Clinical trials
Advanced Rectal Cancer clinical trials
Below are recruiting advanced rectal cancer clinical trials, each written for real people, not researchers. We’re tracking 184 recruiting studies, each written for real people, not researchers, below.
Recruiting studies
- NCT06281405RecruitingPhase 2
CAPOX and immunotherapy with or without radiation for rectal cancer
This trial tests whether adding radiation therapy to a combination of chemotherapy (CAPOX) and an immunotherapy drug (PD-1 antibody) is more effective than the combination alone for people with locally advanced rectal cancer that is MSS (microsatellite stable) or pMMR. It aims to improve outcomes for patients with high-risk features.
ShanghaiAges 18–70 - NCT06204094RecruitingPhase 2
Preserving the anus with chemo, immunotherapy, and radiation for rectal cancer
This trial tests a treatment plan that combines chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation before surgery for patients with middle or low rectal cancer. The goal is to shrink the tumor enough to avoid removing the anus, preserving bowel function.
Jinhua, ZhejiangAges 18–75 - NCT06051695RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
CAR T cell therapy for mesothelin-positive solid tumors
This trial tests a new type of immune cell therapy (CAR T-cells) designed to target cancer cells that have a protein called mesothelin but have lost a marker that lets them hide from the immune system. It's for people with advanced solid tumors who have already tried standard treatments.
Gilbert, ArizonaAges 18 years+ - NCT06052332Recruiting
Comparing two pre-surgery treatments for older adults with rectal cancer
This study compares two approaches to treating rectal cancer in people age 70 and older who have not yet had surgery. One approach gives chemotherapy and radiation before surgery, and the other adds more chemotherapy after radiation. The goal is to find which plan works better with fewer side effects.
Antwerp, AntwerpenAges 70 years+ - NCT05914766Recruiting
Support program for newly diagnosed rectal cancer patients
This trial tests an informational and supportive care program for people with newly diagnosed, locally advanced rectal cancer. It may help by providing education and practical support around next steps in treatment.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT05772481Recruiting
PET-MRI scan test for rectal cancer after pre-surgery treatment
This study looks at whether a special scan called PET-MRI can better show how rectal cancer responds to treatment given before surgery. If it works well, it could help doctors plan the right next steps after chemoradiotherapy.
StrasbourgAges 18–75 - NCT05752136RecruitingPhase 3
Pre-surgery radiation plus immunotherapy and chemo for rectal cancer
This trial tests whether a short course of radiation before surgery, combined with the immunotherapy drug envafolimab and the chemo regimen CAPEOX, works better for shrinking locally advanced rectal cancer. It is aimed at people whose tumor is not “MMR-deficient” (it is pMMR/MSS), and it asks participants to be able to return for repeated checkups and treatments.
Hangzhou, ZhejiangAges 18 years+ - NCT05731726RecruitingPhase 2
New treatment before surgery for locally advanced rectal cancer
This trial tests whether giving serplulimab (an immune medicine) plus CAPEOX chemotherapy and celecoxib before surgery can shrink locally advanced rectal cancer and improve outcomes. It may help by increasing immune attack on the tumor while chemotherapy helps reduce the cancer before the operation.
Hangzhou, ZhejiangAges 18–75 - NCT05672524RecruitingPhase 2
Tucatinib plus trastuzumab for HER2-positive rectal cancer
This Phase 2 study tests whether tucatinib combined with trastuzumab can slow or shrink rectal cancer that is HER2-positive and has certain genetic tumor features. If you qualify, you may benefit from a targeted treatment approach aimed at the HER2 pathway.
Basking Ridge, New JerseyAges 18 years+ - NCT05523245Recruiting
AI MRI test to predict treatment response in rectal cancer
This study uses an AI computer program to read special MRI images and predict how well treatment (given before surgery) will work for people with locally advanced rectal cancer. It may help doctors better plan who benefits most from neoadjuvant therapy (treatment before surgery).
Guangzhou, GuangdongAges 18 years+ - NCT05412082RecruitingPhase 1
Smart chemo and radiation plan for locally advanced rectal cancer
This Phase 1 study tests a “smart” total treatment plan using chemotherapy (chemo) and radiation before surgery for people with locally advanced rectal cancer. The goal is to see if this approach is safe and can work well while helping plan treatment based on your situation.
Miami, FloridaAges 18 years+ - NCT04703101RecruitingPhase 1
Short radiation plus chemo for stage II–III rectal cancer
This trial tests a short course of radiation therapy combined with chemotherapy for people with stage II or III rectal cancer. It’s designed to see whether this approach is safe and effective before or around cancer surgery.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT03875781RecruitingPhase 3
Chemo before rectal surgery, without pelvic radiation
This Phase 3 study tests whether giving chemotherapy before rectal surgery can work as well as standard treatment that usually includes pelvic radiation. It aims to reduce the need for pelvic radiation while still keeping the cancer under control.
Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, Île-de-France RegionAges 18 years+ - NCT04215731RecruitingPhase 3
Chemo plus targeted drug before surgery for high-risk rectal cancer
This trial tests giving chemotherapy (mFOLFOXIRI) plus bevacizumab before surgery for rectal cancer that has higher-risk features. It aims to shrink or control the cancer early to improve outcomes after treatment.
Guangzhou, GuangdongAges 18–70 - NCT03853733Recruiting
Shorter radiation plan for non-surgery rectal cancer
This trial looks at a shorter radiation schedule for people with advanced rectal (or nearby sigmoid) cancer who cannot have surgery. The goal is to control the cancer while keeping treatment simpler, especially for those who cannot safely undergo an operation.
Terrassa, CataloniaAges 18 years+ - NCT03573791Recruiting
Testing markers to predict chemo-radiation response in rectal cancer
This trial studies lab “biomarkers” (measurable cancer features) to predict whether rectal cancer will resist chemo-radiation before surgery. The goal is to help doctors better choose treatments and avoid ineffective therapy.
Wuhan, HubeiAges 18–75 - NCT03516708RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Epacadostat with pre-op radiation for locally advanced rectal cancer
This trial studies whether adding epacadostat (a cancer drug) to standard pre-operative chemoradiation can improve outcomes for people with locally advanced rectal cancer. It’s designed to see if the added treatment is safe and potentially more effective before surgery.
Orange, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT03179540Recruiting
Watch-and-wait treatment after rectal cancer radiation
This trial looks at a “non-surgery” approach for some people with locally advanced rectal cancer who respond very well to radiation plus chemotherapy. If your cancer shows a complete clinical response on follow-up checks, the study may help you avoid an immediate major operation while closely monitoring you.
Toronto, OntarioAges 18 years+ - NCT03671252RecruitingPhase 3
Chemotherapy before surgery for rectal cancer vs chemo with radiation
This Phase 3 trial compares two treatment plans given before rectal surgery. It tests whether stronger chemotherapy alone works better than chemotherapy pills plus long-term radiation to improve outcomes for locally advanced rectal cancer.
Guangzhou, GuangdongAges 18–75 - NCT05316103Recruiting
Optical biopsy of rectal scars after cancer treatment
This trial tests a targeted “optical biopsy” (using a special light-based exam to sample tissue) to better assess rectal scars after standard chemotherapy and radiation before surgery. It may help surgeons choose the most appropriate way to operate on rectal cancer.
Guangzhou, GuangdongAges 18–80 - NCT07616297Recruiting
Higher Radiation Dose to Avoid Surgery in Rectal Cancer
This study tests whether giving a higher dose of radiation to rectal cancer tumors can help patients avoid surgery altogether. The goal is to shrink the tumor enough that surgery is no longer needed, preserving normal bowel function.
Rotterdam, South HollandAges 18 years+ - NCT07470658Enrolling by invitation
Surveillance after positive FIT and normal colonoscopy
This trial studies the best way to follow up with people who had a positive FIT stool test (high blood level) but a normal colonoscopy. It aims to find the right schedule for future screening to catch any problems early.
TaipeiAges 45–74 - NCT04525989Recruiting
Short-course proton vs photon radiation before rectal surgery
This study compares two types of pre-surgery radiation—protons versus standard photons—in people with high-risk rectal cancer. The goal is to shrink and control the tumor while safely getting you ready for surgery, and to see which approach works better.
Stockholm, SolnaAges 18 years+ - NCT03190941RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
T-cell therapy for HLA-A11:01 and KRAS G12V tumors
This trial tests a custom immune-cell treatment made from your blood that targets the KRAS G12V change in certain cancers. It is for people with advanced cancer who have already tried standard treatments, and it may help your immune system recognize and attack tumor cells.
Bethesda, MarylandAges 18–72
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Common questions
- Are there clinical trials for advanced rectal cancer?
- Yes. Clin2 currently lists 184 recruiting advanced rectal cancer studies from the U.S. registry, each rewritten for real people, not researchers, so you can see what it’s testing and who it’s for.
- How do I know if I qualify for a advanced rectal cancer trial?
- Each study lists its eligibility criteria — rules about age, diagnosis, and prior treatments. On every Clin2 trial page we explain these in words written for real people and offer a short, optional pre-screen for a fit read. The study team makes the final decision.
- Does it cost anything to join a advanced rectal cancer trial?
- Using Clin2 is always free. Many trials cover the cost of the study treatment and related visits; some reimburse travel. The study team explains exactly what’s covered before you decide.
Related conditions
Clin2 helps you find and understand clinical trials and does not provide medical advice. Study data comes from ClinicalTrials.gov. Talk with your doctor about whether a specific trial is right for you.