyses and in-depth sequencing at the Hallwang Private Oncology Clinic. It is known that tumors show the accumulation of several genetic modifications, thus providing cancer cells with the selective growth advantage to initiate expansion. Now, sophisticated high-throughput technologies enable the identification of these mutated genes in cancers that can lead to a potent targeted therapy. 

It is important to know what your options are. In our experience, many laboratories offer genetic tumor analyses. But there are differences and limitations specific for every tumor analysis. When patients show their tumor analysis report to the medical team at the Hallwang Clinic, we often notice that, due to the country-specific regulations, only the markers and mutations known in the home country, are tested. This is because many drugs are not approved everywhere, or even not available in the patients country, or just available in trials. Thus not every therapeutically relevant mutation is tested. And then it can happen that patients are told by their physicians that i.e. a specific immunotherapy does not make sense in their case, even though their tumor tissue has not been thoroughly analyzed. Often, the physicians simply do not have access to the therapies due to country-specific regulations. So it is most important to first find a laboratory that looks for all markers and mutations, and second, to find an oncologist who is willing to work with you in the best (and targeted) way possible. 

Our aim is to carefully and thoroughly analyze your tumor tissue – We do know that e.g. some GI cancer patients or head and neck tumor patients are positive for a marker that is usually found in breast cancer patients. As the targeted therapy for this marker is only approved for breast cancer patients, it is often not analyzed in tumor tissues of patients with other cancer types, possibly missing an important treatment target in these patients. It is crucial to perform a thorough broad-spectrum screening so that the patient has a chance to explore all possibilities of a targeted treatment, may it be in a private setting or a clinical trial elsewhere. 

At the Hallwang Private Oncology Clinic, we are able to provide the following tests on your tumor tissue: 

• Genomic profiling 
• Analysis for tumor-associated-antigens (TAA-Screening) 
• Analysis of DNA-repair/break-chain mechanism 
• Analysis of tumor mutational burden / immune predict 

In some cases, should the biopsy taken no longer be sufficient to perform a comprehensive genomic profiling, and a new tissue biopsy is too hard on the patient (as it is painful, or even potentially risky for the patient), a non-invasive method – a liquid biopsy to determine for mutations and markers can be performed. It is still not fully established and comparable to analyses on the specimen itself, but it opens new doors and possibilities for patients in need. 

Click here for more diagnostics 

At the Hallwang Private Oncology Clinic, our focus is on individualized treatment concepts for all patients, based on the specific information that we retrieve from in-depth diagnostic tumor tests. These tests provide information on surface markers and individual mutations presented by the patient’s tumor cells. Identification of these markers, mutations, translocations, amplifications, etc. allows us to specifically target them through a broad range of therapeutic options – depending on the outcome. You have to look at the tumor itself to understand what targeted treatment the patient needs. A treatment that might work for one cancer patient does not necessarily work for another patient, even though they have both the “same“ type of cancer. 

Based on the data that were determined by the analysis, the next step is to consider whether and what kind of therapy could or should be used. 

Please note that there are so many different therapeutic options and protocols available, and one needs to decide for an option or protocol that fits with the general condition, test results (if/once available), ongoing treatments and past medical history, as well as the duration and recommended repetition. 

Important: Our oncological team is happy to talk to you by phone to get a deeper understanding about your specific case, enabling to provide you with a provisional treatment plan and cost estimate. Our oncologists will provide you all the details on medications, therapeutics and treatments including underlying mechanism and side effects. After a physical examination and an in-depth discussion with you on-site, the definite treatment plan will be discussed. Please understand that complex medical processes as mentioned above can only be explained through a thorough consultation on-site.

Kidney Cancer

Cancerous tumors of the urogenital tract, both female and male, are usually of primary nature, which means they start to grow in the urogenital region, with the ability to invade or spread to other parts of the body. Urogenital tumors in female can develop as vulvar cancer, vaginal cancer, cervical cancer, uterine cancer, endometrial cancer as well as ovarian cancer. Urogenital tumors in male patients can develop as penile cancer, prostate cancer or testicular cancer. Urinary cancer can affect both, male and female, and can develop as renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer), or bladder cancer. A neoplasm or also called a tumour is a group of cells that have undergone unregulated growth and may form a mass, but can also be distributed diffusely throughout the body. 

