Clinical trials
Colorectal (Colon or Rectal) Cancer clinical trials
Below are recruiting colorectal (colon or rectal) cancer clinical trials, each written for real people, not researchers. We’re tracking 901 recruiting studies, each written for real people, not researchers, below.
Recruiting studies
- NCT03926338RecruitingPhase 2
Before-surgery immunotherapy for MSI-H or dMMR colon cancer
This trial studies a treatment given before surgery using toripalimab, with or without celecoxib, for colon or rectal cancer that has MSI-H or dMMR tumor features. It aims to shrink or control the cancer before the operation and compare whether adding celecoxib helps.
Guangzhou, GuangdongAges 18–75 - NCT03957902RecruitingPhase 2
Aspirin blood markers to guide prevention after colon cancer
This Phase 2 trial studies how aspirin affects specific “biomarkers” (measurable body signals) in people newly diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer. The goal is to see whether aspirin-related changes can help design more personalized prevention treatment plans.
Zaragoza, ZaragozaAges 18–79 - NCT04050345Recruiting
Blood test to spot DNA changes after early colon cancer surgery
This study checks a “cell-free tumor DNA” blood test to see if cancer mutations can predict relapse after surgery for early colorectal cancer. If results look risky, they may help guide closer follow-up and future treatment decisions.
Milton Keynes, BuckinghamshireAges 18 years+ - NCT04089631RecruitingPhase 3
Blood test guides extra treatment after stage II colon cancer surgery
This study uses a blood test called ctDNA to decide whether you need extra (adjuvant) chemotherapy after stage II colon or certain stage II rectal cancer surgery. It may help avoid unnecessary treatment or better target people who still have signs of cancer after surgery.
Dresden, SaxonyAges 18 years+ - NCT04095299RecruitingPhase 3
Standard vs high-dose radiotherapy for rectal cancer
This Phase 3 trial compares standard-dose and higher-dose radiotherapy given along with chemotherapy in people with rectal cancer. The goal is to see whether a higher dose can improve rectal cancer outcomes while keeping the rectum functioning and avoiding too much harm.
AalborgAges 18 years+ - NCT04185272Recruiting
Study of a cancer-related protein in colon cancer
This study looks at how a protein called butyrophilin is involved in colon cancer. It may help researchers understand colon cancer better and guide future treatments.
MarseilleAges 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 - NCT04245683Recruiting
Testing non-surgical treatment for newly diagnosed rectal cancer
This study looks at whether it’s practical and safe to treat certain rectal cancers without surgery. You may be offered non-surgical (“neoadjuvant”) treatment and close follow-up to see how well it works in a rural setting.
Cooperstown, New YorkAges 18 years+ - NCT04486131Recruiting
Test for treatment of recurrent rectal cancer in side lymph nodes
This trial focuses on rectal cancer that has come back in the side lymph nodes near the pelvis. It tests how to treat that “lateral nodal recurrence” to improve outcomes by targeting these specific lymph nodes.
Amsterdam, North HollandAges 18 years+ - NCT04495088RecruitingPhase 3
Before vs after chemotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer
This Phase 3 study compares giving chemotherapy before rectal surgery versus giving it after surgery, using a tailored plan based on your risk. The goal is to see which timing helps more people with locally advanced rectal cancer stay cancer-free and live longer.
MannheimAges 18 years+ - 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+ - NCT04616495Recruiting
Liver transplant for colorectal cancer that can’t be removed
This trial studies liver transplantation for people with colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver but cannot be surgically removed. It aims to see if transplant can improve outcomes when the cancer is limited to the liver.
ValenciaAges 18–65 - NCT04636008RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Immunotherapy with radiation for MSI-H or dMMR rectal cancer
This trial tests the drug sintilimab combined with a specific radiation schedule to treat rectal cancer that is MSI-H or dMMR (tumor DNA repair/instability markers). It may help shrink the tumor and improve outcomes when standard options are limited or not yet started.
