Archives: Indikationen

Acoustic neuroma, Astrocytoma, Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), Medulloblastoma, Meningiomas, Neuroinoma, Neuroblastoma, Oligoastrocytoma, Oligodendrocytoma, Choroid plexus papilloma, Plexus tumor

Cancerous tumors of the brain can be of primary nature, which means they start to grow in the brain, or can be characterized as secondary tumors, which have spread from elsewhere, also called brain metastases.

Signs and symptoms of the disease are wide and depending on the part of the brain involved. Classical symptoms for brain tumors include headaches, seizures, vision issues and mental changes, as well as vomiting or poor balance.

These tumors can grow in the frontal lobe, temporal lobe, parietal lobe, occipital lobe, cerebellum and brain stem. Some of the brain tumors can be surgically removed, if they found to be operable. In other cases, a chemotherapy and/or a radiotherapy are recommended beforehand or even instead of the surgical intervention. As part of a university hospital network, our brain surgery team has shown to enable brain surgeries successfully in patients that were considered inoperable in their home countries. Therefore, we advise for a second opinion. Furthermore, the most modern method nowadays is the usage of immunotherapies in brain cancer patients that are mainly used within a so called umbrella concept.

The first diagnosis is usually made by diagnostic imaging. In case of a suspicion of a brain carcinoma, usually a CT-scan and/or MRI-scan takes place. 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 brain 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.

Anal cancer, Colon cancer, Colorectal cancer, Cancer of the small intestine, Gallbladder cancer, Cholangiocellular carcinoma, Klatskin tumor, Gastric cancer, Stomach cancer, Esophaegal carcinoma, Rectal cancer, Gastrointestinal stroma tumors (GIST)

Cancerous tumors of the gastrointestinal-, gastropancreatic-, and gastrohepatic region of the body are usually of primary nature, which means they start to grow in the stomach, colon, pancreas, or liver, 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 nausea, diarrhea, constipation, blood in the stool, heavy weight loss, or jaundice, and are mostly diagnosed when affected patients seeking for help regarding their symptoms at their GPs. Ultrasound and imaging diagnostics, haemoccult tests for determination of blood in the stool, as well as gastro- and colonoscopies are performed and are investigations of the first choice, and some of are also recommended as preventive check-ups at a certain age. 

These tumors are classified by its histological appearance, as well as whether these tumor are found to be localized, or whether the disease has already metastasized. In early stages these tumors can be surgically removed, sometimes in combination with a chemo-radiotherapy protocol. Sometimes a local therapy with a transarterial chemo-embolization (TACE), followed by a selective internal radiotherapy (SIRT) might be an option. Genetic analysis plays a crucial role in these cancer types, and often these tumors are found to be mutated or have characteristics, for which a number of standardized protocols are available. Heavily pre-treated patients that underwent all these protocols often face chemotherapy resistance. Noteworthy is to mention that these tumors can have biomarker constellations that can be treated if known. For instance, human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2), which belongs to the epidermal growth factor family (EGF-receptor family), a biomarker that is found in breast cancer patients, is also found in some gastrointestinal cancerous diseases and can be treated by immunotherapy with humanized monoclonal antibodies or antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). Very often, patients with a HER2 positive gastrointestinal tumor face limitations in their home countries, since HER2-targeted therapies are only approved for breast cancer patients, or only available through clinical trials. Other biomarkers include MSI, MSS, tumor mutational burden, cMET, EpCAM, Survivin, NYESO, etc. 

In case of a suspicion of gastrointestinal-, gastropancreatic-, and gastrohepatic cancerous diseases, usually a PET-CT-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 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. 

While some of these tumors can be surgically removed, often mutual with a neoadjuvant chemotherapy, followed by an adjuvant chemotherapy in combination with radiotherapy, an immunotherapy is often underestimated for these cancer types. Immunotherapy can clearly be of value in gastrointestinal-, gastropancreatic-, and gastrohepatic cancerous diseases, and is often used in a synergising therapeutic approach. 

Synergysing therapeutic approach

A synergising therapeutic approach is the combination of an immune priming approach, immune activation approach, and a chemotherapy that works in synergy with the immunotherapeutic approaches. Within a synergising concept, one needs to consider all aspects of the patient’s medical history, other diagnosis, and general well-being, as well as the available diagnostic constellations and ongoing treatments. Within a synergising concept, one is highly considering a precision-based combination of therapies that are evaluated for each individual case. 