Tumour cells show a number of characteristics, including abnormal cell growth and division absence of programmed cell death, high number of cell divisions, promoting of blood vessel formation, invasion of tissue and metastasis. 

Signs and symptoms of the disease are wide and may include itching, burn or bleeding from the genitals, haematuria, dysuria, change of the skin around the genitals, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and nausea. 

These tumors are classified by several grading systems, as well as primarily by its histological appearance. The histopathological analysis for a receptor status is standard in these cancer diagnosis and plays a crucial role in the decision making process for the right therapy. Urogenital tumor cells are known to have receptors on their surface, and the first step is an analysis that evaluates for hormones that bind to these receptors. Patients, whose tumor tissue has been tested positive for one or more of these receptors may benefit from an anti-hormone treatment, or a treatment with humanized monoclonal antibodies, or treatment with antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). Patients, whose tumor cells have not any of the receptor types are known to have further surface markers, such as PD-1, PSMA, Survivin, NYESO, WT1, etc., that can be targeted by a precision-based immunotherapeutic approach. 

These tumors are evaluated for surgical intervention, in combination with a chemotherapy and/or a radiotherapy beforehand, following or even instead of a surgical intervention. The most modern method nowadays is the usage of immunotherapies in urogenital cancer patients that are mainly used within a so called umbrella concept. 

Umbrella concept

An umbrella concept considers all aspects of the patient’s medical history, other diagnosis, and general well-being, as well as the available diagnostic constellations and ongoing treatments. An umbrella concept does not rely on one therapeutic option or the other, it is highly considering a precision-based combination of therapies that are evaluated for each individual case.

In case of a suspicion of an urogenital carcinoma, a comprehensive physical examination takes place, usually followed by a PET-CT-Scan, which helps to see whether and where tumor masses are located. It shows us whether the cancer has already spread to other tissues (metastasis). If a mass has been confirmed, it should be biopsied in order to determine the dignity of the tumor. A histopathological analysis can determine the exact (cell) type of the tumor. There are many different types of tumors, and each of them presents unique genetic characteristics. 

What most patients do not know is, that when the first examination on the biopsy has been performed (to determine the tumor type), the tissue is kept and stored at the histopathology department of the hospital, where the biopsy has been performed. This stored tissue material can be used for thorough (genetic) tissue analyses and in-depth sequencing. It is known that tumors show the accumulation of several genetic modifications, thus providing cancer cells with the selective growth advantage to initiate expansion. Now, sophisticated high-throughput technologies enable the identification of these mutated genes in cancers that can lead to a potent targeted therapy. 

It is crucial to perform a thorough broad-spectrum screening so that every patient has a chance to explore all possibilities of a targeted treatment, may it be in a private setting or a clinical trial elsewhere. So it is most important to first find a laboratory that looks for all markers and mutations, and second, to find an oncologist who is willing to work with you in the best (and targeted) way possible. 

Important: Our oncological team is happy to talk to you by phone to get a deeper understanding about your specific case, enabling to provide you with a provisional treatment plan and cost estimate. Our oncologists will provide you all the details on medications, therapeutics and treatments including underlying mechanism and side effects. After a physical examination and an in-depth discussion with you on-site, the definite treatment plan will be discussed. Please understand that complex medical processes as mentioned above can only be explained through a thorough consultation on-site.

Uveal melanoma, Choroidal melanoma, Actinic kreatosis, Basal cell carcinoma, Skin cancer, Malignant melanoma, Melanoma, Spinaliom, Skin cancer, Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin

Cancerous tumors that arise from the skin are divided in three main types: basal-cell skin cancer (BCC), squamous-cell skin cancer (SCC) and melanoma. Skin tumors are usually of primary nature, which means they start to grow in the skin, with the ability to invade or spread to other parts of the body. A neoplasm or also called a tumour is a group of cells that have undergone unregulated growth and may form a mass, but can also be distributed diffusely throughout the body. 

Tumour cells show a number of characteristics, including abnormal cell growth and division absence of programmed cell death, high number of cell divisions, promoting of blood vessel formation, invasion of tissue and metastasis. 

