Oncology

Swiss Medical Network’s key objective is to ensure patients have access to a wide-ranging and multidisciplinary healthcare offer with personalised medical management, throughout each phase of their treatment.

Focusing exclusively on the best interests of patients, the network guarantees privileged access to leading-edge treatments, advanced medical technologies and efficient therapeutic strategies, tailored to individual needs.

Treatments available

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the use of medicines or chemicals (cytostatics) to kill cancer cells or to prevent them from multiplying. There are more than 100 different cytostatics that are carefully selected according to each cancer type and stage of the disease. They are often combined to increase treatment efficiency.
Chemotherapy can be administrated by infusion, injection or tablets. This form of therapy is used in many cancer types and may be used post-surgery and/or radiation therapy (adjuvant chemotherapy) to destroy any remaining cancer cells.

Hormone therapy

Hormone therapy aims to reduce or prevent the production of specific hormones that stimulate cancerous tumour growth. Such treatment is only suitable for «hormone-dependent» tumours such as cancerous breast or uterus tumours that are typically hormone dependent. Similarly, prostate cancer is sensitive to the male sex hormone, testosterone.
Hormone therapy can only be prescribed after the analysis of cancerous tissue, to detect sensibility to hormone action.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy does not specifically target a tumour but consists of medication to activate and strengthen the body’s natural defences, called an immune response to fight cancer.
There is a difference between more common general immunotherapy and less frequent local immunotherapy.

Targeted therapies

This procedure uses a group of drugs that selectively intervene in certain tumour cell processes. These medications block tumour growth/or slow down its metabolism.
Like immunotherapy, targeted therapies combined with conventional therapies such as chemotherapy are proving successful in treating certain cancer types. Depending on certain molecular alterations, targeted therapy can be the most effective treatment.

Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy, also known as Radio-oncology,  is a specific oncological treatment that exposes a defined body area to high-dose radiation, directly targeting the tumour. Radiation destroys cancer cells and prevents them from dividing. Therefore, tumour growth is stopped or slowed.

Radiotherapy involves multidisciplinary care and requires the expertise of a wide range of specialists, including radiologists, nuclear medicine specialists, pathologists, radiotherapists, oncologists and surgeons.
Tumour board meetings with specialists from the above medical fields, alongside care providers, are organised on a weekly basis. Together, they discuss each new patient case to define tailor-made cancer treatment protocols.

A multicultural team at your service to:

  • Assist you in the preparation of your journey
  • Refer you towards the leading medical physicians and specialists 
  • Coordinate all the administrative requirements
  • Organise all the medical appointments and surgical procedures
  • Ensure a personalised follow-up before, during and after your medical stay

Request your personalised programme

If you would like a complete medical programme, a second opinion or a remote consultation via videoconference or by telephone, please do not hesitate to contact us:

+41 22 366 94 28

gps@swissmedical.net

Our contact form

Your stay in just a few steps

Get in touch with us

We kindly request that you send us your medical file, which will be forwarded to your assigned medical coordinator in complete confidentiality.

It is recommended that you send us a file that is as complete as possible so that we can suggest the most appropriate programme of treatment to you.

The information that we require includes the following:

  • A description of your symptoms
  • Medical reports and diagnoses
  • Medical images: ultrasound, CT or IRM files (DICOM files)
  • Laboratory results

or any other information that you consider useful.

We take both your medical and your accommodation needs into account

We will confirm receipt once we have received your request safely and will then get back in touch to find out the details of the additional services you require: the type of room, the number of people accompanying you, interpreting services, etc.

Offer regarding your care and programme of medical treatment

Once we are made aware of your needs, your coordinator will send you a personalised offer for your care, based on the doctor’s recommendations.
Your coordinator will remain at your disposal to help you with the administrative requirements: your visa application, the transfer from the airport and interpreting services in particular.

Confirmation of your stay

When you confirm your stay, we ask that you pay a deposit corresponding to the amount shown on your quotation. Your arrival can thus be planned in the best conditions.

At the end of your stay, we will refund the remaining amount of this deposit to you.

Your arrival

If you wish, we can organise your transport in a limousine or, if necessary, by medical transport. A member of our team will welcome you to the hospital and accompany you to your room.

