Clinical trials
Rectal Cancer Surgery clinical trials
Below are recruiting rectal cancer surgery clinical trials, each written for real people, not researchers. We’re tracking 256 recruiting studies, each written for real people, not researchers, below.
Recruiting studies
- 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+ - 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 - 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 - NCT02966483Recruiting
Transanal or laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer
This trial compares two surgical approaches to remove rectal cancer tissue while aiming to preserve cure chances. It may help you see which approach fits your tumor location and health situation best.
Beijing, Beijing MunicipalityAges 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+ - 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+ - 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+ - 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 - 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+ - 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 - 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+ - 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+ - NCT04527861Recruiting
Minimally invasive single-incision surgery for colon cancer
This trial compares a single-incision laparoscopic operation versus the usual laparoscopic operation for colorectal (colon or “high rectum”) cancer. It looks at cancer outcomes and may help determine which approach is safer and works better for the right patients.
Lanzhou, GansuAges 18–85 - 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 - 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 - NCT04804956Recruiting
Testing gut microbes and metabolites to predict rectal cancer outcomes
This study looks at patterns in the gut microbiome (gut bacteria) and gut chemicals (metabolites) to predict how rectal cancer may do after planned surgery. By understanding these markers, researchers hope to better forecast prognosis and tailor follow-up.
Girona, GironaAges 18–18 - NCT05024097RecruitingPhase 2
New medicines with chemotherapy after short radiation for rectal cancer
This trial tests two new immune-related medicines (an anti–PD-1 drug and an adenosine blocker) added to standard chemotherapy after a short course of radiation for rectal cancer. It aims to improve cancer control while checking safety.
New York, New YorkAges 18–90 - 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+
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Common questions
- Are there clinical trials for rectal cancer surgery?
- Yes. Clin2 currently lists 256 recruiting rectal cancer surgery 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 surgery 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 surgery 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.