Dr. Jorune Pikelis of the Cantonal Hospital of St. Gallen (HOCH Health Ostschweiz) wins the "Transform Care Award," endowed with 30,000 Swiss francs, from AstraZeneca Switzerland and the Swiss Cancer Institute. Her project uses wearable sensors and intelligent data analysis to allow certain cancer therapies to be administered safely on an outpatient basis—instead of in the hospital.
Awarded for the first time, the "Transform Care Award" recognizes a project that demonstrates how cancer care can be improved beyond therapy and how the Swiss healthcare system can be sustainably strengthened. The winning project by Dr. Jorune Pikelis of the Cantonal Hospital of St. Gallen (HOCH Health Ostschweiz) sets new standards in modern oncology.
Outpatient cancer treatment thanks to wearables and smart data monitoring
Certain novel cancer therapies (known as BiTE therapies) can trigger strong immune reactions. For this reason, patients have often required inpatient monitoring.¹ This is precisely where Pikelis's project, "PILOT-BiTE," comes in: by using wearable sensors and intelligent data analysis, it identifies low-risk patients and enables them to receive safe treatment at home. This relieves inpatient capacities and simultaneously improves the quality of life for those affected.
The jury based its decision on the project's outstanding quality in three areas:
- Systemic Impact: The project optimizes existing treatment pathways—making them safer, smarter, and scalable throughout Switzerland.
- Patient-Centricity: Safety is the main focus, while daily treatment becomes more accessible.
- Future-Oriented Relevance: The initiative prepares the Swiss healthcare system for upcoming innovations in cancer treatment.
Shaping the future of cancer care together
"We can only achieve true transformation in cancer medicine through strong partnerships and the continuous improvement of the entire patient journey," emphasized Adam Nosal, Head of Oncology at AstraZeneca Switzerland, during the award ceremony. The award is a key component of AstraZeneca's ambition to eliminate cancer as a cause of death.
Prof. Dr. Viviane Hess, President of the Swiss Cancer Institute, added: "The winning project impressively shows how technological innovation and clinical expertise can work together to bring concrete improvements to patient care. It is precisely these kinds of approaches that we want to highlight and promote with this award."
The "Transform Care Award" will be presented again next year – with the goal of supporting further projects that sustainably strengthen cancer care in Switzerland.
References
1 Medical Tribune. Wie Toxizität von BiTE im Klinikalltag zu managen sind. Erschienen am: 20.10.2024. https://www.medical-tribune.de/medizin/onkologie/sie-muessen-sinnvoll-ueberwachen (Accessed: June 2026).
Media contact
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Barbara Hess, Corporate Communications Lead, AstraZeneca Switzerland
AstraZeneca in Switzerland
AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that has been present in Switzerland for nearly 50 years, ranking among the country’s top ten revenue-generating pharmaceutical firms. AstraZeneca focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialisation of prescription medicines in the areas of Oncology, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, Respiratory and Immunology, and Rare Diseases. Over 280 employees in Switzerland are committed to providing patients with life-changing medicines and making a positive impact on the healthcare system, society, and the planet. Currently, over 275’000 people are treated with a drug from AstraZeneca in Switzerland. Between 2026 and 2028, the company expects the approval of over 40 new therapies. AstraZeneca has pledged to an inclusive work environment based on respect and acceptance. The company was thus recognised as a «Great Place to Work» for the seventh consecutive time in 2025 and carries the «Swiss LGBTI label». AstraZeneca aims to be CO2-negative by 2045.
For more information: www.astrazeneca.ch
Swiss Cancer Institute
The Swiss Cancer Institute is the central network for clinical cancer research in Switzerland and a research institution of national importance (Art. 15 FIFG). It includes all university hospitals as well as the country’s leading cantonal, regional, and private hospitals. Since 1965, we have been committed as a non-profit organization to continuously improving cancer care in Switzerland. Guided by our vision, “Clinical Research for a Cure Tomorrow,” around 950 researchers conduct clinical trials across all types of cancer. We also serve as a central point of contact for authorities, professional associations, and the pharmaceutical industry. At our headquarters in Bern, around 70 employees work closely with Switzerland’s leading oncology clinics.
More information about the Swiss Cancer Institute: https://www.swisscancerinstitute.ch