Clinical trials
Rectal Cancer clinical trials
Below are recruiting rectal cancer clinical trials, each written for real people, not researchers. We’re tracking 399 recruiting studies, each written for real people, not researchers, below.
Recruiting studies
- NCT07595107Recruiting
Using AI to support rectal cancer treatment decisions
This study uses an AI tool to help doctors make treatment decisions for rectal cancer. It looks at MRI reports and other medical information to suggest the best next steps, like surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy.
Jinan, ShandongAges 18 years+ - NCT06239194RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
MdX2001 for advanced solid tumors
This trial tests a new drug, MDX2001, for people with advanced solid tumors that have spread. The study aims to find the best dose and see how well it works.
Denver, ColoradoAges 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+ - NCT04288999RecruitingPhase 3
Surgery plus chemo versus chemo-radiation then surgery for recurrent rectal cancer
This study compares two treatment plans for locally recurrent rectal cancer: (1) surgery plus chemo, or (2) chemo plus radiation first, then surgery, followed by chemo. It aims to see which approach works better in controlling the cancer and helping patients recover.
ChibaAges 20–80 - 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+ - NCT05112016Recruiting
Study of surgery outcomes after rectal cancer
This study follows people who had surgery for rectal cancer to understand long-term recovery and quality of life. You may be asked to complete questionnaires before surgery and again after the stoma is reversed, and your answers help researchers improve care.
Winterthur, Canton of ZurichAges 18 years+ - NCT05148767RecruitingPhase 4
UGT1A1-guided irinotecan for locally advanced rectal cancer
This trial studies whether adjusting irinotecan treatment based on a person’s UGT1A1 gene test can improve outcomes for locally advanced rectal cancer. It focuses on people who are about to start (or continue) chemoradiation and do not have cancer spread to distant organs.
Hangzhou, ZhejiangAges 18–75 - NCT05201430RecruitingPhase 3
FOLFOXIRI vs CapeOX before surgery for locally advanced rectal cancer
This trial compares two chemotherapy plans given before rectal cancer surgery to see which helps more people and works better for disease control. If you have locally advanced rectal cancer and have not had treatment yet, this study may be an option.
Shanghai, Shanghai MunicipalityAges 18–75 - NCT04389086RecruitingPhase 3
Chemotherapy before surgery for recurring rectal cancer
This trial tests an “induction chemotherapy” treatment before surgery for people whose rectal cancer has come back in the local area. The goal is to shrink/control the cancer early and improve outcomes after treatment.
GhentAges 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+ - 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 - NCT05136326RecruitingPhase 2
Pre-surgery chemo-radiation for rectal cancer without MGMT
This trial studies whether adding two chemotherapy medicines (capecitabine and temozolomide) to standard pre-surgery chemo-radiation can work better for people with locally advanced rectal cancer that has a specific tumor marker pattern (MGMT “silenced”) and is mismatch-repair proficient (MSS). It aims to shrink the tumor before surgery and improve cancer control.
MilanAges 18 years+ - NCT05939661RecruitingPhase 2
Total treatment before surgery for early rectal cancer
This Phase 2 study tests a “total neoadjuvant” approach, meaning you receive cancer treatment before surgery, to improve safety and effectiveness for rectal cancer. It may help by shrinking the tumor and planning a more effective operation, while researchers carefully track side effects.
OsakaAges 18 years+ - NCT05984485RecruitingPhase 3
Surgery vs chemo before surgery for low-risk rectal cancer
This trial compares two approaches for low-risk locally advanced rectal cancer: going straight to surgery (TME) versus receiving chemotherapy before surgery. The goal is to see if upfront surgery works just as well, sparing patients from chemotherapy side effects.
Chongqing, Chongqing MunicipalityAges 18–75 - NCT05450029RecruitingPhase 2
Adding immunotherapy to chemo-radiation for rectal cancer
This Phase 2 trial studies whether adding sintilimab (an immunotherapy drug) to standard chemo-radiation before surgery can improve outcomes for people with locally advanced rectal cancer. It’s aimed at tumors with certain immune “signature” scores and specific cancer stage features.
Guangzhou, GuangdongAges 18–75 - NCT06126406RecruitingPhase 1
CEA-targeting CAR-T cell therapy for advanced solid tumors
This trial tests a new immune cell therapy (CAR-T) designed to attack cancer cells that make a protein called CEA. It may be an option for people with advanced colorectal, esophageal, gastric, or pancreatic cancer who have already tried at least two standard treatments.
Wuhu, AnhuiAges 18 years+ - NCT06229041RecruitingPhase 3
Chemo and radiation with or without immunotherapy for high-risk rectal cancer
This trial tests if adding immunotherapy to standard chemotherapy and radiation before surgery helps shrink high-risk rectal cancer and prevent it from coming back. You may be a good fit if you have a specific type of advanced rectal cancer that hasn't spread to other parts of your body.
BeijingAges 18–75 - NCT06254521RecruitingPhase 2
Tislelizumab plus chemo before surgery for MSS rectal cancer
This trial tests a combination of an immunotherapy drug (tislelizumab) plus chemotherapy before surgery for people with a specific type of rectal cancer that has not spread to other organs. The goal is to see if this approach can shrink the tumor more effectively than standard treatment.
Nanning, GuangxiAges 18 years+ - NCT05883800Recruiting
Total treatment with tailored radiation for advanced rectal cancer
This study tests a “total neoadjuvant” approach—chemotherapy first, then radiation—using adaptive (tailored) radiation planning for people with locally advanced rectal cancer. It may help improve tumor control while adjusting the radiation based on how your cancer and anatomy respond.
BergenAges 18 years+ - 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+ - NCT07849023Recruiting
Precise sphincter-saving surgery for early rectal cancer
This trial tests a refined surgical method for removing rectal tumors while preserving the anal sphincter, which may help avoid a permanent colostomy. It is for patients with early-stage rectal cancer that is close to the anus and has not spread.
Wenzhou, ZhejiangAges 18–75 - NCT07833319RecruitingPhase 2
Methylene blue injection to prevent leaks after rectal cancer surgery
This study tests whether injecting a blue dye into the rectum during surgery can help prevent leaks where the bowel is reconnected, and reduce the chance of needing a permanent colostomy bag. It is for people with mid or low rectal cancer who are having a specific type of surgery.
Beijing, Beijing MunicipalityAges 18 years+ - NCT07829081Recruiting
Watch-and-wait after immunotherapy for early-stage GI cancers
This study looks at whether some patients with early-stage stomach, colon, or rectal cancers that are mismatch repair-deficient (a genetic feature making them more likely to respond to immunotherapy) can safely avoid surgery and instead be monitored closely after treatment with immunotherapy. It aims to confirm if this watch-and-wait approach is as effective and helps patients avoid major operations.
BaselAges 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+
Hear when a new Rectal Cancer trial opens
We’ll email you when one opens — at most once a week, no account needed, unsubscribe anytime.
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 399 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.