Supported by Lombard Odier’s Fondation Philanthropia since 2016, the Swiss-French Oncology Network (Réseau romand d’oncologie) has set up a structure enabling patients suffering from advanced cancer to access cutting-edge technology and follow newly developed therapies. This project was presented at a press conference in Lausanne and Geneva on Friday 27 October.

Two of the region’s flagship institutions were involved: Geneva University Hospitals (HUG) and Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV). Their project aims to organise weekly videoconferences with Swiss oncologists, working in either neighboring hospitals or practices.

To date, over 300 patients have benefited from personalised consultation given by pathologists, bioinformaticiens, geneticists and oncologists.

This project unfolded rapidly thanks to the support of Fondation Philanthropia and FAMSA Foundation. Donations have made it possible to fund additional immunology researchers and hire data managers to better manage the collection of patient data.

“We are pleased to contribute to a developing network of experts, which provides patients direct access to leading research and new therapies implemented in oncology. Moreover, the role of donor foundations is to be able to take risks in supporting innovative pilot projects such as this one”, points Denis Pittet, Chairman of the Fondation Philanthropia.

The foundation has facilitated philanthropic initiatives for donors in all areas of civic engagement since 2008. Cancer is a particularly strong issue for our donors; more than a quarter of donations received are dedicated to cancer research. 

Lombard Odier’s Fondation Philanthropia also supports Institut Curie, Institut Pasteur, Swiss League Against Cancer, University College London, Union for International Cancer Control and Institut Gustave Roussy.