Early (T1-T2) colorectal cancers
local excision, colorectal polyps, colorectal cancer, histological risk factors, distant metastasis, surveillance
Research aim
To minimize the impact of treatment for early (T1-T2) colorectal cancers, while preserving the high survival rates, achieve the highest quality of life for patients, and lower the healthcare costs.
About us
To achieve our goals, we work closely together with many Dutch hospitals within the Dutch T1 CRC workinggroup which is initiated and chaired by the UMC Utrecht to elucidate the mechanisms of early metastasis, and improve risk stratification by using AI technology, newly identified biomarkers, and incorporate them into clinical usable prediction models. We develop and evaluate new local resection techniques, which enable interventional endoscopists and surgeons to preserve the organ, with minimal impact on the long-term quality of life. In addition, we evaluate alternatives for completion surgery such as intensive surveillance, (neo)adjuvant treatment modalities such as immunotherapy or chemoradiotherapy. All these efforts aim to minimize the impact of treatment on the quality of life of patients, and to lower the burden on Dutch healthcare resources.
By organizing national training programs, we try to improve optical recognition during endoscopy, implementation of local excision techniques within Dutch hospitals, and applying accurate risk stratification to select the most optimal treatment modality for each individual patient.
This is a multidisciplinary team effort involving enthusiastic and highly skilled basic researchers, gastrointestinal specialized pathologists, colorectal surgeons, radiologists, radiotherapists, methodologists, HTA-specialists, nurses specialized in share decision making, endoscopy nurses, and interventional endoscopists.