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 255 recruiting studies, each written for real people, not researchers, below.
Recruiting studies
- 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+ - 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 - 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+ - 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+ - NCT05201430RecruitingPhase 3
FOLFOXIRI vs CapeOX before surgery for locally advanced rectal cancer
This trial compares two chemotherapy plans given before rectal cancer surgery to see which helps more people and works better for disease control. If you have locally advanced rectal cancer and have not had treatment yet, this study may be an option.
Shanghai, Shanghai MunicipalityAges 18–75 - 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+ - NCT05566249Recruiting
Safety study of ArtiSential during rectal cancer surgery
This trial checks whether a tool called ArtiSential can be used safely and practically during planned rectal cancer operations. It may help the surgical team prepare and perform the operation more smoothly, but the main goal is safety and feasibility.
SeoulAges 18–80 - 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 - 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 - NCT05939661RecruitingPhase 2
Total treatment before surgery for early rectal cancer
This Phase 2 study tests a “total neoadjuvant” approach, meaning you receive cancer treatment before surgery, to improve safety and effectiveness for rectal cancer. It may help by shrinking the tumor and planning a more effective operation, while researchers carefully track side effects.
OsakaAges 18 years+ - NCT05984485RecruitingPhase 3
Surgery vs chemo before surgery for low-risk rectal cancer
This trial compares two approaches for low-risk locally advanced rectal cancer: going straight to surgery (TME) versus receiving chemotherapy before surgery. The goal is to see if upfront surgery works just as well, sparing patients from chemotherapy side effects.
Chongqing, Chongqing 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+ - 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+ - NCT06194708Recruiting
Why some temporary stomas are never reversed after rectal cancer surgery
This trial looks at why some people who had a temporary stoma (a bag for waste) after rectal cancer surgery never get it reversed. It collects information from medical records to find patterns that might explain this.
Beijing, Beijing MunicipalityAges 18–100 - NCT06222255Recruiting
Transanal irrigation for sleep issues after rectal cancer surgery
This trial tests if a special irrigation technique can improve sleep problems caused by low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) after rectal cancer surgery. It may help people who have ongoing bowel symptoms that disrupt sleep.
Seoul, Jongro-guAges 19–80 - NCT06229041RecruitingPhase 3
Chemo and radiation with or without immunotherapy for high-risk rectal cancer
This trial tests if adding immunotherapy to standard chemotherapy and radiation before surgery helps shrink high-risk rectal cancer and prevent it from coming back. You may be a good fit if you have a specific type of advanced rectal cancer that hasn't spread to other parts of your body.
BeijingAges 18–75 - 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+ - 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+ - NCT07849023Recruiting
Precise sphincter-saving surgery for early rectal cancer
This trial tests a refined surgical method for removing rectal tumors while preserving the anal sphincter, which may help avoid a permanent colostomy. It is for patients with early-stage rectal cancer that is close to the anus and has not spread.
Wenzhou, ZhejiangAges 18–75 - 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+ - NCT07833319RecruitingPhase 2
Methylene blue injection to prevent leaks after rectal cancer surgery
This study tests whether injecting a blue dye into the rectum during surgery can help prevent leaks where the bowel is reconnected, and reduce the chance of needing a permanent colostomy bag. It is for people with mid or low rectal cancer who are having a specific type of surgery.
Beijing, Beijing MunicipalityAges 18 years+ - NCT06314646Recruiting
Comparing two ways to reconnect the intestine after rectal cancer surgery
This study compares two ways of reconnecting the intestine after rectal cancer surgery. It looks at a newer method called TTSS against the standard double-stapled technique.
Rozzano, MIAges 18 years+ - NCT07802197Recruiting
Radiation before surgery for advanced rectal cancer
This trial compares giving radiation therapy before surgery versus going straight to surgery for people with advanced rectal cancer that has not spread to other parts of the body. It aims to see which approach may be better for controlling the cancer.
IstanbulAges 18 years+ - NCT05964530Recruiting
Testing local removal versus radical surgery for rectal cancer
This trial looks at whether removing the rectal tumor locally (through the anus) can work as well as a more extensive operation after scans show no remaining cancer. It may help some people avoid bigger surgery if the cancer truly appears gone after treatment.
TaipeiAges 18–75
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Common questions
- Are there clinical trials for rectal cancer surgery?
- Yes. Clin2 currently lists 255 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.