Treatment of Cystic Fibrosis (Mukoviszidose) in Germany: The Bochum Centre and Priority Procedures for International Patients
Specialised care for rare and complex cases
Cystic Fibrosis (CF, in German: Mukoviszidose) is a rare genetic disease that requires highly specialised, multidisciplinary medical care. In Germany, the Cystic Fibrosis Centre in Bochum (Mukoviszidose-Zentrum Bochum) is considered one of the leading treatment centres, welcoming patients from within Germany and from abroad.
What are the main advantages of receiving treatment at this centre – and how can international patients obtain priority access to appointments and follow-up?
The CF centre is located at the Ruhr University Hospital in Bochum (Ruhr-Universitätsklinikum Bochum) and is characterised by:
Specialised units for both children and adults
A multidisciplinary team including pulmonologists, dietitians, physiotherapists, infection specialists and other experts
State-of-the-art laboratories for genetic testing (CFTR mutations) and advanced lung function diagnostics
Participation in international clinical trials involving modern CFTR modulators such as Kaftrio, Orkambi and Symkevi
The centre is also certified by the German Cystic Fibrosis Association (Mukoviszidose e. V.).
To ensure rapid care for severe and urgent cases, the centre operates a special fast-track system for international patients. Priority is determined according to clearly defined medical criteria:
Key criteria for priority allocation:
Disease severity and progression
Markedly reduced lung function (e.g. low FEV₁ values), frequent respiratory infections and pronounced malnutrition.
Lack of adequate treatment options in the home country
Medical documentation showing that no specialised CF care is available locally.
Young age or acute clinical deterioration
Especially for children under 12 years of age or patients with a sudden, severe worsening of their condition.
Based on this information, a priority status (Prioritätscode) can be assigned, which influences appointment scheduling and the planning of diagnostic procedures.
To submit a priority treatment request, the following documents should be prepared:
Recent medical report confirming CF diagnosis and including a complete genetic analysis of CFTR mutations
Lung function test results, such as spirometry and FEV₁ values
Nutritional assessment, including body weight, body mass index and muscle mass
German or English translations of all medical reports
A written request addressed to International Office – UK Bochum
For children: an additional report from a paediatric pulmonologist
Send all documents by e-mail to the international patients department.
Receive an initial confirmation and preliminary assessment of urgency, usually within 3 to 5 days.
Obtain a letter of guarantee or funding confirmation, e.g. from an insurance provider, embassy or other sponsor.
Receive an official appointment along with a preliminary cost estimate (Kostenvoranschlag).
Apply for a medical treatment visa under § 14 AufenthV at the competent German embassy or consulate.
Arrive at least 48 hours before the first appointment, allowing time for initial tests and a full clinical assessment.
Targeted drug therapy with CFTR modulators (e.g. Kaftrio)
Intensive chest physiotherapy and respiratory therapy to improve lung function
Specialised nutritional support and family counselling to optimise nutritional status
Monitoring and management of chronic infections, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Lung transplantation, where necessary, in cooperation with other transplant centres
Telemedicine follow-up after the patient has returned home, where organisationally feasible
Unstable patients with acute respiratory failure can only be admitted after a careful review of the medical records and, where appropriate, prior agreement with intensive care specialists.
Early contact is strongly recommended, especially before the winter season, when the number of respiratory cases typically increases.
Children and adolescents with rare CFTR mutations often receive high priority, as they may benefit particularly from clinical trials and new treatment options.
Treatment of cystic fibrosis in Germany – and especially at the university CF centre in Bochum – offers international patients the opportunity to receive high-level, multidisciplinary care. With structured priority procedures and rapid responses to complex cases, the centre gives many families new hope for effective therapy and professional long-term follow-up.
The editorial team of this website strives to provide accurate information based on thorough research and a review of multiple sources. Nevertheless, errors may occur or some details may be incomplete or not yet fully verified. Please therefore treat the information in this article as an initial point of reference only and always consult the relevant authorities and qualified specialists for definitive, case-specific advice.
