Lung cancer remains one of the most prevalent and deadly forms of cancer worldwide. In Germany, significant advancements have been made in the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer, positioning the country as a leader in innovative therapies and patient care. This article explores the latest treatment options, highlights prominent medical professionals and institutions, and examines patient outcomes in Germany.
Innovative Therapies in Lung Cancer Treatment
Germany has been at the forefront of adopting and developing cutting-edge therapies for lung cancer. Recent advancements include:
mRNA-Based Vaccines
In 2024, clinical trials for the world’s first mRNA vaccine targeting non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were launched. Developed by BioNTech, the BNT116 vaccine aims to train the immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells, potentially preventing recurrence. These trials involve 130 patients across multiple countries, including Germany, and represent a significant advancement in immunotherapy for lung cancer.
Transpulmonary Chemoembolization (TPCE)
Pioneered in Germany, transpulmonary chemoembolization delivers chemotherapy directly into the lung’s arterial system. This approach, often guided by advanced imaging, blocks tumor-feeding vessels while releasing chemotherapeutic agents, enhancing local drug concentration and reducing systemic side effects.
Prof. Dr. med. Thomas J. Vogl, head of the Department of Radiology at University Hospital Frankfurt, is internationally recognized for performing TPCE in combination with interventional radiological techniques, such as: Microwave ablation, Laser-induced thermotherapy (LITT), Radiofrequency ablation (RFA). These are minimally invasive procedures that use heat to destroy tumor cells, often used when surgery isn’t viable.
Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs)
ADCs have emerged as a promising treatment modality. In 2024, Daiichi Sankyo and Merck announced that their ADC, patritumab deruxtecan, successfully extended progression-free survival in patients with specific gene mutation-induced NSCLC during a late-stage trial involving 586 patients. This therapy targets tumor cells while sparing healthy ones, offering a more precise treatment option.
Personalized Immunotherapy
The Practice Group for Cell Therapy Duderstadt specializes in dendritic cell-based immunotherapy. This personalized approach involves collecting a patient’s monocytes, differentiating them into antigen-presenting dendritic cells, and “training” them to recognize and target cancer cells. Such therapies harness the body’s immune system to combat cancer more effectively.
Hypoxic (Hypotoxic) Thoracic Perfusion
Offered by the Oncological Clinic Medias Burghausen, this innovative therapy isolates the thoracic region (lungs and chest cavity) to allow high-dose chemotherapy under hypoxic (low oxygen) conditions, which enhances drug uptake by tumor cells. This technique reduces toxicity to healthy tissues and is used especially in patients with locally advanced or inoperable tumors.
The Medias Burghausen clinic is one of the few specialized centers in Europe offering this therapy in conjunction with regional chemotherapy and immunomodulatory support.
Proton Beam Therapy
Proton therapy is an advanced form of radiation therapy that uses protons instead of conventional X-rays to treat cancer. The key advantage of proton therapy lies in its ability to deliver high-dose radiation precisely to the tumor while sparing surrounding healthy tissue. This makes it especially beneficial for treating lung tumors located near critical organs such as the heart or spinal cord. Although not yet widely available, several German centers collaborate with proton therapy facilities for eligible cases, particularly early-stage non-small cell lung cancer or recurrent disease. The reduced risk of collateral damage is especially important for patients with compromised lung function or those requiring re-irradiation.
CAR-T Cell Therapy for Solid Tumors
While CAR-T cell therapy has already revolutionized treatment for blood cancers, German researchers are now exploring its potential for solid tumors like lung cancer. This therapy involves collecting a patient’s T-cells, genetically engineering them to target specific antigens on cancer cells, and reintroducing them into the body to launch a precise immune attack. Leading research hospitals such as University Hospital Frankfurt and University Hospital Heidelberg are participating in early-phase clinical trials to adapt CAR-T therapy to the unique challenges of lung cancer, such as tumor heterogeneity and immune resistance. Although still experimental, CAR-T for NSCLC represents a promising frontier in personalized oncology.
Leading Medical Institutions & Professionals
Germany boasts several renowned hospitals and doctors specializing in lung cancer treatment:
University Hospital Rechts der Isar Munich
Affiliated with the Technical University of Munich, this hospital offers comprehensive cancer care services, handling approximately 8,000 cancer cases annually. It provides access to state-of-the-art treatments, clinical trials, and multidisciplinary cancer care teams.
University Hospital Heidelberg
The Thorax Clinic at Heidelberg University Hospital has been recognized as a “Center of Excellence” by the German Society for Thoracic Surgery. It treats all benign and malignant diseases of the lungs, performing around 1,750 thoracic surgical procedures in 2021, making it one of the largest centers in Germany.
Oncological Clinic Medias Burghausen
Specializing in surgical oncology and immunotherapy, this private clinic is a world leader in regional chemotherapy, performing hundreds of perfusions and regional chemotherapies annually. It focuses on treating various cancers, including lung tumors, with innovative techniques.
University Hospital Frankfurt am Main
This multidisciplinary hospital is renowned for combining academic excellence with clinical innovation. It is home to Prof. Dr. med. Thomas J. Vogl, a global pioneer in interventional oncology, particularly in transpulmonary chemoembolization and thermal ablation techniques for lung tumors. University Hospital Frankfurt also participates in cutting-edge liquid biopsy research and early-phase CAR-T clinical trials for lung cancer.
Statistical Data on Lung Cancer in Germany
According to the Robert Koch Institute, approximately 57,000 new cases of lung cancer are diagnosed annually in Germany, with NSCLC accounting for about 85% of these cases. The five-year survival rate has improved over the past decade, now approaching 20%, reflecting advancements in early detection and treatment modalities.
Conclusion
Lung cancer treatment in Germany continues to make significant strides through the adoption of innovative therapies, the expertise of leading medical professionals, and the dedication of specialized institutions. Patients benefit from a comprehensive approach that combines cutting-edge research with personalized care, leading to improved outcomes and quality of life.
