Friedemann Schad, Dr. med.
Dr. med. Friedemann Schad is a distinguished clinician-scientist from Germany, making significant contributions to integrative oncology and anthroposophic medicine. As a Senior Physician in Integrative Oncology at Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus Havelhöhe and the Havelhöhe Research Institute in Berlin, Friedemann Schad leads pioneering clinical trials. His research notably focuses on enhancing cost-effectiveness and prioritizing patient-centred outcomes in cancer care. Attendees of the 3rd WCTCIM will have the opportunity to learn from his extensive experience as a speaker.
Dr. Schad has an impressive academic output, with over 90 peer-reviewed papers to his name, reflecting his deep engagement with research and evidence-based practice in integrative oncology.
Academic and Professional Journey of Friedemann Schad
Dr. Schad’s distinguished career in integrative medicine is rooted in a strong academic and clinical foundation. His medical education was completed at the esteemed Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, one of Europe’s largest and most research-intensive university hospitals, where he earned his medical degree in 2001. Following this, he pursued advanced specialization, achieving board certification as both an internist and a gastroenterologist. This dual specialization equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of complex internal diseases and patient care from a conventional medical perspective. Consequently, this robust grounding in mainstream medicine provides a critical framework for his subsequent pioneering work in integrating traditional and complementary therapies, particularly within the challenging field of oncology. His transition to leading integrative oncology research reflects a deep-seated commitment to exploring all avenues for holistic patient well-being.
Leadership in Integrative Oncology Research at Havelhöhe
Since 2014, Friedemann Schad has demonstrated exemplary leadership as the Head of Integrative Oncology Research at the Havelhöhe Research Institute. This institute is closely affiliated with the Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus Havelhöhe in Berlin, a hospital known for its integrative approach to patient care. In this pivotal capacity, Dr. Schad directs a comprehensive and dynamic research program. This program is dedicated to systematically investigating the clinical benefits, mechanisms of action, and appropriate applications of various integrative therapies within comprehensive cancer treatment plans. Moreover, his leadership ensures that all research adheres to rigorous scientific methodologies, which is crucial for building a credible evidence base for integrative oncology. Under his guidance, the Havelhöhe Research Institute has solidified its reputation as a leading European center for advancing knowledge and practice in this specialized and increasingly important medical field. Therefore, his ongoing contributions are instrumental in shaping evidence-based approaches to integrative cancer care.
Prioritizing Cost-Effectiveness and Patient-Centred Outcomes in Research
A defining characteristic of Dr. Friedemann Schad‘s research philosophy is its unwavering focus on two critical aspects: cost-effectiveness and patient-centred outcomes. He astutely recognizes that for integrative oncology approaches to achieve widespread acceptance and sustainable integration into mainstream healthcare systems, they must prove their value beyond clinical efficacy alone. This means demonstrating that they are economically viable and, most importantly, that they make a tangible positive difference to patients’ overall quality of life, experiences, and personal treatment goals. Thus, his clinical trials are meticulously designed to incorporate validated instruments for measuring patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and to conduct thorough health economic analyses. Friedemann Schad firmly believes that true healthcare innovation must be holistic, addressing not just the disease but the whole person. This patient-first, value-driven approach informs every stage of his research, from study design to the interpretation and dissemination of findings.
Significant Contributions: Spearheading the EU-Funded OCEANic Project
Among Dr. Friedemann Schad‘s most notable contributions to the field is his role as Principal Investigator (PI) for the ambitious EU-funded OCEANic project. OCEANic, which stands for OnCostatic EffiCacy of Anthroposophic Mistletoe Extracts in Non-metAstatic ColoRectal CarcINoma Adjuvant Treatment, is a large-scale, multicenter clinical trial. This significant research initiative aims to rigorously evaluate the efficacy and safety of anthroposophic mistletoe extracts when used as an adjuvant therapy for patients with non-metastatic colorectal cancer. The OCEANic project is particularly important as it addresses a widely used complementary cancer therapy with a high level of scientific scrutiny. Furthermore, securing substantial funding from the European Union for this project highlights the international recognition of the potential public health impact of Dr. Schad’s research. The results from such a well-designed trial are anticipated to provide crucial evidence that could influence clinical guidelines and treatment decisions for colorectal cancer patients across Europe and beyond.
Deepening the Understanding of Anthroposophic Medicine in Oncology
Anthroposophic medicine represents a central pillar of Dr. Schad’s clinical work and research endeavors. This integrative medical system, developed in the early 20th century, takes a comprehensive, holistic view of the human being, considering the interplay of physical, vital, emotional, and spiritual aspects in health and illness. It aims to support and stimulate the patient’s inherent self-healing capacities rather than solely combating disease symptoms. Friedemann Schad is at the forefront of scientifically investigating the applications of anthroposophic medicine, particularly within the oncological context. His work often focuses on treatments like mistletoe therapy (Viscum album L.), examining its potential to improve survival, reduce side effects of conventional treatments, and enhance patients’ quality of life. Consequently, through meticulously designed clinical trials and observational studies, he contributes significantly to building a robust, contemporary evidence base for this established yet continually evolving field of integrative medicine, ensuring its responsible and effective application.
Educational Impact and Global Dissemination of Research by Friedemann Schad
Beyond his direct research contributions and clinical practice, Dr. Friedemann Schad is profoundly committed to medical education and the widespread dissemination of knowledge in integrative medicine. He plays an active role in teaching integrative medicine at the prestigious Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, thereby influencing the perspectives and training of future generations of healthcare professionals. This educational engagement is vital for fostering a greater understanding, critical appraisal, and appropriate integration of complementary therapies within conventional medical settings. Additionally, Dr. Schad’s extensive body of work, comprising over 90 peer-reviewed scientific publications, ensures that his research findings and insights are shared with the global scientific and medical community. This prolific output, appearing in reputable academic journals, significantly contributes to the international discourse on integrative oncology. Through these combined efforts in education and publication, Friedemann Schad powerfully amplifies the impact of his research, promoting the adoption of evidence-informed, patient-centered integrative practices worldwide. His ongoing dedication continues to advance the field.