DCCC supports symposium on cancer and severe mental illness and preparation of three clinical studies

DCCC is supporting the preparation of this national, multidisciplinary, investigator-initiated study aimed at assessing whether circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) in blood can distinguish between benign polyps and early-stage rectal cancer. The study is expected to enable improved patient stratification and ensure that each patient receives the most appropriate treatment. 

The study is being planned as a national and multidisciplinary collaboration involving centres across all Danish regions. Funding from DCCC supports the coordination of initial planning meetings, helping to ensure timely initiation and broad patient enrolment. 

About the study 
Large rectal polyps (>2.5 cm) present a significant clinical challenge, as 20-30% contain early-stage rectal cancer despite benign appearance. 

Current diagnostic methods are insufficient to reliably distinguish between benign and malignant polyps. A definitive diagnosis can only be made following surgical removal and pathological assessment. This creates substantial difficulties in choosing the appropriate treatment. Two different surgical techniques are currently used to remove large rectal polyps, whereas one is more suitable for benign polyps, the other for early rectal cancer. Choosing the wrong approach may lead to serious consequences, including more extensive surgery or permanent stomas. 

The study will examine whether ctDNA can be used to differentiate between benign polyps and early-stage rectal cancer. This may improve treatment stratification and ensure that patients receive the most appropriate intervention. 

DCCC supports the preparation of the study with 150,000 DKK. 

Read more about the study: ORACLE – Optimising allocation of Rectal Adenomas and Cancers to endoscopic or transanal Local Excision 

The EAT Trial - A two-tiered trial of the GLP-1 receptor agonist semaglutide in dumping syndrome after gastro-esophageal cancer surgery

DCCC is supporting the preparation of this national, multidisciplinary, investigator-initiated clinical trial, which aims to evaluate whether semaglutide can be used to treat dumping syndrome in cancer survivors following surgery for gastric and oesophageal cancer. 

The funding from DCCC will be used to prepare the study. This includes holding interdisciplinary meetings within the writing group and involving a patient panel to help ensure that the study design is relevant and patient-centred. In addition, questionnaires will be translated and validated, and methods for assessing hypoglycaemia and associated symptoms will be tested. 

If proven effective, semaglutide may offer the first evidence-based treatment for dumping syndrome and significantly improve the quality of life for cancer survivors currently living with this untreated condition. 

About the study 
An increasing number of patients survive gastric and oesophageal cancer. However, many experience severe late effects, particularly dumping syndrome following gastrectomy. Dumping occurs when food passes too rapidly into the intestine, triggering a hormonal response involving insulin and GLP-1. This may lead to hypoglycaemia and symptoms such as discomfort, palpitations, fatigue and, in some cases, fainting. 

There is currently no approved, evidence-based treatment for dumping syndrome. Management typically consists of dietary counselling. However, previous experience from gastric bypass surgery in people with obesity suggests that semaglutide may help. As a GLP-1 receptor agonist, semaglutide may help stabilise blood glucose and prevent the severe fluctuations that lead to dumping symptoms. 

DCCC supports the preparation of the study with 200,000 DKK. Read more about the study: The EAT Trial - A two-tiered trial of the GLP-1 receptor agonist semaglutide in dumping syndrome after gastro-esophageal cancer surgery 

DCCC is supporting the preparation of this national, multidisciplinary, investigator-initiated study, which aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of immunotherapy in patients with dMMR colorectal cancer, and to introduce an organ-preserving ‘watch-and-wait’ strategy. 

The funding from DCCC will facilitate two national workshops: one for investigators to refine the clinical protocol, and another for endoscopists to align methodologies for response assessment. The grant also includes support for VIP salary during the initial phase of the study. 

The study is expected to reduce treatment-related toxicity, improve quality of life, and enable less invasive treatment strategies, potentially making surgery unnecessary for a subgroup of patients. 

About the study 

The previously DCCC-funded RESET-C study showed promising results using single-dose pembrolizumab in patients with stage I–III dMMR colorectal cancer, with nearly half achieving a complete pathological response. Building on these findings, the national RESET-C2 study is now being planned. 

The study incorporates AI-based patient stratification and requires a detailed trial protocol developed in collaboration with multiple disciplines and clinical centres. The study has already been approved at seven treatment sites and has the potential to redefine standard care for this patient group. 

DCCC supports the preparation of the study with 185,000 DKK. 

Read more about the study: Neoadjuvant immunotherapy and organ-sparing treatment in patients with stage I-III dMMR colon cancer (RESET-C2) 

People living with severe mental illness who are diagnosed with cancer often face complex challenges throughout their treatment. The combination of mental illness and cancer places unique demands on both patients and the healthcare system. However, collaboration and knowledge-sharing between oncology and psychiatry remain limited, often resulting in fragmented treatment. 

To address this, the national symposium “Cancer and severe mental illness” will bring together healthcare professionals across oncology, psychiatry, palliative care, and general practice. The aim is to promote shared knowledge and strengthen interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral collaboration to develop a common understanding of currently unmet needs and explore how to improve cancer care for people with severe mental illness. 

DCCC’s support enables the organisation of the symposium. The programme will feature patient perspectives and presentations from Danish and international experts in oncology, psychiatry, and general practice, sharing the latest research and clinical insights.  

The symposium is organised in collaboration with the Danish Cancer Society’s Research Centre and the Danish Research Center for Equality in Cancer (COMPAS). 

DCCC supports the initiative with 59,260 DKK. 

Read more about the initiative: Symposium: Cancer and severe mental illness.