ECOPOP
Early Colorectal Cancer: Patient-Targeted and Organ-Preserving Treatment — an international research project testing whether selected patients with early colorectal cancer can safely receive less invasive treatment.
ECOPOP compares organ-preserving treatment strategies with current standard approaches in multicentre randomised trials. The goal is to reduce unnecessary treatment burden while maintaining safe and effective cancer care.
ECOPOP brings together clinical and research institutions across Europe and the United States, combining expertise in gastroenterology, surgery, oncology, clinical trials, AI, biomarkers, and health technology assessment.
Why ECOPOP matters
Colorectal cancer is a major health challenge in Europe. Screening programmes now detect more cancers at an early stage, when less invasive treatment may be possible for selected patients.
However, treatment decisions are not always straightforward. Surgery remains the standard approach in many situations, but for some patients it may represent overtreatment. ECOPOP addresses this clinical uncertainty through rigorous comparative evidence.
Avoiding unnecessary surgery
ECOPOP investigates when selected patients can be safely treated without surgical resection, reducing treatment burden and recovery time.
Maintaining oncological safety
Less invasive treatment must be tested against current standard approaches to ensure that cancer outcomes are not compromised.
Improving quality of life
Treatment decisions can affect bowel function, recovery, and daily life. Patient burden and quality of life are key outcomes across ECOPOP trials.
Building sustainable evidence
ECOPOP integrates clinical outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact into the evaluation of treatment pathways.
ECOPOP network
ECOPOP brings together clinical and research institutions across Europe. Centres participate in different trials depending on study design, approvals, and recruitment status.
Norway
University of OsloOslo, Norway
Oslo University HospitalOslo, Norway
Akershus University HospitalNorway
Sørlandet HospitalKristiansand, Norway
Vestre Viken HospitalNorway
Poland
Medical University of GdańskGdańsk, Poland
Maria Skłodowska-Curie National Research Institute of OncologyWarsaw, Poland
Italy
Sapienza University of RomeRome, Italy
University Federico II of NaplesNaples, Italy
Ospedale dei CastelliRome, Italy
IRCCS Humanitas Research HospitalMilan, Italy
Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCSRome, Italy
Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-MedicoRome, Italy
Policlinico Tor VergataRome, Italy
AUSL RomagnaForlì-Cesena, Italy
Azienda Ospedale-Università di PadovaPadova, Italy
Germany
University Medical Center Hamburg-EppendorfHamburg, Germany
University of AugsburgAugsburg, Germany
Ruhr University BochumBochum, Germany
France
CHU LimogesLimoges, France
Dupuytren University HospitalLimoges, France
Spain
Hospital Clínic de BarcelonaBarcelona, Spain
Belgium
UZ GentGhent, Belgium
Sweden
Karolinska InstitutetStockholm, Sweden
Switzerland
Clarunis – University Digestive Health Care Center BaselBasel, Switzerland
Our trials
ECOPOP includes three randomised controlled trials, each addressing a distinct clinical situation in early colorectal cancer.
ETHOS
Recruiting
For selected patients with newly diagnosed early colon cancer. The trial compares endoscopic full-thickness resection with surgical treatment.
Learn more
SCAR
Recruiting
For patients whose early colon cancer was found after removal of a presumed polyp. The trial compares endoscopic completion treatment with surgery.
Learn more
T-REX
In preparation
For selected patients with early rectal cancer after local tumour removal. The trial will compare active surveillance with chemoradiotherapy.
Learn more
All trials
View trial descriptions, eligibility information, current status, participating centres, and contact details.
View trials pageProject objectives
1
Clinical trials
Compare less invasive treatment strategies with current standard approaches for early colorectal cancer.
2
Biomarker research
Identify markers that may help predict lymph node metastasis risk and support better treatment selection.
3
AI-based staging tools
Develop tools using endoscopic imaging data to support more accurate assessment before treatment decisions are made.
4
Sustainability evaluation
Measure the carbon footprint and cost-effectiveness of treatment pathways within the clinical trial framework.
5
Clinical guidance
Support the development of evidence-based recommendations for future treatment of early colorectal cancer.
About ECOPOP
ECOPOP is a Horizon Europe-funded research consortium focused on improving early colorectal cancer treatment through organ-preserving approaches.
Scope: multicentre clinical trials, AI, biomarkers
Geography: Europe & US
Centres: 15+
Contact
For collaboration, trial participation or general inquiries, contact the ECOPOP coordination team.
Email:
ecopop@gumed.edu.pl