Patient Advisory Board
10 Years of the Swiss Cancer Institute’s Patient Council
Since its establishment in 2015, the Patient Council of the Swiss Cancer Institute (SCI) has become a key body supporting patient-centred research. It was formally incorporated into the Swiss Cancer Institute’s statutes in 2017, and since 2023 has been involved in new research initiatives from the outset, as this is increasingly required by funding bodies. The Patient Council evaluated 18 study proposals in 2025.
Milestones 2015–2025
The Patient Council looks back on a decade of impactful work. Its most significant achievements include:
- More than 50 lay summaries and patient information leaflets reviewed
- Six plain-language publications presenting clinical trial findings
- Eleven public events dedicated to patient participation in research
- Regular participation in training programmes at the Young Oncology Academy
- Development of a broad international network
- Participation in recognised training programmes such as the EUPATI course and the CAS Qualité et sécurité en soins (CAS Quality and Safety in Healthcare) programme
- A radio programme on cancer survivorship (“Living with and after cancer”), featuring cancer survivor Ursula Ganz-Blättler, aired on Rendez-vous am Mittag on DRS 1
Personnel Changes in 2025
Ursula Ganz-Blättler and Sander Botter stepped down from the Patient Council in 2025. Long-standing Programme Manager Christine Aeschlimann also left the SCI.
Aeschlimann’s commitment was instrumental in establishing the Patient Council as a national reference body for the evaluation of clinical cancer research projects.
National Initiatives and Projects
The Patient Council was involved in several major national initiatives in 2025.
Swiss PPIE Network
As a founding member, the Patient Council supports the involvement of patients and the public in healthcare.
The association aims to improve the quality, relevance and outcomes of research, care, education and health policy in a sustainable, long-term way.
Cancer Survivorship Guidelines
Following the nationwide analysis of the situation of cancer survivors in Switzerland (All.Can Switzerland), published in 2024, the development of national guidelines was identified as a key priority.
Led by leading specialist organisations, multidisciplinary guidelines were subsequently developed to ensure improved aftercare and support for cancer survivors. As a member of the panel of experts, the Patient Council contributed valuable insights.
The guidelines have since been approved by the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) and published in the Swiss Medical Journal.
National Cancer Plan 2026–2032
The Patient Council actively participated in workshops organised by Oncosuisse to develop concrete implementation measures.
Based on this work, Oncosuisse will subsequently prepare a final report, which will serve as the basis for the Federal Office of Public Health’s (FOPH) National Cancer Plan 2026–2032, due to be adopted by the Federal Council in summer 2026.
Outlook
The Patient Council will continue to contribute its expertise to the national and international research landscape. Ongoing exchanges with the German Cancer Research Centre, as well as its involvement in the organising committee for the 2026 French-speaking Cancer Patients’ Congress in Marseille, underscore its growing importance.
With strong partnerships and a clear vision, it remains a driving force behind research that puts patients first.