Clinical trials
Rectal Cancer clinical trials
Below are recruiting rectal cancer clinical trials, each written for real people, not researchers. We’re tracking 405 recruiting studies, each written for real people, not researchers, below.
Recruiting studies
- NCT07735624RecruitingPhase 2
Immunotherapy before surgery for early rectal cancer
This trial tests a combination of two immunotherapy drugs (botensilimab and balstilimab) given before surgery for early-stage rectal cancer that is MSS/pMMR. The goal is to see if this treatment can shrink the tumor and improve outcomes compared to standard care.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 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 - NCT07162714RecruitingPhase 2
Short-course radiation plus AK112 for mismatch repair-proficient rectal cancer
This trial tests a new immunotherapy drug (AK112) given after a short course of radiation. It is for people with a specific type of mid-low rectal cancer that has not spread and has not been treated before.
Hangzhou, ZhejiangAges 18–75 - NCT04674267Recruiting
REACH study for older adults with GI cancer and support needs
This study looks at how to improve health and care support for people age 70 and older with gastrointestinal (GI) cancer. It may help by offering a structured way to address practical and emotional challenges that can affect aging and cancer care.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 70 years+ - NCT06824688Recruiting
Comparing robotic surgery types for rectal cancer
This trial compares two robotic surgery methods for rectal cancer: using one small incision (single-port) versus several small incisions (multi-port). The goal is to see which approach offers better outcomes while preserving the sphincter (the muscle that controls bowel movements).
ChongqingAges 18 years+ - NCT07269249Recruiting
Dostarlimab before surgery for advanced rectal cancer
This study looks at how well the immunotherapy drug dostarlimab works before surgery in patients with a specific type of advanced rectal cancer that has DNA repair problems (called dMMR/MSI-H). The goal is to see if it is safe and effective in the real world.
NaplesAges 18 years+ - NCT06693375RecruitingPhase 2
Testing a new imaging agent for rectal cancer lymph nodes
This trial tests a new nanoparticle-based imaging agent to better see lymph nodes near the rectum. It first checks healthy volunteers for safety, then studies people with rectal cancer to see if it can help guide surgery.
UppsalaAges 18–99 - NCT07143487Recruiting
Family communication after genetic testing for colon cancer
This trial studies how patients with newly diagnosed colon cancer share genetic test results with their family members. It aims to improve communication and support after learning about hereditary risk.
Anchorage, AlaskaAges 18 years+ - NCT06802172Recruiting
Timing meals during cancer treatment for Alaska Native patients
This study tests whether scheduling meals at specific times of day can improve how patients feel during cancer treatment. It is for Alaska Native or American Indian people with certain cancers (rectal, HER2+ or triple negative breast, or other solid tumors) who are receiving neoadjuvant (before surgery) or adjuvant (after surgery) therapy.
Anchorage, AlaskaAges 21 years+ - NCT04098471Recruiting
Comparing two rectal cancer surgeries for T2 tumors
This trial compares two different surgery approaches for early-stage rectal cancer (T2N0M0) that is close to the anus. It tests whether a less invasive local removal followed by radiation works as well as more extensive surgery (total mesorectal excision).
Nanjing, JiangsuAges 18–75 - NCT03465982Recruiting
Timing surgery after chemotherapy and radiation for rectal cancer
This trial studies the best time to do surgery after you finish chemotherapy and radiation for rectal cancer. It may help improve how well minimally invasive surgery works and how safely it can be done.
Alessandria, ALAges 18 years+ - 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+ - NCT03594630RecruitingEarly Phase 1
Watchful waiting then chemotherapy before surgery for rectal cancer
This trial studies whether a period of active surveillance (watching closely) and chemotherapy before surgery can improve outcomes for people with stage II–III rectal cancer. You would also receive standard chemo-radiation if you qualify, then proceed to surgery.
Houston, TexasAges 18 years+ - NCT03731130Recruiting
Study on quality of life after rectal cancer treatment and surgery
This observational study follows people with rectal cancer who get radiation (with or without chemotherapy) before surgery. It aims to understand how these treatments affect quality of life after surgery.
Munich, BavariaAges 18 years+ - NCT03755739RecruitingPhase 2/Phase 3
Checkpoint cancer drug given into or near tumors
This trial studies whether giving immunotherapy “checkpoint inhibitor” medicine directly into the tumor area (and/or the artery feeding it), along with a chemotherapy-style drug, can work better for advanced solid tumors. It aims to boost the immune system’s ability to attack cancer while still being safe for people with measurable tumors.
Guanzhou, GuangdongAges 18 years+ - 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+ - 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+ - NCT03874559Recruiting
Testing exosomes during treatment for rectal cancer
This trial studies “exosomes” (tiny cell signals being researched as a possible way to affect cancer treatment) in people with rectal cancer. You would receive standard chemotherapy plus radiation before planned surgery, and the trial looks at outcomes related to that treatment.
Kansas City, KansasAges 18 years+ - NCT06205485RecruitingPhase 3
Chemotherapy and surgery vs chemoradiation for rectal cancer
This trial compares two approaches for early-stage rectal cancer: chemotherapy plus local surgery versus standard chemoradiotherapy. It aims to see if less intensive treatment can work just as well, reducing side effects.
Phoenix, ArizonaAges 18 years+ - NCT04075305Recruiting
Study measuring radiation treatment outcomes with an MR-Linac
This study follows what happens when radiation treatment is guided using an MR-Linac (a special machine that combines MRI imaging with radiation). It may help improve how radiation therapy is planned and assessed, especially for people who can safely have MRI scans.
Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaAges 18 years+ - NCT04103567Recruiting
Testing stool and bacteria clues for poor rectal cancer response
This study looks at stool samples to see whether gut bacteria or other microbes help explain why some rectal cancers respond less well to treatment given before surgery. If you have mid or lower rectal cancer and are planning pre-surgery treatment, your information and stool sample may help researchers improve how treatment is chosen.
Montpellier, HéraultAges 18 years+ - NCT04103372Recruiting
MRI check for early rectal cancer or large polyps
This trial uses a special MRI before treatment to better understand early rectal cancer or suspicious large polyps. It may help doctors choose care that avoids bigger surgery when possible.
Reading, BerkshireAges 16–100 - NCT04109755RecruitingPhase 2
Pembrolizumab plus radiation before surgery for rectal cancer
This trial tests whether giving pembrolizumab (an immunotherapy medicine) together with short-course radiation before surgery helps people with localized rectal cancer. It is mainly for tumors that are microsatellite stable (MSS).
GenevaAges 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
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Rectal Cancer trials by city
Studies with a site in or near these metro areas.
Rectal Cancer trials by state
Studies with a site anywhere in these states.
Common questions
- Are there clinical trials for rectal cancer?
- Yes. Clin2 currently lists 405 recruiting 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 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 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
Beyond the search
We also like to point to nonprofits doing real good in this area. We aren’t affiliated with them — we just admire the work.
- Stand Up To CancerPeople facing cancer across many types, through the research that leads to better treatments.
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.