Comprehensive Cancer Center Munich - University Hospital of Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich

About the Comprehensive Cancer Center Munich at University Hospital of Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich

The Comprehensive Cancer Center Munich (CCC Munich) at the University Hospital of Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich is one of the leading cancer centers in Germany and Europe. It is structurally divided into organ-specific cancer centers, each with a dedicated team of medical specialists. This structure enables comprehensive and interdisciplinary medical care across all types of cancer using advanced diagnostic procedures and treatment modalities. CCC Munich was founded in 2010. Its initial certification as an Oncology Center by the German Cancer Society (DKG) followed in 2013. A distinctive feature of the center is its approach based on the principles of precision oncology, which combines molecular diagnostics with interdisciplinary medical expertise. The medical team of the center performs molecular tumor profiling to determine the most appropriate therapeutic options and develop personalized treatment plans. Particular importance is also placed on psycho-oncological support for each patient throughout the treatment process, as a cancer diagnosis can impose a significant emotional burden that should be properly addressed. The specialists at the center are also committed to providing high-quality medical care while also paying focusing on the patients' overall quality of life. CCC Munich combines extensive experience with advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies, enabling comprehensive medical care for patients with both common and rare or complex cancers.

The center is headed by Prof. Dr. med. Volker Heinemann. He has more than 40 years of clinical experience in oncology, combined with active involvement in cancer research. Prof. Heinemann is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the German Cancer Society (DKG), and the German Society of Hematology and Medical Oncology (DGHO). He leads the Pancreatic Cancer Working Group of the AIO and serves as Editor for GI Oncology of the European Journal of Cancer. His main clinical interests include the treatment of gastrointestinal tumors, breast cancer, and metastases.

Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies in women. The treatment of this type of cancer requires an interdisciplinary and highly specialized approach combined with advanced therapeutic modalities. The diagnostic work-up for breast cancer patients includes ultrasound, digital mammography, tomosynthesis, breast MRI, and biopsy. In many cases, molecular profiling of the tumor contributes to the development of a personalized treatment plan, incorporating the most appropriate therapies. Surgical removal of the tumor is one of the most common approaches. The specialists at the center perform breast-conserving surgery whenever appropriate. However, if this option is not suitable, mastectomy followed by reconstructive plastic surgery may be considered. Breast surgery is often complemented by systemic or local treatments, including chemotherapy, hormone therapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, antibody therapy, or immunotherapy. Each option is considered individually based on diagnostic findings. Professional psycho-oncological support accompanies each treatment stage to help women with breast cancer cope with their emotional distress.

Colon cancer treatment is also among the center's key clinical focuses. This is one of the most common cancers and one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality. The center's Colorectal Cancer Center is certified by the German Cancer Society (DKG), which reflects its extensive expertise in this medical field. The center's therapeutic options range from surgical treatment of colon tumors and their metastases to locoregional procedures for colon cancer metastases, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation therapy and radiochemotherapy, as well as immunotherapy. The center's physicians develop personalized treatment plans for their patients during interdisciplinary tumor board meetings. This enables the team to select the most appropriate therapies while taking into account all relevant aspects of the patient's clinical situation.

Colorectal cancer has traditionally been considered a disease that primarily affects older adults. However, in recent years, a worrying global rise in colorectal cancer cases among young patients, especially those under the age of 50, has been observed in many countries. This trend presents new challenges for the medical community and healthcare systems. The center has extensive experience in the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer in young patients. Although a cancer diagnosis at a young age is especially difficult, the center's medical team makes every effort to provide appropriate treatment while preserving the best possible quality of life for young patients with this disease.

The Comprehensive Cancer Center Munich is one of the leading oncology centers in Germany, providing comprehensive medical care for patients with a wide range of cancers. The center offers a broad spectrum of modern diagnostic procedures and treatment options for patients with malignancies of the kidneys, bladder, central and peripheral nervous systems, gastrointestinal organs, endocrine glands, and lungs, as well as for patients with bone and soft tissue sarcomas, leukemias, and lymphomas. Moreover, this center is one of the few facilities in Germany with extensive experience in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with cancer of unknown primary and rare types of malignancies. The medical team takes a thorough and systematic approach to developing individualized treatment plans for cancer patients, carefully assessing the potential benefits and risks of each therapeutic option.

CCC Munich also treats children with different types of cancer, taking into account the needs of young patients. Treatment follows specialized pediatric protocols and most often includes surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. They most often include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy whenever appropriate. According to the center's reported data, treatment success rates for pediatric cancers reach up to 80%. These outcomes are largely supported by close collaboration between pediatric oncologists and pediatric surgeons, neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists, and other pediatric specialists. To help children cope with the challenges of cancer treatment, the center also employs a team of psychologists, art therapists, music therapists, social workers, physiotherapists, dietitians, and sports therapists. This well-established interdisciplinary approach, combined with clinical expertise and advanced treatment options, provides comprehensive medical care and support for young patients throughout their treatment journey. 

The center specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of the following types of cancer:

• Breast cancer
• Gynecological cancers
  • Uterine cancer, including endometrial cancer
  • Cervical cancer
  • Ovarian cancer
  • Vaginal cancer
  • Vulvar cancer
• Urological cancers
  • Prostate cancer
  • Penile cancer
  • Testicular cancer
  • Kidney cancer
  • Bladder cancer
  • Ureteral cancer
• Gastrointestinal cancers
  • Colorectal cancer
  • Stomach cancer
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Liver cancer and liver metastases
  • Gallbladder and bile duct cancers
• Endocrine and neuroendocrine tumors
  • Thyroid cancer
  • Parathyroid cancer
  • Adrenal cancer
  • Pituitary cancer
  • Neuroendocrine tumors
• Bone and soft tissue cancers
  • Bone and soft tissue sarcomas
• Head and neck cancers
  • ENT cancers
    • Nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancers
    • Oral cavity and oral mucosal cancers
    • Throat cancer
    • Laryngeal cancer
    • Salivary gland cancer
    • Head and neck skin cancer
  • Oral and maxillofacial cancers
    • Upper and lower jaw cancers
    • Lip cancer
    • Tongue cancer
• Thoracic cancers
  • Lung cancer
  • Pleural mesothelioma
  • Tracheal cancer
  • Mediastinal cancers
• Brain and spinal cord cancers
• Malignant blood diseases
  • Leukemia
  • Myeloproliferative neoplasms
  • Multiple myeloma
• Childhood cancers
  • Leukemias
  • Lymphomas
  • Sarcomas
  • Brain and spinal cord tumors
  • Kidney cancer
  • Liver cancer
  • Retinoblastomas
• Other malignancies

The therapeutic options offered at the center include:

• Surgical treatment
  • Minimally invasive surgery
  • Da Vinci robotic surgery
  • Laser procedures
  • Endoscopic procedures
  • Open surgery
• Non-surgical treatment
  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation therapy, including innovative stereotactic radiosurgery
  • Hormone therapy
  • Antibody therapy
  • Immunotherapy
  • Targeted therapy
  • Photodynamic therapy
  • Radiofrequency and laser ablation
  • Bone marrow transplantation
• Other surgical and non-surgical treatment modalities