Professor Heidenreich was appointed chairman of the European Society of Urology

The Department of Urology at the University Hospital of Cologne is now one of the largest European centers for treating germ cell tumors.

Testicular germ cell tumors are the most common malignant tumors in young men between the ages of 20 and 40. In Germany alone, around 4,300 new cases are diagnosed each year. For years, national and international guidelines have emphasized the importance of treating patients with metastatic germ cell tumors at specialized centers, where the higher volume of cases ensures the necessary expertise for successful treatment. Scientific studies show that errors in initial therapy cannot be compensated for by subsequent therapies.

"As Chairman of the Guidelines Commission, it is important to ensure that the centralization of therapy for patients with an unfavourable prognosis, recurrence situations and complex surgical interventions, which has long been called for in the guidelines, is implemented throughout Europe. Another important aspect is the harmonization of international guidelines through a consensus-based adaptation of the EAU, AUA and ASCO guidelines. Last but not least, we would like to optimize knowledge about the early detection, diagnosis and treatment of germ cell tumors by holding an international testis cancer awareness event on the same day," says Prof. Heidenreich about his new role.

This message has been modified by the CMMC (K. Heber & D. Grosskopf-Kroiher) and is based on the text by the press and communications team of the University Hospital Cologne (original version here).