Clinical trials
Rectal Cancer Stage I clinical trials
Below are recruiting rectal cancer stage i clinical trials, each written for real people, not researchers. We’re tracking 221 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 - NCT07125729Recruiting
Early cancer detection test for colorectal cancer
This trial uses two blood tests (Signatera and Haystack) to look for tiny bits of cancer DNA after surgery, to find out if the cancer comes back as early as possible. People with stage II, III, or IV colorectal cancer who have had or will have surgery to remove their tumor may join.
Goodyear, ArizonaAges 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 - 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 - 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+ - NCT03803553RecruitingPhase 3
Testing blood tumor DNA treatment after stage III colon surgery
This trial studies how to find tiny hidden cancer cells after stage III colon cancer surgery using a blood test. If the blood test shows tumor DNA, you may get additional treatment to lower the chance of cancer coming back.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 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+ - 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 - 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 - 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 - NCT04339374Recruiting
Ultrasound and light imaging during rectal cancer surgery
This study tests a newer kind of imaging (ultrasound plus light-based measurements) to help doctors tell rectal cancer apart from other tissue during surgery. You may be able to take part if you’re having surgery for rectal cancer and the tumor is close enough to the anus.
St Louis, MissouriAges 19 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+ - NCT04575935RecruitingPhase 3
Minimally invasive surgery after chemotherapy for advanced ovarian cancer
This trial studies whether doing surgery using smaller incisions after chemotherapy works as well as a more traditional approach for certain people with stage IIIC–IV ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer. It may help reduce surgical trauma while aiming for effective tumor removal.
Miami, FloridaAges 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 - 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+
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Common questions
- Are there clinical trials for rectal cancer stage i?
- Yes. Clin2 currently lists 221 recruiting rectal cancer stage i 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 stage i 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 stage i 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.