Your stay

Your medical coordinator will be your first point of contact throughout your stay. If you have any questions of a medical nature, your medical coordinator will direct you to your medical consultant, who will be available to reply to you at all times.

At your convenience, your coordinator will be available to organise transport for you, a spa day, a tourist break in the local region or in one of the prestigious hotels of our partner hospitality group Michel Reybier Hospitality Group.

Your departure and your medical follow-up

Once your programme of treatment has been completed, your coordinator will ensure that you receive your medical report and will organise your follow-up appointment.

Following your departure, your coordinator will remain at your disposal for any questions.

Why us for cancer treatments?

Latest medical technologies

Our specialists provide surgeries using the latest medical techniques with leading-edge equipment at the forefront of technological innovation.

World-leading oncologists

Our team of oncology specialists have extensive knowledge in the latest technology and offer the best in oncology care based on a global and interdisciplinary approach: Tumour Board case-by-case assessment by a team of specialists within the Swiss Medical Network group, including external professors and referral physicians, who carefully analyse and discuss the most suitable treatments for each patient.

Premium service

We can help you with visa applications, hotel reservations, if necessary, and transportation services. We have our own limousine service and can arrange airport transfers or any other transfers you may need during your stay. We will also be happy to adapt the meal options according to your needs.

Multilingual team

Among our staff members, we have medical coordinators who speak the following languages: French, English, German, Russian, Italian and Chinese.
If your language is not among those spoken, we can arrange for a translator to assist you during your medical consultations and/or therapies.

Our hospitals for cancer treatments

Clinique de Genolier
Genolier (VD)

  • Oncology
  • Orthopaedics
  • Neurosurgery
  • Visceral Surgery
  • Cardiology

Privatklinik Bethanien
Zurich (ZH)

  • Urology
  • Visceral surgery
  • Thoracic surgery
  • Orthopaedics
  • Gynaecology, Obstetrics

Clinique Générale-Beaulieu
Geneva (GE)

  • Oncology, Radiotherapy
  • Gynaecology, Obstetrics
  • Urology
  • Medically assisted procreation
  • Visceral surgery

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women. A breast tumour is an agglomeration of cells that can be identified and seen on an x-ray or felt as a mass. When the disease is advanced and cells have migrated to other organs through the lymph nodes, this is called metastatic breast cancer.

Causes

Several uncontrollable risk factors are linked to breast cancer – age or genetics (inheriting a gene mutation).  However, certain personal lifestyle choices also appear to be risk factors – being overweight, leading a sedentary life, tobacco, alcohol, or excessive consumption of unhealthy and processed foods.

Symptoms

Breast cancer symptoms may vary from lumps or skin changes, breast or nipple pain, partial or full breast swelling, skin irritations, nipple colour change or a lump located under the arm area indicating the presence of a tumour. However, in many cases, the disease does not show any signs.

Diagnosis

A breast cancer diagnosis is done by a doctor who is specialised in diagnosing breast issues. Commonly used technologies include breast ultrasounds, mammograms (a low-dose X-ray system), agnostic mammograms, breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and/or a biopsy (a breast tissue sample for analysis).

Available treatments

Treatment options depend on the stage of breast cancer. Often breast cancer treatments are combined and include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation (radiotherapy), radio-oncological procedures and (anti-) hormone therapy. Targeted therapies such as antibody therapy, and immuno-oncological therapies to activate the body’s own immune system to fight cancer are also used.

Colorectal cancer

Commonly known as colon cancer, colorectal cancer refers to unhealthy cells in the colon or rectum, which multiply anarchically. The colon is the large intestine or large bowel and the rectum is the passageway that connects the colon to the anus.

Causes

The absence of physical activity, being overweight and obesity. A diet low in fibre (insufficient fruit and vegetables) but rich in fat are potential risk factors to develop the disease.

Symptoms

  • Changes in bowel movement, such as persistent diarrhoea, constipation, or stool narrowing
  • A persistent bowel movement feeling
  • Bright rectal bleeding

Diagnosis

A medical exam called a colonoscopy is carried out and tissue samples are collected from specific areas. If identified, small polyps can also be removed during the examination.

