Cancer Centers

AP-HP Hôpital Européen Georges-Pompidou | Cancer Care

AP-HP Hôpital Européen Georges-Pompidou is a public university hospital in Paris, France, providing cancer care within a wider specialist hospital setting. Its oncology programmes include colorectal, kidney, lung, prostate and gastric cancers, with particular emphasis on digestive and urological oncology. Treatment options include surgery, radiotherapy and systemic medicines, supported by molecular testing and interventional oncology. For international patients, suitability depends on the diagnosis, previous treatment and clinical assessment. This profile outlines the centre’s services and questions to clarify before arranging care abroad; it does not establish individual eligibility or guarantee access.

9 min readLast reviewed September 1, 2026Medically reviewed by: GetOnco Medical Review Team

Summary

Hôpital Européen Georges-Pompidou belongs to Assistance Publique–Hôpitaux de Paris, usually abbreviated to AP-HP. It combines hospital care with university teaching and clinical research rather than operating as a standalone cancer-only institution. Relevant capabilities include multidisciplinary oncology programmes, a molecular biology platform working with circulating tumour DNA, and image-guided interventional approaches. Its oncology research portfolio is described indicatively as around 150 active clinical trials, but that figure should not be read as the number currently recruiting international patients. Prospective patients should obtain a case review, a proposed treatment pathway and a written financial estimate before travelling. The availability of particular medicines, tests or trials must be confirmed for each individual case.

Key takeaways

  • The centre is a public university hospital within AP-HP in Paris, not a standalone cancer hospital.
  • Its listed cancer specialties include colorectal, kidney, lung, prostate and gastric cancers.
  • Treatment options include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapy.
  • Molecular biology capabilities include circulating tumour DNA work, although individual access requires confirmation.
  • Around 150 active oncology trials is an indicative portfolio figure, not a live recruitment count.
  • International patients should confirm acceptance, costs, language arrangements and follow-up before travelling.

Overview

Hôpital Européen Georges-Pompidou opened in 2000 as part of the reorganisation of hospital services in western Paris. It is an AP-HP public university hospital, bringing clinical care, medical education and research together within the French hospital system.

It is a large, multispecialty adult hospital rather than an institution devoted exclusively to cancer. Oncology services sit alongside medical, surgical, diagnostic and supportive services, which can be relevant when cancer treatment involves complex operations or significant coexisting illness.

The centre is known for digestive and urological oncology programmes, alongside thoracic cancer care. Relevant technical capabilities include molecular biology work involving circulating tumour DNA and interventional oncology. These describe areas of activity, not a promise that every procedure or test will be appropriate or available for every referral.

Specialties

Digestive oncology includes colorectal and gastric cancers. Assessment considers the tumour’s location, stage, pathology and relevant molecular features, together with the patient’s general health. Depending on these findings, care may involve surgery, medicines, radiotherapy in selected situations, or a combination of approaches.

Urological oncology includes kidney and prostate cancers, where decisions can range from monitoring in selected circumstances to local treatment or systemic therapy. Lung cancer is another listed specialty, with treatment shaped by tumour subtype, extent of disease and biomarkers. These programmes are relevant to both newly diagnosed and previously treated patients, but the centre should confirm whether it can address a particular rare subtype, recurrence or complex second-opinion request.

Available treatments

Surgery forms part of the treatment portfolio for suitable patients. Whether an operation is advisable depends on resectability, expected benefit, fitness and alternative options. Patients should ask about the proposed procedure, recovery needs and how surgical decisions are reviewed with other oncology specialists.

Radiotherapy is also a listed treatment modality. It may be used for local disease control or symptom relief, depending on the diagnosis. Confirm the recommended technique, treatment location and number of visits rather than assuming that every component of care takes place in one department or building.

Systemic treatments include chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapy. Their use depends on the cancer type, stage, biomarkers, previous exposure and applicable prescribing arrangements. Precision oncology means using tumour characteristics to help guide treatment; it does not mean that a matched drug will necessarily be identified or funded.

The molecular biology platform includes circulating tumour DNA capabilities. Such blood-based testing may support selected clinical or research questions, but does not universally replace tissue biopsy. Interventional oncology uses image-guided procedures for selected indications. Ask which procedures are relevant to the case and how their benefits and risks compare with other options.

Clinical trials

The available profile describes around 150 active oncology clinical trials. This is an indicative figure: study status changes, and active studies may include trials that have closed recruitment but continue treatment or follow-up. A current, diagnosis-specific trial search is more useful than the overall portfolio size.

