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Welcome
AGENDA
Welcome to the Nordic Early Colo-Rectal Cancer (NERC) Meeting

​

 

We are delighted to welcome you to the traditional Solstrand meeting, hosted in the beautiful surroundings of the historic Solstrand Hotel, just outside Bergen, Norway.

 

The Nordic Early Rectal Cancer (NERC) meeting was first established in 2006 as TEM Scandinavia, a dedicated bi-annual forum focused on the multidisciplinary management of early rectal cancer. From its inception, NERC has been a unique platform for gathering leading experts from surgery, radiology, pathology, oncology, and interventional endoscopy to foster collaboration, innovation, and in-depth discussions in early cancer care.

 

After the most recent meeting in 2018, the planned 2020 edition was unfortunately cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, the field of early colorectal cancer has seen significant advancements. The implementation of screening programs has led to an increase in the detection of early-stage colorectal cancers, while progress in diagnostics and organ-preserving strategies continues to reshape treatment options. With the introduction of techniques such as endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and full-thickness resection, local excision is now a viable option for early-stage colon cancer as well.

 

Recognizing these developments, we are proud to announce the revival of NERC, now with an expanded scope to include both early colon and rectal cancer. Today, interventional endoscopists play a central role in the treatment of early cancers, alongside surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, and pathologists. NERC continues to emphasize a multidisciplinary approach, focusing on individualized, evidence-based, and organ-preserving treatment strategies while building on its strong legacy.

 

NERC is renowned for its high-quality, interactive scientific program and open discussions in a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. The Solstrand Hotel, one of Norway’s oldest family-run hotels, provides the perfect setting for meaningful dialogue, networking, and collaboration.

 

We are confident that this year’s program both honors the rich tradition of NERC and reflects the future direction of early colorectal cancer management.

 

Join us for an inspiring meeting and a unique experience in the heart of Norway!

AGENDA
Day 1

  • Session 1:
    Changes and Trends in Diagnostics of Early Colorectal Cancer 
     

  • Session 2:
    Local Excision of Early Colon Cancer
     

  • Session 3:
    Pathology in Early Colorectal Cancer
     

  • Session 4:
    Surgical Management in Early Colon Cancer 

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Day 2 

  • Session 5: 
    Staging of Early Rectal Cancer
    ​

  • Session 6:
    Local Excision of Early Rectal Cancer
     

  • Session 7:
    Surgery and Radiotherapy in Early Rectal Cancer
     

  • Session 8:
    New kids on the Block
    ​


 

Blomst i sollys
SPEAKERS

  • Amyn Haji (UK)
    Colorectal surgeon and endoscopist with interests in advanced endoscopic diagnostics and early colorectal cancer detection 

     

  • Antonino Spinelli (Italy)
    Professor of Colorectal Surgery and leading international expert on surveillance strategies and outcomes after local excision of high-risk T1 lesions. 

     

  • Barbara Bastiansen (Netherlands)
    Gastroenterologisk and internationally published expert specializing in eFTR and advanced endoluminal local excsion techniques for ealy colorectal and rectal neoplasm.  

     

  • Brechtje Grotenhuis (Netherlands)
    Oncological colorectal surgeon at the Antoni van Leewenhoek Cancer Institute and internationally recognized expert in organ-preserving strategies and multimodal treatment of early rectal cancer. 

     

  • Chris Cunningham (UK)
    Professor of Colorectal Surgery and former ACPGBI president, with a strong interest in organ-preserving approaches in early rectal cancer.

     

  • Deena Harji (UK) 
    Professor of Colorectal Surgery with internationally recognized work on robotic pelvic surgery and innovation in rectal cancer treatment.

     

  • Elleke Dresen (Netherlands) 
    Radiologist and international authority on high-resolution MRI for staging, risk stratification, and selection of organ.preserving treatment in early colorectal and rectal cancer.

     

  • Erik Van Westreen (Netherlands)
    Colorectal surgeon recognized for pioneering laparo-endoscopic cooperative surgery and ICG-guided limites resections for early colon cancer.

     

  • Frank Pfeffer (Norway)
    Colorectal surgeon and national leader in early colorectal cancer management, with cclinical and academic expertise in D3 resections, ERUS staging, and treatment selection.

     

  • Hege Sætran (Norway)
    Gastointesitinal pathologist with a special focus on histopathological risk assessment in early colorectal cancer and multidisciplinary decision support. 

     

  • Jan Thomas Houf (Norway)
    Interventional endoscopist with interests in colonic ESD and the implementation of advanced endoscopic resection techniques in Western practice.
     

  • Jörg Baral (Germany)
    Pioneer of transanal endoscopic surgery with experience and publications on TEM for early rectal cancer.

     

  • Juriaan Tuynman (Netherlands)
    Principal investigator of the TESAR study and an international leader in organ-preserving strategies for early rectal cancer.

     

  • Kristin Lygre (Norway)
    Researcher with international publications on circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), focusing on molecular risk stratification and surveillance strategies in early colorectal cancer.

     

  • Lars Thomas Seerberg (Norway) 
    Colorectal surgeon advancing robotic TAMIS and minimally invasive transanal surgery in early rectal cancer. 

     

  • Leon Moons (Netherlands)
    Professor of Gastroenterology and a leading international authority on EMR, post-resection surveillance, and guideline development for early colorectal neoplasia. 

     

  • Miangela Lacle (Netherlands)
    Gastrointestinal pathologist specializing in rectal cancer pathology and international consensus definitions of high-risk T1 lesions. 

     

  • Rishab Chawla (Norway)
    Interventional endoscopist and researcher focusing on ESD/EID, organ preservation, and implementation of advanved endoscopic thechniques in early colorectal cancer.

     

  • Roel Hompes (Netherlands)
    Professor of Colorectal Surgery and internationally recognized authority on local excision, organ preservation strategies, minimally invasive techniques and transanal approach to early rectal cancer. 

     

  • William Lossius (Norway)
    Colorectal surgeon with leadership in TAMIS and minimally invasive rectal cancer surgery. 

     

The prograMME 

SPEAKERS
The Program


Nordic Early Colorectal Cancer Meeting

Solstrand Hotel, Bergen, Norway
Location: Solstrand Hotel, Norway
 

Day 1 

09:30–10:00

Registration
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Introduction to the symposium: vision, objectives, and an overview of the program.
Speaker introductions. Introduction of our main sponsor: olympus. 
 

Session 1: Changes and Trends in Diagnostics of Early Colorectal Cancer

10:00–11:30
 

  • Epidemiology and effects of the European screening programmes –
    Speaker to be confirmed(20 min + 10 min)

  • Changes in radiology in Early Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis – Elleke Dresen (20 min + 10 min)

  • Advances in endoscopy in Early Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis – Amyn Haji (20 min + 10 min)
     

11:30–12:30

Lunch Break
Commercial Exhibition

 

Session 2: Local Excision of Early Colon Cancer

12:30–14:30
 

  • Role of EMR for colonic lesions – Leon Moons (15 min + 5 min)

  • Role of ESD for colonic lesions – Jan Houf (15 min + 5 min)

  • Role of eFTR for early colon cancers – Barbara Bastiaansen (15 min + 5 min)

  • Discussion: When to choose which technique (10 min)

  • Role of wedge resections – laparo-endoscopic + ICG-mapping – Erik van Westreenen (15 min + 5 min)

  • Cases (30 min)


     

14:30–15:00

Coffee and Commercial Exhibition


 

Session 3: Pathology in Early Colorectal Cancer

15:00–16:00
 

  • Histopathological risk factors – Keynote lecture (50 min + 10 min)

  • Hege Sætran – colon

  • Miangela Lacle – rectum


     

16:00–16:30

Coffee and Commercial Exhibition


 