Available treatments

The choice of treatment depends on the stage of the disease. At an early stage, surgery is the most common therapy, if the tumour has not yet spread elsewhere.
However, in advanced stage colorectal cancer surgical treatment is combined with radiotherapy or chemotherapy.

Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is formed from bronchial mucus cells and may spread to lymph nodes or other organs, such as the brain. When cancer cells migrate from one organ to another, this is known as metastases.
Lung cancer is the second most common type of cancer among men and the third among women.

Causes

Major risk factors include smoking or passive smoking and, in some cases, breathing radioactive noble gas, as well as air pollution (fine particles). However, for unknown reasons, lung cancer also occurs in individuals who have never smoked or even been exposed to passive smoke or pollution. Sometimes, identifying the origin of the disease is impossible.

Symptoms

  • A persistent cough or coughing blood
  • Shortness of breath
  • Hoarseness
  • Chest pain
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Bone pain
  • Headache and lack of energy

Diagnosis

Lung cancer is diagnosed by imagery via a lung x-ray. If the exam indicates any suspect information, further examinations are carried out such as bronchoscopy with additional imaging procedures. A Tomography CT can provide a 3D view inside the lungs. A bronchoscopy consists of collecting tissue samples for further analysis.

Treatments available

Lung cancer treatments vary according to the type and stage of cancer. Surgery may be recommended if the tumour is removable. Other considerations include the location of cancer and the patient’s overall health condition. If the disease has already formed metastases (spread to neighbour organs) when the cancer is discovered, chemotherapy and radiotherapy may be advocated.

Prostate Cancer

Located below the bladder and beside the rectum, the prostate is a gland that is part of the male reproductive system. Prostate cancer develops when cells in the prostate gland grow anarchically.

Causes

Generally, prostate cancer risk increases with age. However, other known factors include genetic mutations, family medical history of breast, ovarian colon or pancreatic cancers, bad nutrition and even exposure to certain types of chemicals and endocrine disruptors.

Symptoms

There are no specific prostate cancer symptoms in the early phase. The following symptoms can occur when the disease is more advanced:

  • A slow or weak stream of urine
  • Feeling a need to urine frequently, particularly during the night
  • Difficulty to contain urine / possibly bladder control loss
  • Hip, lower back or chest pain
  • Erectile problems (pain or difficulties)
  • Blood in urine

Diagnosis

Prostate cancer is diagnosed by means of a prostate biopsy, which consists of collecting prostate gland tissue for cell examination.

Available treatments

Prostate cancer treatment depends on different parameters such as the stage of disease advancement, tumour size and whether the tumour has already spread to other organs. Radiotherapy may be prescribed to prevent sick cells from spreading and also with the goal of eradicating them. For specific cases, Cyberknife® radiotherapy is recommended and the tumour can be eradicated in a few sessions only. Other therapies such as brachytherapy, high-intensity focused ultrasounds or surgical procedures with a prostatectomy (removal of the prostate) may be recommended.

Rectal Cancer

Bowel cancer is the development of a tumour in the rectum, more specifically between the end of the large intestine and the anus.

Causes

Alcohol consumption, smoking or a diet low in fibre are potential risk factors. Additionally, individuals with a family colorectal cancer history or certain hereditary cancer syndromes have a higher risk of developing bowel cancer.

Symptoms

  • Rectal bleeding
  • Frequent bowel movements
  • A feeling that the bowel is never fully emptied
  • Pain during bowel movement
  • Diarrhoea or constipation
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Unexplained fatigue and weakness
  • Abdominal discomforts such as gas, cramps and pain
  • Loss of appetite and weight

Diagnosis

Rectal cancer is usually diagnosed in patients aged 50 or more. However, the disease can develop at any age. When there is a suspicion of disease, medical procedures to confirm the diagnosis include a proctoscopy. Using a proctoscopy and its small camera, the physician is able to examine the anal cavity and rectum. If a tumour is found, it is measured and precisely located. A biopsy may be required. This consists of removing a small piece of tissue for analysis.

Available treatments

Rectal cancer treatment largely depends on the stage of the disease. If no cancer metastasis has taken place, surgical treatment is the best option. Radiation treatment (Papillon 50) and chemotherapy may also be administered.

Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is the presence of malignant tumours in the pancreas, a vital organ located behind the stomach.

Causes

The causes of pancreatic cancer are multifactorial and include factors such as age, smoking, family history, specific genetic mutations, chronic pancreatitis, and diabetes.

Symptoms

  • Abdominal pain or discomfort, often radiating to the back
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Loss of appetite
  • Dark urine and pale-coloured stools
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • New-onset diabetes or changes in existing diabetes
  • Digestive problems, such as indigestion or changes in bowel habits

Diagnosis

A pancreatic cancer diagnosis typically involves a combination of tests such as a medical history assessment, a physical examination and various imaging investigations. If symptoms or disease suspicions exist, a CT scan, an MRI and an endoscopic ultrasound may be carried out to visualize the pancreas to accurately detect abnormalities. Pancreatic enzyme levels are also analysed by means of a blood test. A pancreatic biopsy (small tissue sample of the pancreas) confirms the diagnosis and provides essential information regarding the cancer type, stage and scope.
Early and precise diagnosis is vital for planning effective treatment and improving outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients.

Available treatments

Various treatment options are available to efficiently address pancreatic cancer. These include a spectrum of pancreatic surgery procedures, such as:

  • Surgical intervention for acute pancreatitis
  • Partial removal of the pancreas through pancreatic head resection
  • Pancreatic resection (pancreatectomy)
  • Specialized surgery for pancreatic cancer
  • Pancreas transplantation

The key treatment objective is to preserve pancreatic function, alleviate symptoms, and, whenever possible, eliminate damaged tissues and tumours for improved patient outcome.
Treatment decisions are tailored, taking into account the patient's overall health, the stage of cancer and the extent of tumour involvement. 

Most frequently asked questions

What languages do you speak?

Among our staff members, we have coordinators who speak the following languages: French, English, German, Russian, Italian and Chinese.
If your language is not among those spoken, we can arrange for a translator to assist you during your medical consultations and/or therapies for an additional fee.

What information do I need to provide to receive an initial offer?

It is very important to provide our medical staff with as much general and up-to-date medical information as possible (reports of previous medical consultations, laboratory results, medical imaging, etc.) 
This will enable us to create a personalised medical programme for you and to provide you with the corresponding quotation.

 

Do I have to pay for a quotation for a medical programme or treatment?

Only inquiries about oncological issues are subject to a fee.

What is an initial estimate and how is it calculated?

The initial estimate is an estimation of the costs of your treatment and is performed by our specialists based on the documents and information that you submit in advance. It is therefore extremely important that we obtain as much medical information in advance as possible, so that the estimate is an accurate reflection of reality.

What are your payment terms?

The patient has to pay the full amount of the quotation, on the day of their arrival at the clinic at the latest.
We accept payments by cash, credit card or bank transfer.
You may be entitled to a full or partial refund of the deposit, depending on the final invoice amount.

Can you help me arrange transportation to and from the hospital?

Yes. We have our own limousine service and can arrange airport transfers or any other transfers you may need during your stay.

Can you help me organise my trip to Switzerland?

Yes, we can help you with visa applications, hotel reservations (if necessary) and transportation services.

Can I bring an accompanying person to the hospital where I will be staying?

Yes, we offer facilities to accommodate an accompanying person during your stay, in your room or in a separate room/suite. 
Please contact us directly if you would like further information.

Is it possible to cater for specific eating habits such as diets/intolerances/allergies or halal products?

Yes, of course, if you provide us with information about your eating habits before your stay, we will be happy to adapt your meal options accordingly.

What additional beauty services are available in your hospitals?

Some of our hospitals offer hairdressing and skin care services. At your request, we can also make appointments for you if these services are not offered at the clinic where you are staying.

What happens if additional tests are needed as part of my treatment and/or if my hospital stay is extended?

Depending on medical assessments and opinions (therapeutic progress, test results, rehabilitation progress, etc.), modifications to the treatment and/or additional tests may be advised and prescribed. Any subsequent changes to the initial offer can be made with your agreement, and will be charged accordingly.

Can I leave the hospital during my stay or course of treatment?

Any request to leave is subject to prior written consent from the doctor.

Can I eat my meals somewhere other than in my room?

