The Network

The Network Genomic Medicine (NGM) Lung Cancer was established in March 2010 by the Cologne Lung Cancer Group (LCGC) at the Center for Integrated Oncology at the University Hospital of Cologne. Starting in North Rhine-Westphalia, the network strives to offer comprehensive and high-quality molecular diagnostics for all patients with lung cancer and thus to promote the implementation of personalized therapy in routine clinical care. Participants are a growing number of hospitals and oncological practices, now also nationwide.

By now, hospitals and private practices with interdisciplinary medical specializations work together nationwide to enable all cancer patients in Germany the access to the most innovative precision medicine based on the comprehensive molecular analysis of the tumor, including a consultation and therapy program which exceeds beyond standard care. The fundamental philosophy of the Network Genomic Medicine (NGM) is to conduct a comprehensive diagnosis for any patient with a non-resectable, malignant lung tumor that clarifies all aspects of possible treatment decisions promptly and regardless of the question of reimbursement.
For this purpose the tumor tissue is examined for all molecular changes that may have therapeutic relevance, now or in the future. The subsequent treatment is carried out decentralized, so that patients can benefit from the cutting-edge medicine closest to home. At the Network Genomic Medicine we try to offer an appropriate clinical trial testing a new drug to all our patients who have a detected mutation, for which there has no drug been approved for treatment yet. In close cooperation with health insurers, another of our targets is the continuous evaluation of the obtained data, in order to promote the penetration of personalized medicine in routine care in Germany. NGM is Europe’s largest platform for molecular diagnostics.