Cancer in Vienna: Advances in diagnosis and therapy for those affected!

Cancer in Vienna: Advances in diagnosis and therapy for those affected!

On World Cancer Day, February 4, 2025, the introduction of the most modern therapy methods in the Vienna Health Association will be the focus of the discussion. In Vienna, an estimated 68,000 people are currently suffering from cancer, with the most common diagnoses being breast, skin, prostate and lung cancer. Particularly alarming is lung cancer mortality, which is one of the most common causes of death for 21 percent of men and 18 percent of women 5min.at reported. Late diagnosis of this disease remains a key problem as only 20 percent of cases can be detected early.

In order to improve the chances of survival, the Vienna health system relies on innovative approaches. Recently, the NIVATS (Non Intubated Video Assisted Thoracic Surgery) method was introduced. This unique surgical method makes it possible to remove lung cancer tumors without general anesthesia. According to Stefan Watzka, head of thoracic surgery at the Floridsdorf Clinic, this technique reduces risks and significantly shortens recovery time. In addition, CAR T-cell therapy is being expanded at the Vienna General Hospital, an immunotherapy that is particularly used for blood cancers such as leukemia. Wolfgang Hilbe, head of department at the Center for Oncology, emphasizes that this therapy has become safer and more effective thanks to improved control mechanisms wien.orf.at confirmed.

Interdisciplinary collaboration for better therapy

The almost 2,000 specialists in the Vienna Health Association work together on an interdisciplinary basis in tumor boards to develop individually tailored therapies. Claudia Rintelen-Denk, head of the 5th Medical Department, emphasizes the importance of this common perspective for the quality of treatment. This collaboration not only represents medical advances, but also supports the psychological needs of patients: In the context of cancer diagnoses, many of those affected also experience financial and social challenges. Psycho-oncological care helps to improve patients' quality of life and avoid social isolation, which is highlighted by Kathrin Strasser-Weippl, senior physician in the oncology department.