GermanyHeidelbergData accurate as of July 6, 2026

NCT Heidelberg — National Center for Tumor Diseases

NCT is a joint project of Heidelberg University Hospital, DKFZ (German Cancer Research Center) and German Cancer Aid. It combines clinical care with research — patients have access to protocols not available in standard care.

First contact

NCT International Office — nct-int@uni-heidelberg.de or +49-6221-56-5930. Referral and translated records often required; preliminary case review before a visit may be possible.

Center website

About the center

NCT (National Center for Tumor Diseases) Heidelberg is a unique German structure combining Heidelberg University Hospital, the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Deutsche Krebshilfe. Patients benefit from clinical care and research in one place. Heidelberg is one of the most popular German cities for oncology patients from Poland.

Location

Heidelberg

Heidelberg — historic university town in Baden-Württemberg, 80 km from Frankfurt. Frankfurt airport (FRA) — about 1 hour by ICE train. Compact city, easy tram access to the hospital.

Why patients choose this center

✓Direct collaboration with DKFZ — one of Europe's leading cancer research centers.
✓Close to Poland — 1.5 h flight from Warsaw or train via Berlin.
✓Multidisciplinary tumor boards — treatment plan set by a specialist team.
✓Access to clinical trials not available in Poland.
✓Heidelberg is a safe, compact university town.

Specializations

Breast, colorectal and pancreatic cancers; multidisciplinary approach, clinical trials, DKFZ collaboration.

Medical and surgical oncology
Radiotherapy
Targeted therapy and immunotherapy
Breast, colorectal and pancreatic cancer treatment
Molecular diagnostics (at DKFZ)

Clinical trials

NCT and DKFZ run one of Europe's most active clinical trial programs. EU and non-EU patients may qualify after meeting criteria. Check our clinical trials radar. Check the clinical trials radar →

International patient program

NCT International Office serves patients from abroad. Typical process: submit records → initial assessment → proposed visit date. Response: 1–2 weeks.

Documents to prepare

•Referral from your Polish oncologist (often required)
•Record translation into German or English
•Pathology report
•Imaging results
•Treatment history

Costs and insurance

EU patients may apply for planned treatment (S2 form) — requires NFZ approval. Private patients: individual costs. Germany: high quality, moderate costs vs USA. Grants database →

Typical timeline

Initial assessment: 1–2 weeks. First visit: 2–4 weeks. Treatment plan: often after first tumor board.

Accommodation

Heidelberg offers hotels, guesthouses and apartments. Tourist city — book in advance. Tram to hospital from center: 10–15 minutes.

Languages

GermanEnglish (international staff)Interpreter for visits

Practical tips

💡Ask NFZ about planned EU treatment (S2 form) — may cover costs.
💡Heidelberg is popular with tourists — book accommodation early.
💡ICE from Frankfurt to Heidelberg: about 1 hour — convenient from Poland flights.
💡Prepare German translation — it will ease communication with staff.

The data in the directory is informational and may change. Before making any decisions, always verify current information directly with the center. This is not medical advice.