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.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), Liver cancer

Cancerous tumors of the gastrointestinal-, gastropancreatic-, and gastrohepatic region of the body are usually of primary nature, which means they start to grow in the stomach, colon, pancreas, or liver, 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 nausea, diarrhea, constipation, blood in the stool, heavy weight loss, or jaundice, and are mostly diagnosed when affected patients seeking for help regarding their symptoms at their GPs. Ultrasound and imaging diagnostics, haemoccult tests for determination of blood in the stool, as well as gastro- and colonoscopies are performed and are investigations of the first choice, and some of are also recommended as preventive check-ups at a certain age. 

These tumors are classified by its histological appearance, as well as whether these tumor are found to be localized, or whether the disease has already metastasized. In early stages these tumors can be surgically removed, sometimes in combination with a chemo-radiotherapy protocol. Sometimes a local therapy with a transarterial chemo-embolization (TACE), followed by a selective internal radiotherapy (SIRT) might be an option. Genetic analysis plays a crucial role in these cancer types, and often these tumors are found to be mutated or have characteristics, for which a number of standardized protocols are available. Heavily pre-treated patients that underwent all these protocols often face chemotherapy resistance. Noteworthy is to mention that these tumors can have biomarker constellations that can be treated if known. For instance, human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2), which belongs to the epidermal growth factor family (EGF-receptor family), a biomarker that is found in breast cancer patients, is also found in some gastrointestinal cancerous diseases and can be treated by immunotherapy with humanized monoclonal antibodies or antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). Very often, patients with a HER2 positive gastrointestinal tumor face limitations in their home countries, since HER2-targeted therapies are only approved for breast cancer patients, or only available through clinical trials. Other biomarkers include MSI, MSS, tumor mutational burden, cMET, EpCAM, Survivin, NYESO, etc. 

In case of a suspicion of gastrointestinal-, gastropancreatic-, and gastrohepatic cancerous diseases, usually a PET-CT-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 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. 

While some of these tumors can be surgically removed, often mutual with a neoadjuvant chemotherapy, followed by an adjuvant chemotherapy in combination with radiotherapy, an immunotherapy is often underestimated for these cancer types. Immunotherapy can clearly be of value in gastrointestinal-, gastropancreatic-, and gastrohepatic cancerous diseases, and is often used in a synergising therapeutic approach. 

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.

B-cell lymphoma, Burkitt lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, Lymphoma, Lymphomgranulomatosis, Hodgkin disease, Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, T-cell lymphoma, Acute lymphatic Leukemia (ALL), Acute myeloid leukemia (AML), Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), Hairy cell leukemia (HCL), T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia (T-PLL), Leukemia, Kahler’s disease, Multiple myoloma (MM), Mycosis fungoides, Plasmocytoma, Thymoma

Haematological cancerous diseases of the body, also known as blood cancer, is a malignancy of the blood cells and have its primary in the bone marrow. A leukemia is subdivided into acute and chronic forms, and according to which kind of blood cell is affected. Furthermore, lymphomas belong to haematological cancerous diseases. 

The most common signs and symptoms of a haematological disease include easy bruising, bleedings and petechiae, night sweats, as well as pale skin, enlarged liver or spleen, fever, and lymph node swellings. Haematological diseases are usually diagnosed on the basis of blood counts, and bone marrow examinations. 

Depending on the character and form of the disease, treatment may involve some combination of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, autologous- or allogenic stem cell transplant, or immunotherapy like for instance chimeric monoclonal antibodies. The treatment for acute haematological diseases is very intense, since acute leukemias are known to affect inner organs, which can lead to a treatment break, or a change of treatment protocol, e.g. due to a deterioration of the kidney function. The treatment of chronic leukemias differs. Since a large group of patients with i.e. a CLL have a low-grade disease, they do not benefit from treatment. For this type, a treatment is considered at an advanced stage, and once the disease is accompanied by dominant symptoms. In contrast, CML is often treated with a genetic targeted therapy as i.e. tyrosine kinase inhibitors, that are taken orally. 

In case of a suspicion of a haematological disease, a bone marrow puncture, or lymph node biopsy takes place. This material is used for a histopathological analysis, to determine the exact (cell) type. There are many different types, 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, 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.

Cancer of unknown Primary (CUP-Syndrome)

Patients that are diagnosed with a CUP-Syndrome are diagnosed at a metastatic stage, and a primary tumor cannot be identified. CUP-Syndrome stands for cancer of unknown primary origin, which means that the primary tumor cannot be found because it regressed or is just too small to be found. 

Signs and symptoms of the disease are wide and a CUP usually is diagnosed due to masses or swellings that are found somewhere in the body. Usually a CUP develops rapidly, thus a comprehensive physical examination, as well as imaging diagnostics are crucial when abnormalities are found, in order to determine whether it is a cancerous disease. 

