Charite University Hospital, Berlin – Germany
About Prof. Dr. Ulrich Keilholz
Prof. Dr. med. Ulrich Keilholz is one of Germany’s most distinguished figures in medical oncology and a global leader in cancer research. He is at the forefront of developing and implementing cutting-edge cancer treatments. With over 40 years of experience, his expertise lies in Precision Oncology, using advanced molecular profiling to tailor therapies for individual patients. Prof. Keilholz is internationally renowned for his work in Cancer Immunology and has led numerous clinical trials for solid tumours, including melanoma, head and neck cancers, and sarcomas, making him a sought-after expert for complex cancer cases across Europe.
Medical Degrees:
- Graduation, Medical studies at the Universities of Mainz, Heidelberg, and Lexington/USA (1977 - 1983)
- Research Assistant, University of Heidelberg, Department of Internal Medicine (1983 - 1990)
- Doctorate (PhD) at the Institute of Pathophysiology and Sports Medicine, University of Heidelberg (1984)
- Habilitation for Internal Medicine, University of Heidelberg (1993)
- Research Stay, Department of Immunotherapy, National Cancer Institute (NCI), Bethesda, MD, USA (1986)
- Board Certified Specialist in Haematology and Internal Oncology (1993)
- Board Certified Specialist in Internal Medicine (1990)
Major Cancer Types Treated:
- Melanoma
- Head and Neck Cancers
- Sarcomas
- Lymphomas
- Colorectal Cancer
- Prostate Cancer
- Wide range of solid tumours
- Medical Oncology
- Haematology
- Cancer Immunology & Immunotherapy
- Precision Oncology & Personalised Medicine
- Translational Research
- Molecular Tumour Profiling
- Immunotherapy (including Checkpoint Inhibitors)
- Targeted Therapy based on genetic mutations
- Design and leadership of Phase I-III Clinical Trials
- Personalised treatment planning via Molecular Tumour Boards
- Management of complex chemotherapy and biological therapy regimens
Current & Past Hospital Affiliations:
- Director, Charité Comprehensive Cancer Center, Berlin (2013 – Present)
- Co-Director and Spokesperson, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Berlin (2023 – Present)
- Professor for Comprehensive Oncology (W3), Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin (2015 – Present)
- Deputy Director, Medical Clinic for Haematology, Oncology, and Tumour Immunology, Charité (1997 – 2013)
- Senior Physician, Medical Clinic V (Haematology/Oncology), Heidelberg University Hospital (1990 – 1997)
- Scientific Assistant, University of Heidelberg (1983 – 1990)
- Professor for Clinical and Molecular Tumour Immunology, Charité (2003 – 2015)
- Associate Professor of Internal Medicine, Free University of Berlin (1998 – 2003)
- Leader in the development of precision oncology and multi-level cancer profiling programmes.
- Designed over 35 clinical trials and served as lead investigator in more than 25 others.
- Deputy DKTK (German Cancer Consortium) Site Spokesperson.
- A pioneer in integrating translational research into clinical trials, bridging the gap between laboratory science and patient care.
- Instrumental in establishing one of Europe\'s leading precision oncology programmes at Charité.
- Held top leadership positions in major international oncology societies, shaping global research agendas in melanoma and cancer immunotherapy.
Recognitions & Honours:
- President, Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) (2004 – 2006)
- Chair, EORTC (European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer) Melanoma Group (2003 – 2005)
- National Representative for Germany, European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) (2007 – 2009)
- Board Member, AIO (Working Group for Internal Oncology) (2001-2006)
- Congress Vice President, German Cancer Congress (2016)
Prof. Keilholz is a prolific researcher with over 400 scientific publications. His work focuses on advancing personalised cancer therapy and understanding the tumour microenvironment.Published Papers in Medical Journals:
- How to Standardize Molecular Profiling Programs for Routine Patient Care in Cancer Metastasis: From Local Proliferation to Distant Colonization (2023)
- Combinatorial treatment with statins and niclosamide prevents CRC dissemination by unhinging the MACC1-β-catenin-S100A4 axis of metastasis in Oncogene (2022)
- IC50: an unsuitable measure for large-sized prostate cancer spheroids in drug sensitivity evaluation in Bosnian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences (2022)
- Investigating the concordance in molecular subtypes of primary colorectal tumors and their matched synchronous liver metastasis in International Journal of Cancer (2020)
- Avelumab in patients with previously treated metastatic melanoma: Phase 1b results from the JAVELIN Solid Tumor trial in Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer (2019)
Notable Cases Handled:
- Successfully treated patients with advanced, treatment-refractory melanoma using novel immunotherapy combinations within clinical trials.