Session 4: Surgical Management in Early Colon Cancer

16:30–18:00
 

  • Role of primary surgical management – who is not suitable for endoscopic local treatment? – Cris Cunningham (15 min + 5 min)

  • Completion surgery vs surveillance? (Crossroads) – Leon Moons (20 min + 10 min)

  • Are limited surgical resections oncologically safe? – Frank Pfeffer (15 min + 5 min)

  • Cases (20 min)

     

19:00

Dinner and Networking
 

​​



 

Day 2 – June 2nd, 2026

08:30–09:00

LIVE Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) Session
Colorectal Polyps – Patient Case Discussion and Treatment Approach

 

Session 5: Staging of Early Rectal Cancer

09:15–10:00
 

  • Role of MRI pre local excision – Elleke Dresen (20 min + 5 min)

  • Role of ERUS pre local excision – Frank Pfeffer (15 min + 5 min)


     

10:00–10:15

Coffee and Commercial Exhibition


 

Session 6: Local Excision of Early Rectal Cancer

10:15–11:45
 

  • Role of ESD/EID – Rishab Chawla / Barbara Bastiaansen (20 min + 5 min)

  • Role of TEM/TAMIS – Suggested: Jörg Baral / William Lossius (20 min + 5 min)

  • Discussion: Pro–con endoscopy vs surgical local decision – Roel Hompes (15 min + 5 min)

  • Surveillance After Local Excision of Early Colorectal Cancer: Challenges in High-Risk T1 Lesions – Antonino Spinnelli (15 min + 5 min)


    11:45–12:45

     Lunch

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​​​
 

Session 7: Surgery and Radiotherapy in Early Rectal Cancer

12:45–13:45
 

  • TESAR study – Juriaan Tuynman (15 min + 5 min)

  • Role of upfront (chemo)radiation for organ preservation, incl. STARTREC studies – Brechtje Grotenhuis (15 min + 5 min)

  • Navigating the pelvis: robotic strategies for Early Rectal Cancer – Deena Harji (15 min + 5 min)

     

13:45–14:00

Coffee and Commercial Exhibition


 

Session 8: New Kids on the Block

13:45–14:45

  • Role of robotic TAMIS – Lars Thomas Seeberg (10 min + 5 min)

  • Immunotherapy for early colorectal cancer – Brechtje Grotenhuis (10 min + 5 min)

  • Moving boundaries for local excision of T2-cancer – Roel Hompes (10 min + 5 min)

  • Role of CtDNA in follow-up after local excision – Kristin Lygre (10 min + 5 min)


     

14:45–15:00

Closing Remarks – Frank Pfeffer
Summary of key takeaways from the symposium
Acknowledgments and future collaboration opportunities

Registration

Registration opens soon

Our main sponsor

Our main sponsor

 

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Sponsor

Sponsors

Intermedical

Map
The venue
The venue 
Solstrand Hotel & Bad


Solstrand Hotel & Bad is beautifully situated in scenic surroundings, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Both the spa facilities and the culinary offerings are widely recognised in Norway. Previous meetings have been characterised by an open and welcoming atmosphere, where questions are easily raised and participants are keen to contribute and engage in discussions.

How to get there
HOW TO GET THERE?
By Plane:

The nearest airport is Bergen Flesland Airport (BGO). Solstrand Hotel & Bad is located approximately 30 km south of Bergen and 30 km from the airport.

Taxi: The most convenient and fastest option. Travel time is approximately 40 minutes. Estimated cost is NOK 800.

Express boat (Hardangerfjordekspressen): Take the express boat from Bergen Flesland Airport to Osøyro (Os). From Osøyro, the hotel is a 20-minute walk or a short taxi ride.

Light rail and bus (Skyss): Take the light rail from the airport towards Bergen city centre. Alight at Nesttun sentrum, then transfer to bus no. 600 to Osøyro (Os).

By Bus:​
From Bergen city centre, take bus no. 600 towards Osøyro (Os) (operated by Skyss). From Osøyro, the hotel is a 20-minute walk or a short taxi ride
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