In Memory of Petra Feyer: A Leader in Oncological Supportive Care
At the start of January 2025, the oncology community and the world at large suffered a tremendous loss with the unexpected passing of Petra Feyer at the age of 69.
Throughout her career, Petra Feyer was not just a leading radiation oncologist; she was a visionary who transcended the boundaries of her specialty.
Her contributions went beyond clinical practice—she was a tireless advocate for interdisciplinary and multi-professional collaboration, working to integrate supportive care as a cornerstone of oncology.
Her commitment to ensuring that patients received individualized, compassionate, and holistic care was evident in every aspect of her professional life.
As a senior physician and through her involvement in various scientific societies, Petra championed supportive care, ensuring that it became an integral component of cancer treatment across the globe.
For countless colleagues, students, and professionals, Petra was more than just an expert.
She was a role model, a mentor, and a friend. Her wisdom, generosity, and dedication were boundless, and she inspired many of us to pursue excellence in both research and patient care. Her passing leaves a void in the field that cannot be filled.
Petra Feyer’s academic journey began at the University of Leipzig, where she studied medicine, completed her specialist training in radiology, and earned both her doctorate and habilitation.
In 1994, she was appointed as a private lecturer at the Clinic and Polyclinic for Radiation Therapy at the Humboldt University of Berlin Charité, Campus Mitte. By 1999, she had secured a professorship at the University of Cologne’s Clinic and Polyclinic for Radiation Therapy.
Her leadership continued to shine in her role as director of the Clinic for Radiation Therapy, Radiation Oncology, and Nuclear Medicine at the Vivantes Clinic Berlin-Neukölln, where she served from 2000 to 2022.
Beyond her clinical and academic work, Petra was a stalwart in professional societies. She was actively involved in numerous scientific organizations and served as chairwoman of the Berlin Cancer Society for many years.
Her leadership at the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) was particularly impactful, where she held various key roles, including chairing the Annual Meetings in Berlin in both 2003 and 2013. She also served on MASCC’s Board, further cementing her influence on the international stage.
Petra’s efforts to promote supportive care in oncology will continue to resonate, especially within MASCC and the Working Group on Supportive Care in Oncology (AGSMO).
Both organizations will honor her memory and continue to push forward the mission she so passionately advanced: to ensure that supportive care is recognized as a vital, inseparable part of cancer treatment.
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ESMO 2024 Congress
September 13-17, 2024
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ASCO Annual Meeting
May 30 - June 4, 2024
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Yvonne Award 2024
May 31, 2024
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OncoThon 2024, Online
Feb. 15, 2024
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Global Summit on War & Cancer 2023, Online
Dec. 14-16, 2023