The oncology department of Asklepios Klinik Barmbek in Hamburg, Germany is one of the leading cancer treatment centers in the country. Now, it is being recognized as such with a formal certification from the German Cancer Society (DKG).

 

AK Barmbek Oncology heads of department

The German Cancer Society recently awarded the Asklepios Klinik Barmbek with the quality seal “Oncological Center,” meaning it has met certain quality standards as measured by an independent organization, according to a recent press release. With this quality seal, the DKG recognized the clinic as a professionally-structured, innovative treatment center with an exceptionally high treatment quality for cancer patients. For such an honor, the clinic had to meet certain national and international benchmarks.

“We want to offer cancer patients in all stages and phases of their illness an individual, comprehensive treatment in accordance with the newest medical-scientific standards,” said Dr. Axel Stang, Medical Director of Asklepios Klinik Barmbek and Leader of the Oncological Center. Dr. Stang is a leading oncological specialist and has been recognized for his work with modern cancer therapies, such as antibody therapy and molecular tumor therapy, which works to destroy cancer cells in a targeted manner, according to the Leading Medicine Guide.

In order to receive the seal, the clinic needed to show that it had an integrated in- and out-patient treatment structure; that it incorporated psycho-oncology, social medicine and palliative medicine; participation in international tumor conferences; and the implementation of innovations from scientific studies in clinical care practices in order to better benefit patients.

Additionally contributing to the Hamburg clinic’s success at handling even complex cancer cases is the high degree of cooperation between different specialists and an emphasis on multidisciplinary care. In addition to oncology, surgery, and radiation therapy, specialists from gastroenterology, urology, gynecology, pulmonary medicine, radiology, pharmacology and pathology regularly cooperate to provide cancer patients comprehensive care.

“The deciding success factor in the treatment of cancer is the cooperation of the treatment partners in the practice,” said representatives from the German Cancer Society. “In the Asklepios Klinik Barmbek, the close cooperation of the cancer specialisms is palpable at all times. They set an example for others with the close collaboration of different disciplines.”

The representatives also praised the clinic for its integration of medical care at all stages of treatment, including preventative medicine, aftercare and palliative care, as well as the psychological support its personnel provided cancer patients and their families.

The certification was conducted by the Institute OnkoZert on commission by the German Cancer Society (DKG). The goal is to encourage education from organ and specialty centers in accordance with fixed new medical standards, and with this, to improve the care of cancer patients. After a successful certification as oncological center, the organ cancer centers at Asklepios Barmbek, which have already been certified for several years, will be merged under one roof with the Oncological Center.