This study aims to investigate the effect of dual energy CT (DECT) in preoperative stage determination of rectal cancer.
We are including all patients from the Region of Southern Denmark with suspected rectal cancer, and scanning them with dual energy CT. Some of our previous studies have found the relevant quantitative values of malignant lymph nodes in DECT. Now we want to determine the accuracy of the scanning modality, by comparing the findings with the histopathological findings of the patients.
The project will also investigate the predictive factors of DECT in patients with recurrence. We will examine the quantitative parameters of the scans for patients with recurrence after 1 and 3 years, compared to the those without recurrence.
The Danish CareForColon2015 trial, launched in 2020 and nested in the Danish Colorectal Cancer Screening Program, aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of colon capsule endoscopy (CCE) as an intermediate screening method between the faecal immunochemical test (FIT) and colonoscopy in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening.
Conducted in the Region of Southern Denmark, the study randomly allocated 368 452 eligible citizens into two groups: an intervention group and a control group. Participants in the intervention group were informed that if they tested positive on the FIT, they could opt for CCE instead of proceeding directly to a colonoscopy. The control group followed the standard screening procedures, where a positive FIT result led directly to a colonoscopy.
In the intervention group, CCE findings determined subsequent actions. Suspected cancers, more than two polyps any size, or a single polyp larger than 9 mm detected during CCE prompted an invitation for a colonoscopy. Participants with suspected low-risk polyps were scheduled to re-enter the biennial screening program, while those with no findings were excluded from screening for eight years in accordance with regular screening protocols.
The primary objectives of the study were to assess the clinical performance of CCE, gauge its acceptability among the population, and analyze the economic implications of incorporating CCE into the CRC screening process. All participants provided consent prior to capsule ingestion, and data collection adhered to current data protection legislation. Approvals from the regional ethics committee (ref. S-20190100) and the Danish Data Protection Agency (ref. 19/29858) were obtained.
By integrating CCE as a filter test between FIT and colonoscopy, the study explored a potential pathway to enhance CRC screening efficiency, improve patient compliance, and optimize resource utilization within the healthcare system.
EUCanScreen is a joint action aimed to support the implementation of the Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan. The general objective of EUCanScreen is to assure sustainable implementation of high-quality screening for breast, cervical and colorectal cancer as well as implementation of the recently recommended screening programs for lung, prostate and gastric cancer. The goal is to facilitate the reduction of cancer burden and achieving equity across the EU. The joint action involves 29 partnering countries, consisting of 25 EU member states, Norway, Iceland, Ukraine, and Moldova, and holds an overall budget of 38.749.935,32 euro.
Our unit are contributing to Work Packet 6; Addressing barriers and facilitators in cancer screening, with special responsibilities in Task 6.3 where we hold the leadership. The task consist of three subtasks, which are looking into individual barriers to screening participation.
This study aims to investigate the efficacy and safety of one daecal microbiota transplantation or placebo, administered via capsules, in patients with acute uncomplicated diverticulitis.
We are including patients from the Surgical Department at Odense University Hospital (Svendborg) admitted with CT-verified acute uncomplicated diverticulitis, and in need of no further treatment, according to the local guidelines.
The participants will receive the capsule at baseline, and be followed until the three months follow-up. The clinical efficacy will be evaluated through need for antibiotics and the clinical safety through readmission to the hospital with a new episode of diverticulitis.
We will collect blood samples and fecal samples, before and three months post intervention, and follow the changes in patient-reported quality of life.
In this project we investigate how Health Literacy (HL) affects colorectal cancer (CRC) screening.
We seek to answer the questions; 1) In which ways does HL affect CRC screening?, 2) Does HL influence bowel preparation and compliance – how?, and 3) How can we address the barriers we find?
This will be done through a mixed-methods approach, consisting of the three studies;
STUDY 1: Systematic literature review on HL and CRC screening association.
STUDY 2: Quantitative data analysis of CareForColon2015 data focusing on HL as a predictor of poor bowel preparation and compliance in colonoscopy and colon capsule endoscopy.
STUDY 3: Qualitative study using a participatory design to develop tools or strategies addressing barriers to screening for individuals with low HL.
The goal is to conduct research for and with patients, using a close-to-clinic approach.
Through this project, we hope to clarify the role of HL in CRC screening, including establishing whether HL is a predictor of poor bowel preparation and compliance, as we expect. If our hypothesis is proven, this work can be the foundation for developing interventions to remedy the HL-induced inequity in CRC screening.
PhD Student: Mai Elizabeth Høyer
Microbes have long been considered an important mediator of large bowel health and disease including the initiation and progression of large bowel cancer. These cancer-associated microbes are suspected to reside within the large bowel biofilm, which is a resilient mucus layer adhering to the inner lining of the large bowel.
By collecting biofilm from patients suspected of large bowel cancer or its precursors, my PhD project aspires to investigate the large bowel microbial patterns that may be associated to large bowel cancer. During this project, we will map the microbial patterns in the biofilm samples using deep metagenome sequencing. Our findings will be linked to factors related to large bowel cancer such as haemoglobin concentration in stool and patient health data.
The long term ambition of this project is to develop a method using microbial patterns to diagnose precursors to large bowel cancer. The method is expected to enhance doctors’ ability to deliver targeted and timely cancer treatment, thereby increasing the chances of successful outcomes.
PhD Student: Sebastian Radic Eskemose
TROPICS aim to 1: Estimate the rate of Danish colorectal cancer screening participants who fulfil one or more of the criteria deeming participation irrelevant; 2: Estimate the rate of screening participants with comorbidities, that potentially limits the benefits of colorectal cancer screening, while evaluating their outcomes; and 3: Estimate the consequences of irrelevant participation, including public cost and complications due to unnecessary examinations and treatments.
This is done through the national registries in Denmark and the National Colorectal Cancer Screening database. TROPICS is funded by the A.P. Moller Foundation, and carried out in collaboration with Dr. Jannie Dressler, Slagelse Hospital, and Dr. Morten Rasmussen, Bispebjerg Hospital.
The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of adding a QR-code to the Danish Colorectal Cancer Screening invitation, leading the invitees to information in several languages, on the overall screening participation.
Sub-aims include to investigate the participation rate stratified by country of birth and to investigate rate of ineligible samples in non-western participants.
TRANSFORM is funded by the Danish Cancer Society, and carried out in collaboration with them as well as Dr. Morten Rasmussen, Bispebjerg Hospital.
