Clinical trials
Rectal Cancer Patients clinical trials
Below are recruiting rectal cancer patients clinical trials, each written for real people, not researchers. We’re tracking 365 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+ - 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+ - NCT06864013RecruitingPhase 2
Short course radiation with chemo and immunotherapy for rectal cancer
This trial tests a combination of short course radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and two immunotherapy drugs for people with a specific type of rectal cancer that is locally advanced but can still be removed by surgery. It may offer a more effective treatment option for those with mismatch repair proficient (pMMR) or microsatellite stable (MSS) tumors.
Hangzhou, ZhejiangAges 18–75 - NCT06762405RecruitingPhase 3
Testing dostarlimab with short radiation for MSI rectal cancer
This trial tests a new approach: giving the immunotherapy drug dostarlimab along with a short course of radiation before surgery, with the goal of avoiding surgery in many patients. It is for people with a specific type of rectal cancer (MSI-H or dMMR) that has not spread to other organs.
DijonAges 18 years+ - NCT04695782RecruitingPhase 2
Proton radiation for recurrent rectal cancer in the pelvis
This trial studies “pencil beam” proton radiation for rectal cancer that has come back in the pelvis after you already had radiation. It aims to control the recurrence while trying to limit harm to nearby organs.
AarhusAges 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 - NCT07337811Recruiting
Selective removal of rectal cancer after radiation and chemotherapy
This trial tests how well a precise surgery removes the remaining rectal cancer after you have had radiation and chemotherapy. It is for people whose tumor has shrunk a lot but is still there, and the tumor is very low in the rectum.
Guangzhou, GuanggongAges 18–75 - 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 - NCT03125343Recruiting
Watch-and-wait after rectal cancer treatment for select patients
This study looks at whether some people with rectal cancer can safely avoid immediate surgery after (chemo)radiation, instead closely monitoring their response. It may help some patients reduce treatment burden if the cancer fully responds.
GothenburgAges 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 - 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+
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Common questions
- Are there clinical trials for rectal cancer patients?
- Yes. Clin2 currently lists 365 recruiting rectal cancer patients 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 patients 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 patients 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.