Most of our clinics offer high quality gourmet food, which is served in their respective restaurants.  With the exception of breakfast, which is only served in your room, you can eat your meals in the clinic’s restaurant.

Can I take my medical reports home with me?

Yes. We will send you your complete medical file as soon as we have received all the necessary information from the doctors. This file will include all medical reports, laboratory results and radiographic images (X-rays).

In what language can I receive my final medical report?

Reports can be written in English upon request. They can also be translated into other languages for an additional fee.

If I need specific medical equipment when I return home, what should I do?

Our medical team or our coordinators will help you get all the equipment you need.

Our team of oncology specialists

Privatklinik Bethanien

Prof. Dr. med. Pierre-Alain Clavien

Specialisation
Hepatobiliary surgery (liver surgery), Pancreatic surgery, Biliary surgery, Surgical oncology, Visceral surgery View more
Clinique de Genolier

Dr. med. Michael Montemurro

Specialisation
Hematology, Internal medicine, Oncology
Clinique de Genolier

Prof. Dr. med. Oscar Matzinger

Specialisation
Radio-oncology, CyberKnife® System, Radixact® imaging system
Privatklinik Bethanien

Dr. med. Monika Jermann

Specialisation
Oncology, Internal medicine
Privatklinik Bethanien

Dr. med. Basil Albert Bättig

Specialisation
Oncology, Internal medicine
Clinique de Genolier

Dr. med. Matti Aapro

Specialisation
Oncology
Clinique Générale-Beaulieu

Dr. med. Edya Fuhrmann Benzakein

Specialisation
Oncology
Clinique Générale-Beaulieu

Dr. med. Claudine Helg

Specialisation
Oncology, Hematology
Clinique de Genolier

Dr. med. Volker Kirchner

Specialisation
Oncology, Hematology, Internal medicine
Clinique Générale-Beaulieu

Dr. med. Yordanka Tirefort

Specialisation
Oncology, Hematology
Clinique de Genolier

Dr. med. Javier Torralvo

Specialisation
Oncology, Internal medicine
Clinique Générale-Beaulieu

Dr. med. Claudia Collao Lamb

Specialisation
Oncology
Clinique Générale-Beaulieu

Dr. med. Michel Forni

Specialisation
Oncology
Clinique Générale-Beaulieu

PD Dr med Alex Friedlaender

Specialisation
Oncology
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Clinique Générale-Beaulieu

Dr. med. France Laurencet

Specialisation
Oncology
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Clinique Générale-Beaulieu

Dr. med. Audrey Simon

Specialisation
Oncology
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Clinique Générale-Beaulieu

Dr. med. Christian de Pree

Specialisation
Oncology, Hematology
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Clinique Générale-Beaulieu

Dr. med. Anne Hugli

Specialisation
Oncology
Clinique Générale-Beaulieu

Dr. med. Emmanuelle Tullen

Specialisation
Oncology, Hematology
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Privatklinik Bethanien

Dr. med. Erich Müller

Specialisation
Oncology, Hematology, Internal medicine
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Privatklinik Bethanien

PD Dr med Gabriella Pichert

Specialisation
Oncology, Internal medicine
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Clinica Sant'Anna

Dr. med. Antonello Calderoni

Specialisation
Internal medicine, Oncology
Clinica Sant'Anna

Dr. med. Alexandre Christophe Dikran Christinat

Specialisation
Oncology, Internal medicine, Senology (breast care)
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Clinica Sant'Anna

Dr. med. Michail Kouros

Specialisation
Internal medicine, Oncology
Clinica Sant'Anna

Dr. med. Francesca Borzani

Specialisation
Oncology, Internal medicine
Clinica Sant'Anna

Dr. med. Marco Varini

Specialisation
Internal medicine, Oncology
Clinique Générale-Beaulieu

Dr. med. Francesca Caparrotti

Specialisation
Radio-oncology, CyberKnife® System, Radixact® imaging system, Papillon View more
Clinique de Genolier

Dr. med. Adrien Cosinschi

Specialisation
Radio-oncology, CyberKnife® System, Radixact® imaging system
Clinique de Genolier

Dr. med. Christine Rossier

Specialisation
Radio-oncology, CyberKnife® System, Radixact® imaging system