Since 2010, participants in the Race for Life have raised a total of over CHF 3.5 million in funding for cancer research and to support those affected by cancer in Switzerland. Our dedicated employee teams are getting on their bikes and pedaling away for the benefit of patients. Thank you all for taking part in the 2023 Race for Life charity bike race.

Our daily commitment to clinical cancer research

SAKK is the biggest competence center for clinical cancer research in Switzerland. The not-for-profit organization was established as an association in 1965. As a competence center, the objective of SAKK is to network its members, research cancer therapies, refine existing treatments and improve the chances of a cure for cancer patients. This is achieved through cooperation within Switzerland and with partners in other countries. Researching physicians are helped to develop and conduct multicenter and interdisciplinary trials independently of the pharmaceutical industry. The members of SAKK are the clinical-oncology sites at university, cantonal and private hospitals. They work with other hospitals and physicians, and together form the SAKK network.

Our aim is to further develop and improve existing cancer treatments. In clinical trials we examine the efficacy, tolerability and safety of new treatments. The resulting findings have a direct influence on the day-to-day treatment of patients, therefore benefiting them immediately.

SAKK consists of a Swiss-wide network of hospitals, and also collaborates with hospitals and trial groups in other countries. We are particularly well connected within the European cancer research community: We regularly conduct clinical trials in cooperation with trial groups abroad, acting as the foreign sponsor's representative within Switzerland; in parallel, trial groups and individual hospitals in other countries also participate in SAKK trials.

More than just research

We give cancer patients in Switzerland the opportunity to receive treatment as part of clinical trials. But our trials represent more than just research: Through our work, we make a key contribution to improving the quality of cancer treatment and practicing evidence-based medicine.