RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

PULSed Field ablAtion of coloRectal Polyps

This research is investigating a new, gentler way to remove bowel polyps, which are growths that can sometimes become bowel cancer. The technique, called electroporation, uses very small electric pulses to treat the polyp. Researchers want to understand if this method is safe for patients and how well it removes the polyps. They will be looking at things like how completely the polyp is treated, how long the procedure takes, if the polyps return, and how satisfied patients are. This study hopes to offer an easier, faster, and less invasive alternative to current polyp removal methods like surgery, which can have more risks and longer recovery times. It's a small, initial study to gather important information.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

King's College Hospital NHS Trust

Enrolment target

Start

26 Mar 2025

Estimated completion

01 Feb 2028

Colon Polyp

What is this study about?

Bowel cancer is a common cancer in the UK, and it often starts from small growths called polyps. Removing these polyps early can help prevent cancer. At King's College Hospital, there's a special service dedicada1ted to treating these polyps using various methods, including different types of surgery. However, these surgical options can be quite invasive, have risks, need a lot of skill, and sometimes mean long waiting times for patients.

This study explores a potential new treatment called electroporation for removing bowel polyps. Electroporation uses very small electric pulses, carefully applied to the polyp. These pulses create tiny, temporary openings in the cells of the polyp, which helps to destroy the abnormal cells. This method has been used for other conditions, and doctors believe it could offer a less invasive and quicker way to treat bowel polyps.

This is a pilot study, meaning it's a small-scale, initial investigation. It involves a limited number of patients and aims to gather important information about how safe and effective this electroporation treatment is for bowel polyps when given during a colonoscopy. The ultimate goal is to find easier and less risky ways to treat polyps, helping to prevent bowel cancer.

Key takeaways

This study is testing a new, less invasive way to remove bowel polyps.
The method uses small electric pulses (electroporation) during a colonoscopy.
It aims to find out if this treatment is safe and effective.
This could be an alternative to traditional surgery for some polyps.
Participation helps prevent bowel cancer and advance medical knowledge.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, you need to be at least 18 years old and capable of understanding the study information. You must have at least one bowel polyp that is larger than 5mm and located in a specific part of your lower bowel (the descending colon, sigmoid colon, or rectum).

There are also some polyps that are not suitable for this study. For instance, polyps that are very large (over 20mm), flat or bulky, or those that spread widely in your bowel wall would not be included. If you have many polyps (five or more), or if you've had a lot of inflammation or certain implants in your bowel, you wouldn't be able to join. The study also excludes anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding, or those under 18.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years or older?
Do you have at least one bowel polyp larger than 5mm?
Is your polyp located in your lower bowel (descending colon, sigmoid colon, or rectum)?
Are you able to understand and agree to participate in the study?
Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, your polyp will be treated using the electroporation method during a colonoscopy, which is usually done under sedation. This procedure involves applying small electric pulses to the polyp to remove it. Because this is an observational study, the focus is on watching how well the treatment works and its safety. The treatment itself is part of standard care for removing polyps. Researchers will monitor your progress to see how effectively the polyp is removed, how long the treatment takes, if any scarring occurs, if the polyp comes back, and your overall satisfaction. The total duration of your participation will depend on the follow-up required to assess these outcomes, but the treatment itself is a singular procedure.

Potential risks and benefits

Potential benefits of taking part include receiving treatment for your polyp, which could be an easier, faster, and less invasive option than traditional surgery, and you would be contributing to valuable research that could help future patients. As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks, such as bleeding, though these are typically small with this technique. We will explain all known risks to you in detail before you decide to participate. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

King's College Hospital
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a bowel polyp?

A bowel polyp is a small growth on the lining of your bowel. Most are harmless, but some can turn into cancer over time if not removed.

What is electroporation?

Electroporation is a technique that uses tiny electric pulses to safely treat and remove the abnormal cells in a polyp, without needing traditional cutting surgery.

Is this a new treatment?

While electroporation has been used in other areas of medicine, its use for bowel polyps in this way is still being studied to understand its full potential and effectiveness.

Will I need surgery if I join this study?

No, the aim of this study is to treat your polyp during a colonoscopy using electroporation, as an alternative to more invasive surgeries.

Can I leave the study at any time?

Yes, you have the right to withdraw from the study at any point, and this will not affect your future medical care.

How to find out more

Ademola A Adeyeye, MBBS,MSc,FRCS,FEBS, FMAS, PGDE

ademola.adeyeye1@nhs.net 02032993210 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.