Comparing two endoscopic techniques for detecting cancer in ulcerative colitis patients

Endoscopic Screening for Dysplasia in Patients With Longstanding Ulcerative Colitis: Classical Chromo-endoscopy Versus NBI , FICE and EPK-i.

Not applicable Interventional Universitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven · NCT01882205

This study is testing if two different endoscopy techniques can better find cancer in people with long-term ulcerative colitis while reducing the need for random biopsies.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment402 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven Academic / other
Locations5 sites (Leuven and 4 other locations)
Trial IDNCT01882205 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of chromoendoscopy and virtual chromoendoscopy techniques in detecting neoplasia in patients with longstanding ulcerative colitis. Patients enrolled in this study will undergo surveillance endoscopies to evaluate the performance of these imaging methods against the current standard of care, which involves random biopsies. The study seeks to determine if chromoendoscopy, which uses contrast agents, can reduce the number of biopsies needed while improving the detection of cancerous lesions. The findings could lead to more efficient and cost-effective surveillance protocols for patients at risk of colon cancer due to ulcerative colitis.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients with longstanding ulcerative colitis who have been diagnosed for at least 8 years.

Not a fit: Patients with active ulcerative colitis or a personal history of colorectal cancer may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved cancer detection rates and reduced need for unnecessary biopsies in patients with ulcerative colitis.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that chromoendoscopy can enhance dysplasia detection, suggesting that this approach may be effective, though the specific comparison with virtual chromoendoscopy is less established.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients with longstanding ulcerative colitis ( 8 years after diagnosis or pancolitis and 10 years after diagnosis of left-sided colitis)
* Signed informed consent form
* Previous surveillance endoscopy \> 1 year

Exclusion Criteria:

* Active ulcerative colitis, \> 20 cm from the margo ani
* Personal history of colorectal cancer
* Allergy or intolerance to methylene blue
* Refusing or incapable to agree with informed consent
* Age younger than 18 years
* Pregnant women

Where this trial is running

Leuven and 4 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Ulcerative ColitisUlcerative colitisDALMchromoendoscopydysplasiavirtual chromoendoscopyFICENBI
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.