Translational cancer research programs at CCCZ

CCCZ Lighthouse Project

IMMUNO-CAR ZURICH (ZURICAR)

IMMUNO-CAR ZURICH (ZURICAR) aims to develop innovative platforms within the CCCZ for the effective, flexible, safe and cost-efficient production of Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) immune cells. These are genetically manipulated immune cells produced by the body. These specifically dock onto the cancer cells and destroy them. The cell products will be manufactured at Wyss Zurich and subsequently used in Phase I clinical trials in patients with urgent need for effective therapies. This highly translational, patient-centered approach is accompanied by state-of-the-art immune monitoring during therapy and research to improve the efficacy of CAR cells. Learn more here.

CCCZ Lighthouse Project

THE CCCZ OLIGOMETASTATIC DISEASE PROGRAM – ^OMDZH

Oligometastasis describes a state of limited metastasis of solid tumors in which there is a chance of long-term survival or even cure through a combination of effective drug therapy together with local therapy (e.g., surgery or radiation therapy) of all visible tumor sites. The CCCZ Lighthouse Project ^OMDZH aims to improve our clinical and biological understanding of oligometastatic diseases, thereby enabling the development of personalized treatment strategies. The interdisciplinary team has set itself the task of developing combined treatment strategies that, on the one hand, take early molecular response into account and, at the same time, integrate individual quality of life into patient decision-making. Learn more on our website.

CCCZ Lighthouse Project

Gut bacteria against cancer
Current studies indicate that the composition of the billions of bacteria in our gut microbiome has direct implications for the effectiveness of certain therapies. The insights from the inner workings of our intestines have prompted a team led by Michael Scharl, Professor at the Medical Faculty and Gastroenterologist at the University Hospital Zurich, to embark on a promising project involving various experts from clinical and basic research fields. “With our lighthouse project “Cancer Microbiome”, we want to decipher the authoritative bacteria and molecular mechanisms in order to increase response rates to immunotherapy,” says Michael Scharl.

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CCCZ Lighthouse Project

Precision Oncology to Improve Survival of Cancer Patients with CNS Metastases (PROMIS)
Central nervous system (CNS) metastases are an increasing challenge due to their rising prevalence and negative impact on quality of life and survival. The PROMIS project aims to improve the survival of cancer patients with CNS metastases. To this end, state-of-the-art molecular analyses will be used to uncover weak points of brain metastases and to study their interaction with brain tissue in more detail. The newly gained knowledge will be used for the development of targeted therapeutic approaches.