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
- 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+ - NCT05556473RecruitingPhase 1
Tryptophan PET/CT scan study for different tumors
This early-phase study tests a special PET/CT scan using labeled tryptophan to help doctors see how different tumors behave. The goal is to learn whether this scan can better identify and measure cancers in the brain or elsewhere.
Detroit, MichiganAges 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+ - 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+ - 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+ - 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 - NCT06364371Recruiting
Predicting rectal cancer treatment response using multi-omics
This trial is testing a new way to predict how well your rectal cancer will respond to treatments given before surgery. It uses advanced tests (like looking at genes and other markers) to tailor your care.
Guangzhou, GuangdongAges 18–80 - NCT06312982RecruitingPhase 2/Phase 3
Chemo, radiation, and immunotherapy before rectal cancer surgery
This trial tests whether a combination of chemotherapy, radiation, and an immunotherapy drug (tislelizumab) before surgery can improve outcomes for people with locally advanced rectal cancer that has specific protein/gene markers (pMMR or MSS). It’s designed for those who have not yet had any treatment for their cancer.
Beijing, Beijing MunicipalityAges 18–75 - NCT05563922RecruitingPhase 2
Testing a plan to preserve the anus after rectal chemo-radiation
This Phase 2 study tests a “total neoadjuvant” (chemo plus radiation before the main treatment) plan to see if some people with low rectal cancer can keep their anus. It may help you avoid permanent colostomy if your cancer responds well and you meet the study rules.
Shanghai, Shanghai MunicipalityAges 18–75 - NCT05752136RecruitingPhase 3
Pre-surgery radiation plus immunotherapy and chemo for rectal cancer
This trial tests whether a short course of radiation before surgery, combined with the immunotherapy drug envafolimab and the chemo regimen CAPEOX, works better for shrinking locally advanced rectal cancer. It is aimed at people whose tumor is not “MMR-deficient” (it is pMMR/MSS), and it asks participants to be able to return for repeated checkups and treatments.
Hangzhou, ZhejiangAges 18 years+ - NCT05772481Recruiting
PET-MRI scan test for rectal cancer after pre-surgery treatment
This study looks at whether a special scan called PET-MRI can better show how rectal cancer responds to treatment given before surgery. If it works well, it could help doctors plan the right next steps after chemoradiotherapy.
StrasbourgAges 18–75 - NCT06302751Recruiting
Mobile app to improve recovery after colorectal cancer surgery
This trial tests whether a mobile app can help people recover better after colorectal cancer surgery. If you join, you'll use the app to track your recovery and get support, which may improve your overall outcome.
Rozzano, MIAges 18 years+ - 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+ - NCT07346248Enrolling by invitation
Complications after pre-surgery treatment for advanced rectal cancer
This study looks at complications that happen after surgery in patients with advanced rectal cancer who got radiation or chemo-radiation before their operation. Researchers want to learn how different pre-surgery treatments affect recovery.
Rozzano, MilanAges 18 years+ - NCT07651553Recruiting
Transanal vs. Robotic Surgery for Rectal Cancer
This trial compares two surgical approaches to remove rectal cancer while preserving bowel function. Researchers want to see which method—performed through the anus or with robotic assistance—leads to better outcomes and quality of life.
Guangzhou, GuangdongAges 18–75 - NCT05912075RecruitingPhase 1
New pre-surgery radiation plus ASTX660 for rectal cancer
This early-phase trial tests adding ASTX660 (a new drug) to pre-surgery radiation for locally advanced rectal cancer. It aims to improve control of the tumor before surgery, making it more likely that the surgeon can remove it with clear margins.
Lyon, RhöneAges 18 years+ - NCT06770270RecruitingPhase 2
Immunotherapy with radiation and chemo before rectal cancer surgery
This trial tests adding an immunotherapy drug (pucotenlimab) to standard radiation and chemotherapy before surgery for locally advanced rectal cancer. The goal is to see if this combination can shrink the tumor more effectively and improve outcomes.
Hangzhou, ZhejiangAges 18–75 - NCT06787625Recruiting
Growing tumor models from colorectal cancer and liver metastases
This study takes samples from colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver and grows them in the lab. The goal is to create models that can help researchers understand the cancer better and find new treatments.
RomeAges 18 years+ - NCT06812728RecruitingPhase 2
Chemo and radiation before surgery for advanced rectal cancer
This trial tests giving a strong chemotherapy combination (FOLFIRINOX) followed by radiation before surgery for locally advanced rectal cancer. If you have stage 3 or high-risk stage 2 rectal cancer that has not spread, this approach may shrink the tumor and improve outcomes.
Shibīn al Kawm, MenoufiaAges 18–70 - NCT07433673RecruitingPhase 2
Gemcitabine, cisplatin, nab-paclitaxel, and cemiplimab for locally advanced bile duct cancer
This trial tests a combination of four drugs to see if they shrink locally advanced bile duct or gallbladder cancer that cannot be removed surgically. It is for people who have not had prior treatment for this cancer.
New York, New YorkAges 18 years+ - NCT07478731RecruitingPhase 2
Combination therapy for advanced rectal cancer before surgery
This trial tests a new drug called SHR-1701 combined with standard chemotherapy and radiation for people with locally advanced rectal cancer. The goal is to shrink the tumor before surgery, making it easier to remove completely.
Wuhan, HubeiAges 18–75 - NCT05585814RecruitingPhase 2
New chemo plus immunotherapy before rectal surgery
This trial tests a combination of chemo, a medicine that blocks blood vessel growth, and an immune checkpoint drug given before rectal cancer surgery. It’s for people with locally advanced rectal cancer without distant spread, to try to shrink the tumor and improve surgical results.
ShanghaiAges 18–75 - NCT04927897Recruiting
Testing where to aim extra rectal radiation before surgery
This trial tests the best place to target an “extra boost” of radiation inside the rectum for certain rectal cancer patients. It may help guide more precise treatment planning before they have total mesorectal excision (TME) surgery.
Maastricht, LimburgAges 18 years+ - NCT07284992RecruitingPhase 2
Comparing short vs long radiation with immunotherapy for rectal cancer
This trial tests whether a short course of radiation followed by an immunotherapy drug (PD-L1 inhibitor) plus chemotherapy works as well as or better than a longer radiation course for locally advanced rectal cancer. The goal is to shrink tumors before surgery.
Jinan, ShandongAges 18–80
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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.