University Hospital Cologne and Gustave Roussy launched Franco-German research project on lung cancer

The University Hospital of Cologne and the French comprehensive cancer center Gustave Roussy launched a groundbreaking joint study called REDUCE-LUNG, aimed at improving treatment outcomes, particularly for patients aged 70 and above with advanced lung cancer.

This three-year study will compare two treatment regimens to determine the most effective approach for this patient group, who often face unique challenges in cancer treatment. The study will test two cycles of chemo-immunotherapy followed by immunotherapy maintenance against the current standard treatment of four cycles of chemo-immunotherapy. By examining these different treatment strategies, the study seeks to find a more tailored and potentially less aggressive approach, while still providing effective cancer control and minimizing side effects for older patients.

The results from REDUCE-LUNG are expected to offer valuable insights that could reshape the treatment landscape for older individuals battling advanced lung cancer, with a focus on improving survival rates and quality of life. The study’s findings could also influence the development of future lung cancer treatment protocols for elderly patients who are often underrepresented in clinical trials.

This collaboration between two leading cancer institutions underscores the importance of international efforts in advancing personalized cancer care and improving outcomes for vulnerable patient populations.

Prof. Dr. Michael Hallek, Founding Chairman and Director of Center for Integrated Oncology (CIO), explained:

“We are very much looking forward to this joint, cross-border project. We are grateful for the support of the donors for this important, potentially practice-hanging studym which will determine whether a reduced intensity of chemotherapy is similarly effective but better tolerated than standard therapy for the study group.”

Prof. Fabrice André, Research Director of Gustave Roussy, added:

“We are deeply grateful to the donors for their generous support, which will help generate practice-changing results and insights that contribute to optimizing the treatment of patients with lung cancer.”

Center for Integrated Oncology (CIO) at the University Hospital Cologne

The Cancer Center of the University Hospital Cologne, known as the CIO Cologne, is recognized as one of the leading international cancer centers. It plays a central role in advancing cancer research and treatment, hosting several large national study groups.

In collaboration with the cancer centers of the University Hospitals of Aachen, Bonn, and Düsseldorf, the CIO Cologne is part of the CIO Aachen Bonn Cologne Düsseldorf network, which is one of the 15 comprehensive cancer centers in Germany. This collaboration enhances the scope and impact of cancer research, treatment, and patient care across the region.

Additionally, in partnership with the West German Tumor Center Essen, the CIO Cologne contributes to the NCT West network. This is part of the National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), a long-term cooperative initiative between the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), top-tier university medical centers, and other prestigious research institutions across Germany. This collaboration strengthens the overall research infrastructure, facilitating groundbreaking studies and improving cancer care on a national level.

About Gustave Roussy: Leading Cancer Center in Europe