Research

Our mission at SATC·C is simple: to reduce the burden of colorectal cancer—not only through technology, but through smarter, more compassionate care.

We believe that innovation must serve clinical excellence, and that modern solutions must always respect the foundations of sound medical practice.

Through research, collaboration and constant inquiry, we work toward a future where colorectal cancer is detected earlier, treated more gently and prevented more often.

Studies and projects

Primary prevention

Nature-Inspired Prevention Through Dietary Compounds

We explore how naturally occurring compounds can help reduce the risk of colorectal cancer before it begins. In particular, we study polyacetylenes such as falcarinol (FaOH) and falcarindiol (Fa2OH)—bioactive substances found in carrots. These compounds have shown protective effects in both cancer cell cultures and animal models. Early findings also suggest they may inhibit COX enzymes, a known pathway in inflammation and cancer development.

Our focus areas include:

  • Investigating anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects
  • Studying how these compounds are absorbed and processed in the human body
  • Evaluating use in high-risk individuals following polyp or cancer removal

Secondary prevention

Next-Generation Screening with Capsule Colonoscopy

Improving how we detect colorectal cancer early is one of our highest priorities. At SATC·C, we are at the forefront of research into capsule-based colonoscopy—a non-invasive, camera-equipped capsule that patients swallow, offering a gentler alternative to traditional endoscopy.

Together with the SDU Mærsk McKinney Møller Robotic Center, we are developing intelligent software to assess bowel cleanliness and identify polyps by size, shape, and number. Our goal is to make screening not only more accurate but also safer and more acceptable to patients.

Current research areas include:

  • Optimising bowel preparation techniques.
  • Using AI to support “optical biopsies”—image-based predictions of polyp type.
  • Designing capsule hardware for controlled movement inside the colon.
  • Running clinical studies on screening outcomes, uptake and impact.

Tertiary prevention /
Early Treatment

Minimally Invasive Approaches to Early Cancers

When colorectal cancer is detected early, less invasive treatments may be possible. At SATC·C, we are exploring how to manage large adenomas and early-stage cancers in the best way possible using transanal, organ-preserving techniques. These approaches minimise surgical trauma while ensuring thorough cancer treatment.

We are involved in leading international trials, such as STAR-TReC, which investigates combining radiotherapy with limited surgery for rectal cancer. We also compare advanced endoscopic and surgical methods to determine which are most effective and least disruptive to patients’ lives.

Our key projects include:

  • The STAR-TReC trial: Radiotherapy paired with conservative surgery. The aim is to characterize the patients who can avoid large surgery which has an impact on quality of life.
  • Comparing EMR/ESD with TEM (transanal endoscopic microsurgery). A Randomized Clinical Trial to evaluate which operative method is superior when treating large adenomas and co-incident malignancies.
  • Advancing endoscopic full-thickness resection (eFTR) techniques. A national multicenter study, where a new method for eFTR of colonic advanced neoplasia is being evaluated.
  • Monitoring patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) post-procedure. 
  • Enhancing pre-operative staging with Dual-Energy CT and other imaging tools  in the staging of colorectal neoplasia.