Clinical trials
Rectal Cancer Stage III clinical trials
Below are recruiting rectal cancer stage iii clinical trials, each written for real people, not researchers. We’re tracking 85 recruiting studies, each written for real people, not researchers, below.
Recruiting studies
- 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 - 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 - 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+ - 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+ - 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+ - NCT06589388Recruiting
Using a blood test to predict rectal cancer treatment success
This trial is looking at whether a simple blood test (ctDNA monitoring) can help predict how well total neoadjuvant therapy (chemo and radiation before surgery) works for rectal cancer. It may help doctors tailor treatment to your specific needs.
Ho Chi Minh CityAges 18–80 - 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+ - NCT07551596RecruitingPhase 2
Two immunotherapy drugs for colorectal cancer with residual disease
This trial tests a combination of two immunotherapy drugs to see if they can stop colorectal cancer from returning after standard treatment. It is for people who still have cancer DNA in their blood after surgery and/or chemotherapy, which means they are at high risk of the cancer coming back.
New Orleans, LouisianaAges 18 years+ - 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 - NCT07458529RecruitingPhase 2
Chemoradiation plus immunotherapy with or without probiotics for rectal cancer
This trial tests adding an immunotherapy drug (tislelizumab) and a probiotic to standard chemoradiation for locally advanced rectal cancer that has not spread. The goal is to see if the probiotic helps the treatment work better.
Beijing, Beijing MunicipalityAges 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+ - NCT07405476RecruitingPhase 2
Zanidatamab before surgery for HER2 positive colon or rectal cancer
This trial tests if the drug zanidatamab, given before surgery, can help treat colon or rectal cancer that has a specific marker called HER2. The goal is to see if this approach can shrink tumors and improve outcomes for people whose cancer has not spread to other parts of the body.
Atlanta, GeorgiaAges 18 years+ - NCT07346534Enrolling by invitation
Comparing reinforced vs. standard bowel connection in rectal cancer surgery
This study compares two ways of reconnecting the bowel after removing rectal cancer using keyhole surgery. It aims to see if a reinforced connection (with extra support) helps prevent leaks better than the standard method.
ShanghaiAges 18–85 - NCT07352280Recruiting
Immunotherapy before surgery for certain colorectal cancers
This trial tests a new immunotherapy drug (tislelizumab) given before surgery for people with stage II or III colorectal cancer that has a specific DNA repair problem (dMMR/MSI-High). The drug aims to shrink the tumor and improve treatment outcomes.
Beijing, UndefinedAges 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+ - NCT07176182RecruitingPhase 2
Chemotherapy with alvenor for rectal cancer with high YWHAB
This trial tests adding the drug alvenor to standard chemotherapy before surgery for rectal cancer patients whose tumors have high levels of a protein called YWHAB. The goal is to see if this combination can improve treatment outcomes.
Guangzhou, GuangdongAges 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+ - 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+ - NCT07108127RecruitingPhase 2
Targeted drugs plus chemo for HER2-positive rectal cancer
This trial tests whether a combination of two targeted drugs (trastuzumab and pertuzumab biosimilars) plus chemotherapy can shrink advanced HER2-positive rectal cancer before surgery. It aims to improve response and potentially reduce the need for more aggressive treatments.
BeijingAges 18 years+ - NCT06968221RecruitingPhase 3
Bovine reinforcement for stomach, colorectal, and lung surgery
This trial tests whether a bovine reinforcement material helps make staple lines in stomach, colorectal, and lung surgeries stronger and safer. It may reduce the risk of leaks or bleeding at the staple line.
ShanghaiAges 18–75 - NCT07095439RecruitingPhase 2
Sandwich treatment for stage 2 and 3 rectal cancer
This trial tests a new way of giving radiation and chemotherapy before surgery for rectal cancer that hasn't spread. It aims to see if this 'sandwich' approach is safe and works better than standard treatment.
CairoAges 18–70 - NCT05870800RecruitingPhase 2
Study Immunotherapy and Chemotherapy Before Colon Surgery
This trial tests immunotherapy plus chemotherapy given before surgery for colon cancer that hasn’t spread. It aims to shrink or control the tumor and improve outcomes in people whose tumor has certain immune/biologic features.
Houston, TexasAges 18–80 - NCT06883084Enrolling by invitation
How lymph node changes affect rectal cancer outcomes
This trial looks at how much the lymph nodes respond to chemoradiation before surgery in people with locally advanced rectal cancer. It aims to understand if that response can predict long-term results and guide future treatment choices.
Ages 18–65 - NCT06850090RecruitingPhase 3
Comparing two chemo drugs before radiation for rectal cancer
This trial tests if a newer chemo pill (TAS-102) works better than the standard pill (capecitabine) when given before radiation and surgery for rectal cancer. It is for people with stage II or III rectal cancer that has certain high-risk features.
Jinan, ShandongAges 18–75
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Common questions
- Are there clinical trials for rectal cancer stage iii?
- Yes. Clin2 currently lists 85 recruiting rectal cancer stage iii 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 iii 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 iii 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.