Chengdu, SichuanAges 18 years+ - NCT04643041Recruiting
Watch-and-wait after PD-1 for certain rectal cancer
This study looks at whether people with a very strong response to a PD-1 antibody can safely delay or avoid more standard rectal cancer treatment (a “watch-and-wait” approach). It may help some people avoid surgery, radiation, or ongoing treatment while still closely monitoring the cancer.
Guangzhou, GuangdongAges 18–80 - NCT04689347RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
New chemotherapy and targeted drug for a specific colon cancer type
This trial tests a combination of chemotherapy (5-FU/LV, irinotecan, and temozolomide) plus bevacizumab in metastatic colon or rectal cancer. It focuses on tumors with an “MGMT silenced” pattern (MGMT gene turned off), which may make some cancers more responsive to these medicines.
Milan, MilanAges 18–75 - NCT04743102Recruiting
Multi-point full-thickness biopsy to confirm complete rectal cancer response
This trial checks whether taking small samples from the full thickness of rectal tissue can accurately confirm that rectal cancer has fully responded to chemotherapy and/or radiation. It may help doctors decide the best next step if no tumor is seen after treatment.
Beijing, Beijing MunicipalityAges 18–80 - NCT04929223RecruitingPhase 1
Targeted drug study for metastatic colon or rectal cancer
This Phase 1 study tests targeted cancer treatments in people with metastatic colorectal cancer, using genetic “biomarker” results to match you to the right treatment group. It focuses first on safety, and also looks for early signs the treatment may work in specific tumor subgroups.
Birmingham, AlabamaAges 18 years+ - NCT04967183Recruiting
Compare a stool blood test versus colonoscopy follow-up after precancer removal
This study compares two ways of checking for colorectal cancer risk after advanced polyps are removed. It may help determine whether a stool test can safely replace some colonoscopy surveillance for certain people.
OurenseAges 50–65 - NCT04980287Recruiting
Surgery trial for colon cancer spread to stomach-area fat
This trial studies whether a specific surgery that removes the colon’s associated tissue (and part of the nearby stomach-area tissue) improves outcomes for certain colon cancer cases that are at risk of spreading there. If you qualify, your doctors will compare your treatment approach as part of the study to see if it helps.
Wuhan, HubeiAges 18–75 - NCT05000697Recruiting
Watch-and-wait or chemo after rectal cancer radiation
This trial studies people with early-to-mid stage distal rectal cancer who may get radiation and chemotherapy, with an option that may include an extra drug (oxaliplatin). It also tests whether some people can safely follow a “watch and wait” plan instead of immediate additional treatment, aiming to reduce overtreatment while keeping cancer control.
Buenos AiresAges 18 years+ - NCT05007132RecruitingPhase 2
First-line metastatic colon or rectal cancer study with targeted drugs
This Phase 2 trial compares two treatment combinations as a first treatment for metastatic (spread) colon or rectal cancer. It looks to see whether one combo works better or is safer than the other.
BerlinAges 18 years+ - NCT05008809RecruitingPhase 3
FIRE-9 trial: chemo after colon cancer metastasis removal
This trial studies whether giving chemotherapy after surgery or ablation (destroying spots of cancer) can improve outcomes in people with metastatic colon or rectal cancer. It compares post-treatment chemotherapy strategies to reduce the chance the cancer comes back.
AmbergAges 18 years+ - NCT05024097RecruitingPhase 2
New medicines with chemotherapy after short radiation for rectal cancer
This trial tests two new immune-related medicines (an anti–PD-1 drug and an adenosine blocker) added to standard chemotherapy after a short course of radiation for rectal cancer. It aims to improve cancer control while checking safety.
New York, New YorkAges 18–90 - NCT05027737Recruiting
Earlier ileostomy closure after rectal cancer surgery
This study looks at whether closing a temporary ileostomy sooner is safe after rectal cancer surgery, when imaging shows no leak. It may help people avoid living with the stoma for longer, but only if specific safety checks are passed.
Vancouver, British ColumbiaAges 18–90
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Common questions
- Are there clinical trials for colorectal (colon or rectal) cancer?
- Yes. Clin2 currently lists 901 recruiting colorectal (colon or 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 colorectal (colon or 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 colorectal (colon or 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.