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. With this analysis, antibodies and protein markers are used to determine the expression pattern of the cancer surface cells. Often, this analysis is helpful to determine the primary origin of the CUP, as it may highlights the antigens that are similar to the cancer that it grew from. 

Once this has been done, the patient is evaluated for a therapeutic protocol which is mostly consistent of chemotherapy and/or a radiotherapy. 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. The most modern method nowadays is the usage of immunotherapies in CUP-syndrome patients that are mainly used within a 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.

The treatment of breast cancer, particularly in advanced stages, requires innovative and individually tailored therapeutic approaches. Remarkable results are achieved through combined immunotherapies, which the Hallwang Clinic specifically adapts to the needs of its patients.

Breast tumors typically originate from breast tissue, meaning they begin to grow in the breast and can invade other body parts or organs, spreading there (metastasis). The signs and symptoms of breast cancer (Mamma CA) vary widely and may include a lump in the breast, swollen axillary lymph nodes, changes in breast shape, alterations in the skin around the breast, or discharge from the nipple.

The following types of tumors are common in breast cancer:

• HER2-positive breast cancer: Tumors with overexpression of the HER2 protein.
• HER2-negative breast cancer: Tumors without overexpression of the HER2 protein.
• Hormone receptor-positive breast cancer: Tumors with estrogen and/or progesterone receptors.
• Hormone receptor-negative breast cancer: Tumors without these hormone receptors.
• Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC): Tumors that do not express HER2, estrogen, or progesterone receptors.

-> We are here for you! Do you have questions about your diagnosis or would you like to speak personally with our team of oncologists? Contact us by phone, email, or via our contact form.

Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Patients often detect breast cancer by feeling a lump in the breast that feels different from the surrounding tissue. Preventative screenings, particularly mammograms, frequently identify early stages of the disease. A common misconception is that only women can develop breast cancer; men are also affected.

If breast cancer is suspected, doctors typically perform imaging such as a PET-CT, CT staging, or MRI to determine whether and where tumors are present in the body. If an abnormal mass is identified, a tissue sample (biopsy) is taken to determine the tumor’s characteristics. Histopathological analysis identifies the exact cell type of the tumor. There are many types of tumors, each with unique genetic characteristics. For breast cancer, histopathological analysis of estrogen (ER), progesterone (PR), and HER2 receptor status is standard practice. This plays a critical role in deciding the appropriate therapy.

Patients whose tumor tissue tests positive for one or more of these receptors often benefit from antihormone therapy, treatment with humanized monoclonal antibodies, or therapies involving antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). Patients whose tumor cells lack these three receptor types (ER, PR, and HER2) are classified as triple-negative. However, even triple-negative tumors may express receptors for other hormones, such as androgen or prolactin receptors, which may also be relevant for therapy.

Most patients are unaware that after the initial biopsy to determine the tumor type, the tissue is stored in the histopathology department of the hospital where the biopsy was performed. This tissue can be used for advanced genetic tissue analysis and sequencing. Tumors often exhibit multiple genetic modifications that give cancer cells a selective growth advantage. Using advanced high-throughput technologies, it is now possible to identify these mutated genes, leading to effective targeted therapy.

Thorough screening of tumor tissue is crucial to exploring all possibilities for targeted breast cancer treatment—whether in a private setting or within a clinical trial. Therefore, it is important to find a laboratory that examines your tumor tissue for all markers and mutations and to identify an oncologist willing to work with you to achieve the best and most targeted outcomes.

Breast Cancer Treatment: What is the Best Therapy?

Due to widespread screening, breast tumors are often detected early and surgically removed, frequently accompanied by lymph node removal, known as lymphadenectomy. Additionally, chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy are usually recommended. However, both treatment forms can cause significant cytotoxic side effects. One of the most advanced treatments for breast cancer patients today is the use of combined immunotherapies, primarily within the framework of an umbrella concept.

Immunotherapy for Breast Cancer

Immunotherapy represents a groundbreaking advance 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 trains the patient’s immune system to recognize and attack tumor cells, leading to cell destruction or slowed tumor growth.

Passive Immunization: This involves administering antibodies or antibody fragments via infusion or injection, which specifically target and destroy cancer cells.

The range of immunotherapeutic approaches is vast, 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.

Breast Cancer Therapy at the Hallwang Clinic: Advanced Therapeutic Concepts

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 offer a decisive advantage in providing personalized cancer treatments. Our highly specialized oncology team employs a holistic and integrative approach to cancer treatment, combining state-of-the-art medical technologies with proven complementary methods. 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 breast cancer treatment. In addition to our advanced therapeutic concepts, excellent medical care, and international focus, the trusting and compassionate atmosphere contributes to promoting the best possible treatment.

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

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.