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Oncology

Our scientists take a rigorous, comprehensive approach to understanding cancer biology and drug discovery.

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Challenge

We have made great strides in our understanding of cancer, but more needs to be done.

Historically, cancer was treated as a single disease, but we now know that there are more than 200 different types, each with different behaviours, rates of growth and stages of progression. Several cancer types and subtypes remain stubbornly difficult to treat and major inequalities still exist in terms of outcomes. This, tied with our growing and ageing population, and new and emerging factors (diet, environment, exposure, etc.), constitute an ever-increasing burden on society.

Our ultimate vision is to prevent and provide cures for cancer in all its forms. As no single intervention is likely to achieve this, we seek to comprehensively understand the disease, its complexities and its impact on patients. By giving our researchers the freedom to explore the cutting edge of science and technology, we deepen our understanding of the biology and immunology of cancer to make this vision a reality sooner.

Focus

For more than 50 years, we have developed innovative medicines and diagnostics that help prevent, detect, diagnose, treat and monitor cancer. We strive to transform the lives of people with cancer, as well as those who support them. Our focus thus lies in pushing for progress in cancer prevention, increasing disease awareness, developing innovative screening and diagnostic technologies, and advancing our understanding of the disease and its causes. With our leading Pharmaceuticals and Diagnostics businesses under one roof, and a strong R&D pipeline, we are better positioned to deliver personalized healthcare than any other company.

Cases in detail

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    Cancer immunotherapy

    For more than 50 years, Roche has been developing medicines with the goal to redefine treatment in oncology. Today, we’re investing more than ever to bring personalised immunotherapy to people with cancer.

  • A scientist in a lab coat and gloves operates lab equipment, handling a rack of test tubes. The lab setting is organized and focused.

    Lung cancer

    Lung cancer is a complex disease, but ongoing research, advanced clinical trials and investigational medicines in the pipeline will continue to uncover answers that save and improve lives.

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    Breast cancer

    Breast cancer is a hugely complex disease. Our research and solutions aim to further our understanding of breast cancer and improve outcomes for everyone affected by this disease

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    Haematology

    Haematology is a complex and challenging area of medicine. At Roche, finding innovative solutions for those affected by diseases of the blood is a priority.

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    Liver cancer

    HCC is known as a ‘silent killer’ as the symptoms often appear too late for curative treatments. Learn more about the signs, symptoms and risk factors.

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    Skin cancer

    We have been studying skin cancer for over 20 years, continuously expanding our understanding of the disease in order to bring the best solutions to patients affected by skin cancer.

  • A woman and her daughter sit on a couch, both smiling while holding a bouquet of colorful flowers.

    Cervical cancer

    At Roche, women's health is a priority, and that starts with cervical cancer.

Other case examples

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Diagnostics in oncology

Every cancer is unique. Throughout each person’s journey, diagnostic testing helps to uncover key insights that support better outcomes.

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Partnering

Innovation

At Roche Partnering, we are passionate about science: yours and ours. Through partnerships, we hope that together we can build a better future with medicines that make a real difference to patients.

Clinical trials

Innovation

Clinical trials are essential to determine whether new drugs or diagnostics are safe and effective when used to diagnose or treat people.