Cancer Center UMC Utrecht

Cancer is an umbrella term for more than a hundred diseases in which cells begin to divide uncontrollably. These abnormal cells can develop into a tumor and damage surrounding tissue. Sometimes they spread to other parts of the body via the blood or lymphatic system. The causes and symptoms vary enormously. Sometimes cancer is caused by environmental or lifestyle factors, and other times it is hereditary.

Cancer can occur in almost any organ, but also in soft tissues, bone, or blood. How the disease develops differs from person to person and depending on the type of cancer. Therefore, every patient in the Cancer Center UMC Utrecht A tailored treatment, adapted to the nature of the disease and the person behind the patient.

In the Cancer Center UMC Utrecht We treat cancer as precisely and with as little burden as possible. With innovative techniques such as radiation with the MR-Linac, robotic surgery, and laparoscopic surgery, we can treat tumors highly targeted, while sparing healthy tissue as much as possible.

The MR-Linac is a technological breakthrough that we developed in-house at UMC Utrecht. This device combines an MRI scanner with a radiation system, allowing us to continuously monitor the tumor during treatment and irradiate it with extreme precision. Our surgeons also use 3D imaging and the surgical robot during operations. This allows procedures to be performed with less strain, and you often recover faster.

This method of treatment often results in less pain, fewer scars, and faster recovery. This usually allows you to resume your daily life sooner.

The chance of a cancer cure varies depending on the situation. If you know that you will not be cured, we offer appropriate care to maintain the best possible quality of life. With our treatments, we aim to slow down the disease as much as possible and alleviate symptoms (also known as palliative care). In doing so, we support you in staying as fit and comfortable as possible. 

We also offer you mental, social, and spiritual support. For example, by putting you in touch with fellow sufferers or arranging practical matters in daily life. Together, we discuss what is important to you and what support you and your loved ones need.

Our researchers and doctors work every day on new ways to better detect cancer and treat it more specifically. We also want to improve the quality of life for patients. We do this with scientific research towards better diagnostics and new medicines. We are working on cell and gene therapies and on new surgical techniques. In addition, we are developing personalized treatments, for example based on DNA or by means of the sentinel lymph node procedureWe also use organoids: mini-tumors that we grow in the laboratory from the patient's tissue. From these, we can learn how the specific tumor grows and responds to various treatments.

We do not do this alone. Together with our partners at the Utrecht Science Park, we have joined forces in Utrecht CancerWhere we conduct research together and work on better treatments, higher survival rates, and a better quality of life for people with cancer, now and in the future.

Cancer research always requires a lot of money. Help us develop our new effective treatments. Support us through the UMC Utrecht Foundation.

A treatment, surgery, or hospitalization can be a stressful and emotional time. During such times, it is often comforting if your partner, family, or friend can stay nearby. In the guest accommodation of the Cancer Center UMC Utrecht Is that possible?

The guest accommodation serves as a place to stay for relatives of patients admitted to our hospital. You are also very welcome here if you need to be at the hospital early yourself for an admission or appointment. The accommodation features eight guest rooms and a spacious, home-like living room where your loved ones can retreat for a while.

That way, there is always a place nearby, at a time when closeness and togetherness mean the most.