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 219 recruiting studies, each written for real people, not researchers, below.
Recruiting studies
- NCT07561060RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Immunotherapy plus chemotherapy for early rectal cancer
This trial tests whether adding an immunotherapy drug called tislelizumab to standard chemotherapy and radiation can help patients with early-stage rectal cancer (cancer within 3 cm of the opening of the rectum) avoid surgery or improve surgery outcomes. The goal is to see if this combination is safe and effective.
Shanghai, Shanghai MunicipalityAges 18–75 - NCT07260526Recruiting
Chemo and radiation for low rectal cancer, aiming to avoid surgery
This trial tests whether people with early- to intermediate-stage low rectal cancer can avoid surgery if their tumor responds well to a full course of chemotherapy and radiation. It starts with brief chemotherapy, then adjusts treatment based on how much the tumor shrinks.
Chengdu, SichuanAges 18–80 - NCT06234007RecruitingPhase 2
Short radiation plus combo therapy for advanced rectal cancer
This trial tests a short course of radiation therapy followed by a combination of three drugs (fruquintinib, adebrelimab, and CAPOX chemotherapy) before surgery for people with locally advanced rectal cancer. The goal is to see if this approach can shrink the tumor and improve outcomes.
WuhanAges 18–75 - NCT02579278Recruiting
Tests blood DNA and scans in early colon cancer surgery
This study looks at a blood test that detects cancer DNA (ctDNA) and compares it with CT scan findings before surgery. It may help doctors understand how aggressive the cancer is and how scan features relate to blood test results.
Margate, KentAges 16 years+ - NCT03671252RecruitingPhase 3
Chemotherapy before surgery for rectal cancer vs chemo with radiation
This Phase 3 trial compares two treatment plans given before rectal surgery. It tests whether stronger chemotherapy alone works better than chemotherapy pills plus long-term radiation to improve outcomes for locally advanced rectal cancer.
Guangzhou, GuangdongAges 18–75 - NCT06146946Recruiting
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Beijing, Beijing MunicipalityAges 18–75 - NCT06613165Recruiting
Short vs long treatment for stage II-III rectal cancer with dMMR
This trial tests how long you need a PD-1 immunotherapy before surgery for a specific type of rectal cancer (dMMR/MSI-H). It looks at whether a shorter or longer course works best. This could mean fewer side effects and a quicker path to surgery.
Xi'an, ShaanxiAges 18–80 - 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+ - NCT05321134Recruiting
Testing single-port robot surgery for colorectal conditions
This study checks how well a newer single-opening (single-port) robot works for colorectal surgery. It may help surgeons perform operations with the robotic system in carefully selected colorectal conditions.
Sacramento, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT04808323RecruitingPhase 1
MRI-guided radiation to help preserve organs in rectal cancer
This Phase 1 study tests a radiation treatment approach guided by MRI scans to help keep nearby organs functioning while treating rectal cancer. It is designed to find a safe, effective way to target the tumor and adjust treatment during the course of therapy.
Milwaukee, WisconsinAges 18 years+ - NCT03179540Recruiting
Watch-and-wait treatment after rectal cancer radiation
This trial looks at a “non-surgery” approach for some people with locally advanced rectal cancer who respond very well to radiation plus chemotherapy. If your cancer shows a complete clinical response on follow-up checks, the study may help you avoid an immediate major operation while closely monitoring you.
Toronto, OntarioAges 18 years+ - NCT06157463Recruiting
FAPI imaging for newly diagnosed rectal cancer
This trial tests a new imaging agent called 68Ga-FAPI to see how well it finds rectal cancer and guides treatment. It's for people with new stage II or III rectal cancer who are about to start neoadjuvant therapy (treatment before surgery).
TaoyuanAges 18 years+ - 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+ - NCT05732389RecruitingPhase 2
Immunotherapy for early rectal cancer with dMMR or MSI
This trial studies whether immunotherapy (nivolumab plus ipilimumab) can help people with early-stage rectal cancer that has dMMR or MSI changes. It’s meant for patients who have not yet had chemotherapy, radiation, or immunotherapy for colorectal cancer.
AalborgAges 18 years+ - NCT07221058RecruitingPhase 1
Adaptive radiation boost study for rectal cancer
This study tests whether giving an extra, targeted radiation dose (adaptive radiation boost) after standard treatment can improve outcomes for people with rectal cancer. You may be eligible if you have stage T2-3 N0-1 rectal cancer and can undergo MRI scans and certain chemotherapies.
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07281768RecruitingPhase 2
Chemo and immunotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer
This trial tests whether adding two types of immunotherapy (cemiplimab with either fianlimab or REGN7075) to standard chemotherapy is safe and effective for people with locally advanced rectal cancer that has not been treated before. It may help shrink the tumor enough to allow surgery that preserves the ability to control bowel movements.
Baltimore, MarylandAges 18 years+ - NCT07448142RecruitingPhase 2
Low-dose radiation with immunotherapy and chemo for advanced rectal cancer
This trial tests a combination of low-dose radiation, an immunotherapy drug called pucotenlimab, and chemotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer that has not spread. The goal is to see if adding radiation helps shrink the tumor more effectively before surgery.
Guangzhou, GuanggongAges 18–75 - NCT06646341Recruiting
Can scan findings predict colorectal cancer spread?
This study looks at whether signs of blood vessel involvement (called EMVI) seen on scans can predict if colorectal cancer spreads to other organs. You might join if you already had surgery to remove the cancer from the colon or rectum and any distant tumors, and your before-surgery scans are available for review.
Basingstoke, HampshireAges 16–100 - NCT06631443Recruiting
Asian Watch-and-Wait Study for Rectal Cancer
This study is for people with rectal cancer who have had treatment like radiation or chemo and their tumor has disappeared or nearly disappeared. Instead of surgery right away, doctors will closely monitor the cancer with regular check-ups to make sure it stays gone.
Mumbai, MaharashtraAges 18 years+ - NCT05601505RecruitingPhase 2
DNA blood test–guided treatment before rectal cancer surgery
This trial uses a special DNA blood test (circulating tumor DNA) to help guide chemotherapy and radiation before surgery for locally advanced rectal cancer. It aims to improve outcomes by tailoring treatment based on the DNA signals from the tumor.
Beijing, Beijing MunicipalityAges 18–75 - NCT06822634Recruiting
Advanced imaging for rectal cancer treatment response
This trial uses advanced MRI scans to see how well rectal cancer is responding to radiotherapy. It may help doctors better understand which treatments work best for patients with more advanced disease.
GlasgowAges 18 years+ - NCT07372300RecruitingPhase 3
Heat therapy plus standard care for advanced rectal cancer
This trial tests whether adding modulated electro-hyperthermia (a gentle heat treatment) to standard therapy (radiation and chemotherapy) before surgery helps control locally advanced rectal cancer. It is for people whose cancer has not spread to other parts of the body.
Chiayi City, Dalin TownshipAges 20 years+ - NCT07200141RecruitingPhase 2
Boosting radiation before surgery for rectal cancer
This trial tests a new way of giving radiation therapy before surgery for rectal cancer. It uses a higher dose to the tumor during standard radiation to see if it can improve outcomes.
BeijingAges 18–80 - NCT07154316RecruitingPhase 2
Short radiation plus drugs for MSS rectal cancer
This trial tests a shorter course of radiation therapy followed by a combination of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and a pain-relief medication, compared to the standard approach. It is for people with a certain type of rectal cancer that has not spread.
Fuzhou, FujianAges 18–75
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Common questions
- Are there clinical trials for rectal cancer stage i?
- Yes. Clin2 currently lists 219 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.