At the end of last year, we were forced to undertake financial restructuring in order to tackle a very large structural deficit in the period 2021 to 2024, and we are extremely relieved to be able to inform you that the financial restructuring plan has got off to a successful start and that SAKK has been rescued, from an economic point of view.

The Board was able to approve a modified, almost balanced budget for 2021. The major stakeholders will maintain their engagement with SAKK. The risk of insolvency has therefore been averted. Our sustained success during the coming years is, however, contingent on the restructuring measures that have been decided in order to lower costs being implemented as planned and resolved. This includes the reduction of payments to members for ongoing trials. The headcount at the Coordinating Center (CC) has already been reduced.

The Board together with the Executive Board of the SAKK CC and the investigators is working hard to save as many as possible of the projects that were put on hold or closed for accrual. Fortunately, solutions have already been found for many trials. Further talks and negotiations will take place during the coming weeks, and we expect more studies to be saved from closure or early termination. It was nonetheless necessary to close down some trials completely as part of the restructuring plan.

The measures will not lead to any disadvantages for our patients. Patients who are being treated in new, experimental trials will continue to receive the trial medication. Patients enrolled in trials with standard therapies can continue the standard therapy outside the trial.

The Board is unanimous in its belief that financial restructuring must be followed by a review and reform of the organizational and management structure of SAKK. A task force consisting of selected members of the Board will develop proposals for reform during the next few weeks and will discuss them with the SAKK members. The aim is to implement the reforms before the end of this year.

This is the only way for SAKK to resume a successful path on a lasting basis and, as a stronger network, to continue driving clinical cancer research projects for the benefit of patients and organizing continuing training and other events at all levels.

If you have any further questions, please consult the FAQs on the financial situation at SAKK and its restructuring plan.

For further information please contact SAKK CEO PD Dr. Martin Reist: martin.reist@sakk.ch