This is an explorative phase 2 clinical trial which will be conducted in two phases. The aim of this study is to establish the safety and efficacy of treating patients with early colorectal cancer with intratumoral influenza vaccine as a down staging and immune response enhancing treatment prior to intended curative surgery.~The first part of the study will be conducted as a pilot study. Six patients with histologically verified or clinically suspicious sigmoid colon cancer who are planned to undergo curative surgery will be included. Patients will be recruited from the Department of Surgery, Zealand University Hospital after their case has been reviewed by the multidisciplinary team (MDT). Standard treatment involves intended curative surgery within two weeks after the diagnosis. The treatment will be performed within a few days and it will be ensured that the experimental treatment will not lead to a significant delay of intended curative surgery.~If the pilot study finishes without violating any stop rules and without any serious adverse events the second part of the study will be initiated. This will be conducted as a phase 2 study where 24 patients with histologically verified or clinically suspicious sigmoid colon cancer and rectal cancer will be included. Patients will be recruited from the Department of Surgery, Zealand University Hospital after their case has been reviewed by the multidisciplinary team (MDT). Standard treatment involves intended curative surgery within two weeks after the diagnosis. The treatment will be performed within a few days and it will be ensured that the experimental treatment will not lead to a significant delay of intended curative surgery.
The aim of this explorative phase II clinical trial is to establish the safety and efficacy of intratumoral influenza vaccine in patients with colorectal cancer, as an additive treatment prior to intended curative surgery.