In July 2006, Ulm University Hospital and the Medical Faculty of Ulm University Ulm founded the Comprehensive Cancer Center Ulm (CCCU). It originated from the Tumorzentrum Ulm which was established in 1984, initially supported by a program of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung, BMBF). This transition was considered necessary in order to meet the demands of modern oncology, i.e. truly multidisciplinary patient care, interactive and innovative clinical and laboratory research, high clinical trials activity, qualified training for health professionals, community service and outreach, as well as cancer prevention.

The major goal of the CCCU is to provide optimal medical care of the highest scientific standards for all cancer patients at the University and within the large geographic region covered by the cancer center. In order to achieve this aim, truly interdisciplinary structures have been developed for all cancer entities during the last couple of years. Tumor conferences are established for all cancer entities which ensure management of patients according to national and international guidelines. These tumor conferences are led by consultants of the CCCU who are responsible for tumor board management, updating of standard operating procedures, implementation of novel clinical trials, and for community education activities.

In 2009 the CCCU was funded as an interdisciplinary oncology center of excellence by the German Cancer Aid ("Deutsche Krebshilfe").