Research and new methods

Germany, France, the Netherlands

These countries have strong leukaemia research groups and university centres. Trials are registered on the EU portal (CTIS), and national information services also help.

Last updated: ~1 min read
The tall ward building of Charité university hospital in Berlin
Figure 1.Charité university hospital in Berlin

01Short answer

In Germany, the Krebsinformationsdienst (DKFZ) gives free information about cancer and research. In the Netherlands, Kanker.nl is an information and experience platform for patients. In France, trials run in university hospitals and appear on the EU portal. To take part from abroad, early contact with the centre, translated medical records, costs and a follow-up plan are important.

02Simple explanation

Strong centres.

The EU portal.

National services.

Translate your records.

03Scientific explanation

Krebsinformationsdienst is the free information service of the German Cancer Research Center.

NCI: new treatments are tested step by step, from the laboratory to clinical trials; only those proven safe and beneficial become standard care.

04What happens in the body?

Where to search

CTIS, national websites and your doctor.

A river
Figure 2.A river — Germany, France, the Netherlands

Preparation

A translated summary and genetic results.

Information desks
Figure 3.Information desks — Germany, France, the Netherlands

How to read the news

Research news brings hope, but not every advance suits everyone. Look at who it was tested in, at what phase and in how many people.

Talk to your doctor

Show your doctor what you have read; they will explain how it relates to your diagnosis and treatment. Do not change your treatment on your own.

05From research news to a conversation: four steps

Read, check, ask, decide together.

Read — From a trusted source.1ReadFrom a trusted source.
Check — Phase, participants, result.2CheckPhase, participants, result.
Ask — Show your doctor.3AskShow your doctor.
Decide — Together, without rushing.4DecideTogether, without rushing.
SourceA trusted site.
DoctorA personal explanation.
SafetyNot changing treatment yourself.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
Where to searchCTIS, national websites and your doctor.
PreparationA translated summary and genetic results.
How to read the newsResearch news brings hope, but not every advance suits everyone. Look at who it was tested in, at what phase and in how many people.
Talk to your doctorShow your doctor what you have read; they will explain how it relates to your diagnosis and treatment. Do not change your treatment on your own.

07Key terms

DKFZ
German Cancer Research Center.
University hospital
A large hospital that conducts research.
Clinical trial
Testing a new treatment with volunteers.
Evidence
A result confirmed by reliable research.

08Key points

  • Learn.
  • Ask your doctor.
  • Write it down.
  • Check the source.
  • Talk to your doctor.

09Frequently asked questions

How do I start contact?

Your doctor can approach the centre.

What language are the websites in?

Mostly the local language.

Is this advance right for me?

Only your treating doctor can say, based on your diagnosis, stage and condition.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. How do I start contact?

  2. What language are the websites in?

  3. Is this advance right for me?

My questions

12Sources

  1. European Union. EU Clinical Trials (CTIS public portal)
  2. Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum. Krebsinformationsdienst
  3. KWF / NFK / IKNL. Kanker.nl
  4. National Cancer Institute. What Are Clinical Trials?
  5. National Cancer Institute. Phases of Clinical Trials
  6. National Cancer Institute. Using Trusted Resources
  7. Indian Council of Medical Research. Clinical Trials Registry – India
  8. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: in vitro
  9. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: in vivo
  10. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: animal model
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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