Signs and symptoms of the disease are wide and may include changes in the skin colour or appearance of ulcerating skin, as well as changes in birthmarks. Risk factors for developing skin cancer include sunbathing, smoking tabacco, usage of immunosuppressive medications, and HPV infections. 

These tumors are classified by its histological appearance, and treatments are depending on the specific type of cancer, and location of the tumor. A surgical intervention is often used in early stage diagnosis, in combination with a chemotherapy and/or a radiotherapy/brachytherapy. Skin tumors are type of cancers that are already treated with immunotherapeutic approaches (monoclonal antibodies), as well as with genetic targeted treatments as i.e. BRAF- or MEK-inhibitors.

In case of a suspicion of a skin tumor, usually, and following a comprehensive physical examination and biopsy of the suspicious skin area, a scan staging is performed, which helps to see whether the cancer has already spread to other tissues (metastasis). The biopsy is helpful in order to determine the dignity of the tumor. A histopathological analysis can determine the exact (cell) type of the tumor. There are different types of tumors known, and each of them presents unique genetic characteristics. 

What most patients do not know is, that when the first examination on the biopsy has been performed (to determine the tumor type), the tissue is kept and stored at the histopathology department of the hospital, where the biopsy has been performed. This stored tissue material can be used for thorough (genetic) tissue analyses and in-depth sequencing. It is known that tumors show the accumulation of several genetic modifications, thus providing cancer cells with the selective growth advantage to initiate expansion. Now, sophisticated high-throughput technologies enable the identification of these mutated genes in cancers that can lead to a potent targeted therapy. 

It is crucial to perform a thorough broad-spectrum screening so that every patient has a chance to explore all possibilities of a targeted treatment, may it be in a private setting or a clinical trial elsewhere. So it is most important to first find a laboratory that looks for all markers and mutations, and second, to find an oncologist who is willing to work with you in the best (and targeted) way possible. 

Important: Our oncological team is happy to talk to you by phone to get a deeper understanding about your specific case, enabling to provide you with a provisional treatment plan and cost estimate. Our oncologists will provide you all the details on medications, therapeutics and treatments including underlying mechanism and side effects. After a physical examination and an in-depth discussion with you on-site, the definite treatment plan will be discussed. Please understand that complex medical processes as mentioned above can only be explained through a thorough consultation on-site.

Pancreatic cancer (pancreatic carcinoma) is one of the most aggressive types of cancer. Immunotherapy is still widely underestimated in treatment. As a highly specialized cancer therapy center, the Hallwang Clinic provides patients from all over the world access to cutting-edge precision medicine and advanced combination therapies.

Pancreatic cancer, also known as pancreatic carcinoma, is a malignant tumor of the pancreas. This type of cancer is among the most aggressive tumors and is particularly challenging to treat due to its late diagnosis and rapid spread.

Cancers of the gastrointestinal, gastro-pancreatic, and gastro-hepatic regions of the body are typically primary, meaning they originate in the stomach, intestines, pancreas, gallbladder, or liver. From there, they can spread to other organs via the blood or lymphatic system (metastasis).

Tumor cells exhibit several characteristic features, including uncontrolled cell growth, increased cell division, and the ability to promote the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) to ensure the tumor’s nutrient supply.

Diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer

In its early stages, pancreatic cancer usually causes few or non-specific symptoms, which is why it is often diagnosed at an advanced stage. Possible signs include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, and jaundice (icterus). Due to these non-specific symptoms, diagnosis often occurs only after patients visit their primary care physician. Initial diagnostic methods include ultrasound and imaging techniques, fecal occult blood tests (for detecting blood in the stool), and endoscopies of the stomach and intestines. Some of these examinations are part of recommended preventive screenings starting at a certain age and can help detect abnormalities early.

If pancreatic carcinoma or another tumor in the gastrointestinal, gastro-pancreatic, or hepatic region is suspected, advanced imaging techniques such as PET-CT (positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) are used. These methods allow precise tumor localization, size assessment, and indications of possible metastases. If a suspicious mass is detected, a tissue biopsy is performed. The subsequent histopathological analysis provides information about the tumor’s cell type. Since there are many different tumor types with specific genetic characteristics, this examination is essential for targeted therapy planning.

