Univ. Prof. Dr. Christoph Zilinsky is Medical Director of the Wiener Privatklinik and heads the WPK Central European Academy Cancer Center. He is Professor of Medical Oncology and Clinical Immunology and is among the Top 2% most cited scientists in the world according to the Stanford University rankings.
His contributions to oncology have been significant, and he is among the leading experts in immunotherapy, targeted therapies and cancer-associated thromboembolic conditions. He is the author of more than 600 scientific publications in peer-reviewed medical journals and a number of books.
As President of the Central European Cooperative Oncology Group, Prof. Ciliński coordinates clinical trials and educational projects in 23 countries in Central and Southeastern Europe. He is also Editor-in-Chief of ESMO Open, the official journal of the European Society for Medical Oncology.
Prof. Ciliinski, has a vaccine for cancer been developed yet?
At this stage, no vaccine has been developed to eliminate tumours. However, advances in therapies allow cancer to be controlled as a chronic disease, similar to diabetes or hypertension. The main goal is to develop personalized treatments that provide patients with quality and fulfilling lives.
What are the new methods you are applying in the fight against cancer?
At Wiener Privatklinik, we integrate state-of-the-art technology and personalized treatment approaches. In recent years alone, nearly 300 Bulgarian patients have benefited from our expertise. Treatment is carried out by multidisciplinary teams composed of leading specialists with many years of experience.
What are the main therapeutic approaches in oncology?
Today, cancer treatment is based on two key methods:
- Targeted (molecularly targeted) therapy
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- Studies such as the Cancer Genome Atlas allow the identification of specific genetic mutations responsible for the development of different types of cancer.
- This allows the application of individualized therapies, which show effectiveness in about 40-50% of cases.
- Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies
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- Antibodies can block the mechanisms by which tumor cells evade attacks by the immune system.
- In addition, they can purposefully transport chemotherapeutic agents to malignant cells, thereby increasing the effectiveness of treatment and reducing side effects.
What is the role of prevention in oncology?
Prevention is essential in the fight against cancer. While there is no universal cancer vaccine, HPV vaccination has been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of cervical cancer as well as certain head and neck cancers.
How do environmental factors affect cancer development?
Air pollution is a proven risk factor for certain cancers, especially lung cancer. In industrialized cities such as Beijing, there is a markedly increased incidence of lung cancer, highlighting the importance of preventive screenings and early diagnosis.
