German Cancer Aid has approved the funding of the Comprehensive Cancer Centres at the University Hospitals of Würzburg, Erlangen, Regensburg and Augsburg. It still carries the title 'Centre of Excellence in Oncology'.
With this renewed funding, the Comprehensive Cancer Center Alliance (CCC WERA) remains one of the nationally recognised centres of excellence in oncology designated by German Cancer Aid (DKH, Deutsche Krebshilfe). The funding period begins on 1 January 2027 and covers a total of more than six million euros over four years.
"This renewed funding as a leading oncology center by German Cancer Aid sends a strong signal and marks an important milestone for the further development of the CCC WERA Alliance. It underlines the high scientific and clinical quality of the participating institutions and creates optimal conditions for jointly developed, outstanding cancer care in the region," says Professor Tobias Pukrop, Director of the CCC East Bavaria.
Networked structures for better patient care
The CCC Alliance WERA brings together the oncological expertise of the university hospitals and universities in Würzburg, Erlangen, Regensburg and Augsburg. The aim of the alliance is to further develop cancer research and care across all sites, to bring innovative therapies into clinical use more quickly, and to enable patients to receive care that meets the highest quality standards.
During the new funding period, cross-site collaboration, joint study designs and the expansion of networked infrastructure are to be further strengthened. The focus will be on highly targeted treatment approaches and the evaluation of new, effective therapies within the framework of clinical trials.
"This funding will enable us to further strengthen our shared infrastructure and systematically expand the integration of research and clinical practice, so as to provide patients with the greatest possible benefit and rapid access to innovative therapies," says Professor Ralf Bargou, Director of the CCC Mainfranken. The national funding, as a site of the National Center for Tumour Diseases (NCT), also represents a significant locational advantage for conducting early-phase clinical trials. "Furthermore, supporting the next generation of scientists through specialised education and training programmes is also very important to us," says Bargou.
Another strength of WERA is the multidisciplinary patient care provided in the certified oncology centers at all four sites. This includes personalised and digital oncology, psycho-oncology, palliative care and other supportive services. "Multidisciplinary treatment, modern IT infrastructure and reliable tumour documentation are crucial for high-quality oncological care. This is precisely where we will continue to build on our strengths in the coming years," says Professor Matthias W. Beckmann, Director of the CCC Erlangen-EMN.
Advancing research, strengthening networks, empowering patients
"The research profile of the CCC WERA Alliance is built on excellent research structures and clear priorities at all four sites. Joint research creates synergies that foster innovation and improve care in the long term," explains Professor Martin Trepel, Director of the CCC Augsburg. The scientific priorities include cancer immunotherapy, tumour heterogeneity and target identification, local therapies, theranostics and imaging, as well as health services research.
Another focus of the alliance is on expanding the regional care and clinical trial network. Through targeted outreach activities and the closer involvement of partner centers, the aim is to provide patients in rural areas in particular with better access to clinical trials and cutting-edge oncology care. "We will continue to coordinate and expand the regional network and involve partner centres more closely in clinical trials in order to improve access to cutting-edge oncology care and clinical trials for patients in rural areas," explains Pukrop.
Collaboration with self-help groups, as well as empowering patients through comprehensive information programmes and involving them in decision-making processes, are also central components of the alliance's strategy.
About the CCC Alliance WERA
The CCC Alliance WERA is an association of the Comprehensive Cancer Centers in Würzburg, Erlangen, Regensburg and Augsburg, together with their respective university hospitals and universities. The aim is to further develop structured cancer care and cancer research within (inter-)national research networks and to provide cutting-edge medical care for the benefit of patients. Furthermore, the Alliance sees it as its responsibility to provide excellent oncological care to more than eight million people in its catchment area. Structures of the National Centre for Tumour Diseases (NCT) WERA are integrated into the Alliance.
About German Cancer Aid
Through its 'Centres of Excellence in Oncology' programme, German Cancer Aid supports selected cancer centers in Germany to ensure high-quality, interdisciplinary care and excellent research. "Through the Comprehensive Cancer Centers (CCC) it has initiated and funded, German Cancer Aid has created a network of cutting-edge oncology care that is unique in Europe. The continuous development of these centers brings us ever closer to our goal of ensuring that everyone with cancer in Germany benefits from the expertise of these centers of excellence - regardless of where they are treated. To this end, the CCCs bring their knowledge and innovations to their respective regions, thereby strengthening cancer care at other hospitals and specialist practices as well," says Gerd Nettekoven, Executive Director of the German Cancer Aid Foundation.