International patients can ask for trial screening alongside a clinical case review. Eligibility may depend on pathology, molecular findings, previous treatments, organ function and the ability to attend repeated visits. Residency, coverage and administrative requirements also need checking. Trial participation is voluntary, involves informed consent and cannot be guaranteed; study-funded procedures do not necessarily cover routine care, travel or accommodation.

Practical guidance for international patients

Before arranging travel, request confirmation that the relevant department will review the case and identify the appropriate referral route. Send a concise medical summary and ask whether remote document review is possible. A preliminary opinion may change after examination, pathology review or additional testing in Paris.

Agree who will coordinate care across countries. Clarify the expected time in France, likely need for a caregiver, emergency arrangements and how results will reach the home oncology team. Obtain written information about proposed care and payment responsibilities, and avoid non-refundable bookings until appointments and administrative requirements are confirmed.

Contact information

Contact details below come from the hospital's own published international patient information.

Location: Paris, France

Email: No public international e-mail address is published; use the website enquiry form.

Phone: +33 1 56 09 20 00

Website: https://hegp.aphp.fr

Languages supported: French, English, Arabic

Remote second opinion: Available

Always confirm current contact details on the hospital's own website before sending medical records, and never send documents to an address you have not verified.

Questions patients ask

  • Which department should review my diagnosis, and how do I submit a referral?
  • Do you need translated records, original imaging or pathology samples before accepting my case?
  • Which recommended treatments would take place at this hospital rather than another site?
  • Could molecular testing or a currently recruiting clinical trial be relevant to me?
  • What would I pay for assessment, treatment and care for possible complications?
  • Can professional interpreting be arranged for consultations and consent discussions?
  • How long might I need to remain locally, and should a caregiver accompany me?
  • Who will coordinate follow-up and urgent concerns after I return home?

Frequently asked questions

How does an international patient request a referral?

Start with the hospital’s official website and ask for the current route for international oncology enquiries or the relevant specialty department. A referral letter from the treating clinician can explain the diagnosis, treatment history and reason for seeking review. Ask whether the team can assess documents before an in-person visit and what administrative steps apply. Acceptance, appointment timing and treatment suitability require confirmation; submitting an enquiry does not itself secure care.

Which medical records should I prepare?

Prepare a clinical summary, pathology reports, staging information, operation notes and details of previous cancer treatments, including dates and significant side effects. Include recent laboratory results, molecular test reports and a current medication list. The team may need imaging files as well as written reports, and may request biopsy slides or tissue blocks for review. Ask which documents need French translation, whether English records are acceptable and how to transfer sensitive information securely.

What should I expect regarding treatment costs?

There is no single price for cancer care: costs depend on investigations, treatment type, hospital stays and any complications. A public hospital’s status does not mean that care is free for overseas patients. Ask for a written estimate, payment conditions and confirmation of any insurer or public coverage arrangements. Check whether pathology review, molecular testing, medicines and follow-up are included. Travel, accommodation and interpreting may be separate expenses, and estimates can change after assessment.

Is support available for patients who do not speak French?

French is the main language of care. Some staff may communicate in English, but this should not be assumed for every appointment or clinical discussion. Ask in advance whether professional interpreting can be arranged, in which language, and whether there is a charge. Also clarify the language of consent forms, written treatment plans and discharge documents. For complex decisions, an interpreter is preferable to relying only on a relative to translate medical information.

How should I organise travel and accommodation?

Wait for appointment confirmation and an initial outline of the assessment or treatment schedule before booking. Ask whether repeated visits, recovery near the hospital or a companion will be necessary. Accommodation availability, hospital-related assistance and eligibility for any support should be checked directly rather than assumed. Discuss fitness to fly with the treating team, especially after surgery or during intensive treatment. Allow for schedule changes and confirm appropriate travel insurance and entry documentation.

References

  1. 1.Hôpital Européen Georges-Pompidou — official hospital websiteAssistance Publique–Hôpitaux de Paris
  2. 2.Cancer information, treatment and clinical trialsNational Cancer Institute
  3. 3.Oncology guidance and patient resourcesEuropean Society for Medical Oncology
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Medically reviewed by:GetOnco Medical Review Team — Oncology-trained clinicians and medical editors

Last reviewed September 1, 2026

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Educational information only. GetOnco is software, not a medical provider, and does not diagnose disease or recommend treatments. Always discuss your situation with qualified healthcare professionals.