Ask the Patients – Participation in Cancer Research
Scientists at the German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ) are exploring the causes and mechanisms of the development and progression of cancer. Based on this, new strategies for prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment are developed. Patient participation is an important concern in oncological research at DKFZ, in order to include the perspective of those affected, particularly as part of an increasing focus on patient-centred, clinical research. In this way, cancer research will be better focussed on the problems and difficulties faced by cancer patients.
Broader base for patient participation in cancer research
In order to put participatory cancer research on a broader base, the participation platform fragdiepatienten.de was developed under the leadership of the Cancer Information Service at the DKFZ and went live in 2021. fragdiepatienten.de is an innovative tool for involving cancer patients in the planning and implementation of oncological projects already in the planning stage.
How does it work?
Anonymous short surveys on oncological research topics can be used by interested cancer scientists to collect the perspectives of those affected in a low-threshold and data protection-compliant manner. The first surveys have already been successfully conducted, and the results were shared with the researchers. For example, surveys on the importance of data protection issues in research for cancer patients, on the acceptance of artificial intelligence in cancer diagnostics and therapy, and on the development of information material on familial breast and ovarian cancer in simple language have been carried out. The platform is currently open for surveys designed by cancer researchers from the DKFZ and its partner institutions.
German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ)