Oncology St. Gallen: Prof. Dr Früh

Prof. Martin Früh, MD, is a specialist in oncology and head of the medical oncology department at the Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen.

The medical oncology unit is specialized in the early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of tumor diseases. In addition, the teams are specialized in various oncological diseases guarantee the highest medical and nursing expertise.

State-of-the-Art Diagnostics and Cancer Therapy

As one of the national centers of excellence the Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen sees itself in diagnosis, treatment, follow-up care, and research for the benefit of cancer patients. To this end, the oncology/hematology network was created to ensure comprehensive treatment and care at the Rorschach, Grabs, Wil, and Linth at the St. Gallen sites. The close cooperation in the oncology/hematology network offers the possibility for on-site therapies while at the same time ensuring direct access to the entire range of services of the center hospital. In the oncology/hematology network, patients receive personalized, holistic, and state-of-the-art care.

Modern Chemotherapy Procedures

The announcement of chemotherapy triggers fears and worries in many patients. However, modern chemotherapies are much more tolerable than they were a few years ago. Side effects such as fatigue, hair loss, nausea, and vomiting, or diarrhea can be mitigated by concomitant medications. Chemotherapy is an effective pillar of cancer therapy. It can be used as a stand-alone therapy or before or after surgery or radiation therapy.

Hormone Therapies for Cancer

For hormone-dependent cancers, such as breast cancer or prostate cancer, withdrawal of hormonal stimulation can halt cancer growth. For example, about two-thirds of all breast malignancies grow dependent on female sex hormones, primarily estrogens. In most cases, hormone therapy eliminates the need for oophorectomy, so patients' fertility can be preserved. Male sex hormones, known as androgens, play an important role in developing malignant prostate cells. Hormone therapy is often used for advanced prostate cancer. It delays the progression of the disease, prevents complications of the tumor, and relieves symptoms.

Targeted Cancer

Targeted therapies are new types of cancer therapy that specifically target the growth-controlling properties of the tumor. For this purpose, small molecules are usually administered in tablet form that inhibits the cell growth of the specific tumor. In most cases, targeted agents are used when the tumor disease is advanced and metastatic. This therapy does not usually lead to a cure, but it can inhibit the progression of the disease and mitigate its effects. Prof. Früh and his team of physicians use targeted therapies as monotherapy and in combination with other cancer treatments.

Antibody and Immunotherapies

Antibody and immunotherapies belong to the targeted therapies and are among the newer methods of modern cancer therapy. In these therapies, antibodies against specific characteristics attach themselves to the surface of cancer cells and destroy them. Another role of antibodies is to attract immune cells to the tumor to fight it. Specific antibodies can also break the tumor's protective mechanism that shields it from the body's defenses. Many monoclonal antibodies are already approved as drugs in cancer therapy. They are usually administered intravenously by infusion. Treatment can be administered in outpatient settings.

Leading in Clinical Research

The Clinic for Oncology and Hematology St. Gallen takes on a leading position in cancer research. Clinical research investigates new drugs, therapeutic regimens, or combinations of drugs within the framework of studies to improve cancer treatment. As a result, patients benefit directly from medical progress. Currently approximately 50 early and later phase clinical studies are running at the Department of Oncology and Hematolgoy St. Gallen.

Second Opinion in Cancer

Obtaining a second opinion can be particularly useful in the case of a cancer diagnosis. The assessment and treatment can thus be confirmed, or alternatives regarding the therapy options can be found. This leads to more security and confidence in the often strenuous cancer therapy. Patients can be referred by their attending physician or contact Oncology St. Gallen directly. Usually, the patient's presentation at the clinic is required to issue a clinically sound second opinion.

Please visit the website of the medical oncology for further information