On 19–20 March 2025, Digestive Cancers Europe participated in the official kick-off meeting of ECOPOP, a five-year research project funded by Horizon Europe, aimed at improving treatments for early-stage colorectal cancer. The DiCE team, comprising Zorana Maravic, Ana Martins, and Nikola Mihinjač, attended the event hosted by the University of Oslo in the historic Domus Media building.

The ECOPOP project intends to enhance early colorectal cancer (CRC) care through three international randomised clinical trials (RCTs): ETHOS, SCAR, and T-REX. These trials will evaluate the effectiveness and safety of organ-preserving treatments as alternatives to surgery.

Professor Michael Bretthauer (University of Oslo) chaired the kick-off, which opened with an evening reception at the Munch Museum. On 20 March, the meeting continued with interactive sessions focusing on the structure, objectives, and timelines of each work package.

A key moment was the discussion on aligning the three clinical trials with ECOPOP’s overall goals. As the project’s patient advocacy partner, Digestive Cancers Europe emphasised the importance of incorporating patient perspectives and needs throughout the research process. This collaborative effort among clinical, academic, and patient-focused organisations aims to deliver robust evidence capable of shaping clinical practice and healthcare policies across Europe, ultimately improving patient outcomes and promoting sustainable, personalised treatment options.

Author:

Nikola Mihinjač