- Led the molecular tumour board in identifying rare genetic mutations in patients tumours, enabling life-changing treatment with targeted therapies.
- Pioneered personalised treatment strategies for patients with head and neck cancers, improving outcomes and quality of life.
Patient-Centred Care:Prof. Keilholz is a firm believer in Precision Oncology. His philosophy is that every patient\'s cancer is unique and requires a deeply personalised treatment strategy. This is achieved through multi-level molecular profiling and discussion in an expert Molecular Tumour Board, ensuring that treatment decisions are based on the specific biological drivers of the disease, not just a standard protocol.Technology & Innovation:Prof. Keilholz\'s career is defined by innovation. He actively drives translational research, ensuring that breakthroughs in cancer immunology and molecular biology are rapidly converted into clinical applications. He leads one of Europe\'s most advanced cancer centres, leveraging state-of-the-art diagnostic platforms and providing access to novel therapies through an extensive portfolio of clinical trials.
The cost of treatment with a world-leading expert like Prof. Keilholz depends on the specific cancer type, the required diagnostics (e.g., molecular profiling), and the selected therapeutic agents. The Cancer Rounds team can provide a customised cost estimate after a thorough review of the patient\'s medical history.
For consultation fees and appointment booking, you can connect with the Cancer Rounds team.
| Treatment/Procedure | Estimated Cost (INR) | Estimated Cost (USD) |
| Immunotherapy (per cycle) | ₹4,00,000 - ₹8,00,000 | $4,800 - $9,600 |
| Targeted Therapy (monthly supply) | ₹3,00,000 - ₹10,00,000+ | $3,600 - $12,000+ |
| Advanced Chemotherapy (per cycle) | ₹2,00,000 - ₹5,00,000 | $2,400 - $6,000 |
| Comprehensive Molecular Profiling | ₹3,50,000 - ₹6,00,000 | $4,200 - $7,200 |
The Cancer Rounds team offers end-to-end support for international patients wishing to consult with Prof. Dr. med. Ulrich Keilholz.Language Support:
English and German are spoken fluently. Additional language support can be arranged to ensure seamless communication.Visa & Travel Assistance:
Our team assists with visa invitation letters, flight and accommodation arrangements, and airport transfers to make your journey to Berlin stress-free.Pre-treatment Virtual Consultations:
We can facilitate remote second opinions and virtual consultations to review medical records and discuss a preliminary treatment plan before you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Prof. Keilholz is a senior Medical Oncologist in Germany whose primary expertise lies in Precision Oncology and Cancer Immunology. He specialises in creating personalised treatment plans using advanced diagnostics and novel therapies like immunotherapy and targeted drugs.
Yes, Prof Keilholz is an internationally recognised authority on melanoma. Having served as the Chair of the EORTC Melanoma Group, he has deep expertise in treating advanced melanoma with the latest immunotherapies and targeted agents, often through clinical trials.
Precision Oncology is an approach that moves away from one-size-fits-all treatments. Prof. Keilholz uses advanced techniques to analyse the genetic makeup of a patient's tumour. This "molecular profile" helps identify specific vulnerabilities that can be attacked with highly effective Targeted Therapy or Immunotherapy, leading to better outcomes and fewer side effects.
International patients can easily arrange a consultation or a second opinion by contacting the Cancer Rounds team. They will handle the entire process, from collecting medical records and scheduling a virtual or in-person appointment to all travel and logistical support.
Vivantes Hospital Group - Germany