In most university centers, molecular genetic analysis has become standard. This examination identifies genetic alterations in the tumor tissue that drive cancer growth and offer potential targets for personalized therapies.

Important to know: Even if molecular genetic screening was not performed during the initial biopsy, the tissue can be analyzed later. The extracted material is stored in the hospital’s histopathology department and remains available for further genetic analyses and sequencing.

Advanced high-throughput technologies enable the identification of mutations in tumor tissue, allowing personalized therapy. This precise diagnostics can significantly improve treatment success rates.

A thorough tumor tissue screening is essential to explore all options for targeted pancreatic cancer treatment. Therefore, it is crucial to find a laboratory at the beginning of therapy evaluation that examines your tumor tissue for all markers and mutations and to discuss the results with an experienced oncologist committed to working with you in the best and most targeted way.

Pancreatic Cancer Treatment: What Is the Best Therapy?

Tumors of the gastrointestinal, gastro-pancreatic, and gastro-hepatic regions are classified based on their histological appearance and spread – whether the tumor is localized or has already metastasized. This classification largely determines the choice of therapy.

In early stages, the tumor can often be surgically removed. Complementary chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy are frequently used to minimize the risk of recurrence. These multimodal approaches increase the chances of cure, especially if the tumor can be completely resected.

If surgical removal is no longer possible or the tumor has already metastasized, various local and systemic treatment methods are available:

• Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE): A procedure in which the tumor’s blood supply is deliberately interrupted while simultaneously injecting chemotherapy drugs directly into the tumor.
• Selective Internal Radiation Therapy (SIRT): Microscopically small radioactive particles are introduced into the blood vessels supplying the tumor to irradiate it locally.
• Other local therapy options: These include ablative procedures such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or microwave ablation (MWA).

Genetic analysis of tumor tissue is crucial for developing personalized therapies. Many of these tumors harbor therapy-relevant mutations or express surface markers that can be specifically targeted. Standardized protocols now consider numerous genetic peculiarities.

Patients who have undergone multiple treatment lines often develop resistance to standard therapies. In such cases, targeted therapies can help – especially if the tumor exhibits specific biomarker constellations. A significant example is Human Epidermal Growth Factor 2 (HER2). While this biomarker is primarily found in breast cancer, it can also occur in gastrointestinal, gastro-pancreatic, and gastro-hepatic tumors. In such cases, immunotherapeutic approaches using monoclonal antibodies or antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) may be considered.

Patients with these biomarker constellations are often restricted in their home countries, as HER2-targeted therapies are only approved for breast cancer or are only available in clinical trials. Other biomarkers include MSI, MSS, cMET, EpCAM, Survivin, and NY-ESO-1. Immunotherapeutic approaches for these cancer types are frequently underestimated. However, immunotherapy can be highly valuable for gastrointestinal, gastro-pancreatic, and gastro-hepatic cancers and may be used within a synergistic concept.

Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer at the Hallwang Clinic

The Hallwang Clinic has developed one of the world’s most advanced genomic and immunotherapeutic profiles. Thanks to our first-class expert network, close research collaborations, and unrestricted access to the most innovative therapies, we have a significant advantage in providing personalized cancer treatments. Our highly specialized oncology team focuses on:

• Cutting-edge precision medicine
• Comprehensive genetic analysis for targeted therapy
• Advanced combination therapies for improved treatment outcomes
• Holistic and integrative oncology care

Thanks to this multidisciplinary treatment approach, we achieve outstanding results – even in advanced disease stages such as stage 4 cancer. Our therapy concepts aim not only to improve survival rates but also to sustainably enhance our patients’ quality of life.

Get a Consultation

Our oncology team is happy to provide a phone consultation to gain a deeper understanding of your specific case. This also allows us to create a preliminary treatment plan and cost estimate. Our oncologists will inform you in detail about medications, therapies, and treatments, including underlying mechanisms and side effects.

After a physical examination and a comprehensive on-site discussion, the definitive treatment plan will be determined. Please understand that complex medical processes, as mentioned above, can only be thoroughly explained through an in-depth consultation on-site.

We accompany you step by step on your journey – with expertise, compassion, and a tailored therapy approach.