Clinical trials · California
Rectal Cancer clinical trials in California
We’re tracking 22 recruiting rectal cancer studies with a site in California — including Phase 1, Phase 1/Phase 2, Phase 2 and Phase 3 studies, each written for real people, not researchers.
Recruiting studies in California
- 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.
Arroyo Grande, CaliforniaAges 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+ - 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.
Irvine, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT04703101RecruitingPhase 1
Short radiation plus chemo for stage II–III rectal cancer
This trial tests a short course of radiation therapy combined with chemotherapy for people with stage II or III rectal cancer. It’s designed to see whether this approach is safe and effective before or around cancer surgery.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT04907643Recruiting
Virtual reality program to reduce stomach-cancer pain
This trial tests whether virtual reality (VR) can improve pain and other day-to-day symptoms in people with certain gastrointestinal cancers. You’d use VR for pain relief while researchers measure how you’re feeling.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18–99 - NCT06051695RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
CAR T cell therapy for mesothelin-positive solid tumors
This trial tests a new type of immune cell therapy (CAR T-cells) designed to target cancer cells that have a protein called mesothelin but have lost a marker that lets them hide from the immune system. It's for people with advanced solid tumors who have already tried standard treatments.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06682793RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Study of A2B395 therapy for solid tumors with EGFR and HLA loss
This trial tests a new cell therapy called A2B395 for cancers that have EGFR, a protein on the cell surface, and have lost a specific marker called HLA-A*02. The therapy uses specially engineered immune cells to target and kill these cancer cells. This may help patients with colorectal, lung, head and neck, breast, kidney, or other solid tumors that are no longer responding to standard treatments.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07406087Recruiting
Navigation support for young adults after cancer
This study tests a navigation program to help cancer survivors ages 21-45 get the follow-up care they need. It may be a good fit if you were diagnosed with certain cancers as a teen or young adult.
Pasadena, CaliforniaAges 21–45 - NCT06780787RecruitingPhase 2
Study of chemo plus immunotherapy for localized rectal cancer before surgery
This trial tests a combination of chemotherapy (FOLFOX) and two immunotherapies (botensilimab and balstilimab) before surgery for patients with localized rectal cancer. It aims to see if adding immunotherapy helps shrink the tumor and improve outcomes.
Duarte, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06834126RecruitingPhase 1
Papaverine with radiation for advanced rectal cancer
This trial tests if adding papaverine (a drug) to radiation therapy can help people with locally advanced rectal cancer avoid surgery and keep their rectum. It is for patients who have already had chemotherapy and want a non-surgical approach.
Duarte, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07059884Recruiting
Exercise program to help people with cancer stay active
This trial tests a distance-based exercise program designed to help people on chemotherapy maintain their physical function and prevent disability. It is for patients with certain cancers who are working full-time and can participate in moderate physical activity.
Dublin, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07595874RecruitingPhase 2
New Immunotherapy Drugs Before Surgery for Advanced Colorectal Cancer
This trial tests two immunotherapy drugs (botensilimab and balstilimab) given before surgery to treat advanced colorectal cancer that can be removed. The goal is to help the immune system fight cancer cells and improve outcomes after surgery.
Corona, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07145255RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Study of MBRC-201 for advanced solid tumors
This trial tests a new drug, MBRC-201, for people with advanced solid tumors that have not responded to standard treatments. The goal is to find the best dose and see if it helps shrink tumors or slow their growth.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06459869RecruitingPhase 1
NG-350A plus chemoradiotherapy for advanced rectal cancer
This trial is testing a new virus-based therapy (NG-350A) combined with standard chemoradiotherapy for people with locally advanced rectal cancer. It aims to see if the combination is safe and can help shrink tumors before surgery.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07321106RecruitingPhase 1
CBI-1214 for advanced colorectal cancer
This trial tests a new drug called CBI-1214, which is designed to help your immune system attack cancer cells. It is for people with advanced colorectal cancer that has not responded to other treatments.
Duarte, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06880055Recruiting
Shield blood test for colorectal cancer screening
This study is testing the Shield blood test for people at average risk of colorectal cancer. It looks at how well the test works for screening, so you can learn about your risk with a simple blood draw.
Anaheim, CaliforniaAges 45–81 - 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+ - NCT04184973Recruiting
Testing a colon bypass device during colorectal cancer surgery
This trial studies a device (CG-100) placed inside the bowel to see if it can improve safety and outcomes during surgery for colorectal cancer. You would be asked to follow extra study check-ins after your operation, and the team would monitor whether the device works as intended.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 22–70 - NCT03961776Recruiting
MRI to monitor treatment response in rectal cancer
This trial tests whether an MRI scan done during chemoradiation can help doctors track how rectal cancer treatment is working. It may improve how they measure response early so treatment planning can be better tailored.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06997497RecruitingPhase 3
Study of Calderasib with other drugs for colorectal cancer
This trial tests a new drug called Calderasib combined with targeted therapy or chemotherapy for people with advanced colorectal cancer that has a specific genetic change (KRAS G12C mutation). It may be an option for those who have not had prior treatment for advanced disease.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07222800RecruitingPhase 3
Testing a new drug plus chemo for stage 4 colorectal cancer
This study tests a new experimental drug (PF-08634404) combined with standard chemotherapy for people with stage 4 colorectal cancer who have not yet been treated for their advanced disease. The goal is to see if the combination helps shrink or slow the growth of tumors.
Berkeley, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05059444Recruiting
Blood test study to watch for cancer coming back
This study looks at whether blood tests can detect signs that cancer may return after curative-intent treatment. You would have blood drawn around your usual follow-up visits for up to 5 years, and your de-identified health data would be shared with study investigators.
Redwood City, CaliforniaAges 18 years+
Rectal Cancer trials by city in California
Where these studies are running in California
Institutions with a site for the recruiting rectal cancer studies listed above.
- City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center · 4 studies
- University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) · 4 studies
- University of California San Diego Health · 3 studies
- Mission Hope Medical Oncology - Santa Maria · 2 studies
- University of California, San Francisco · 2 studies
- Airway Drive Care Center
- Alliance Research Institute
- Alta Bates Summit Medical Center
What taking part in a rectal cancer study involves
A screening visit first
Before anything else, the study team checks whether you fit — usually a visit with some tests. You can stop at any point, and screening is typically free.
Care at a nearby site
Study visits happen at a clinic or hospital taking part. Many studies cover the cost of the study treatment and related visits, and some reimburse travel.
You stay in control
Taking part is voluntary and you can leave a study at any time, for any reason, without affecting your regular care.
The team decides eligibility
Our fit check is a helpful first read, not a decision. The study team makes the final call after reviewing your health history.
Rectal Cancer trials in other states
Common questions
- Are there rectal cancer clinical trials in California?
- Yes. We're currently tracking 22 recruiting rectal cancer studies with a site in California, each rewritten in plain language so you can see what it's testing and who it's for.
- How do I find out if I qualify for a rectal cancer study in California?
- Each study lists its eligibility rules — age, diagnosis, prior treatments. On every trial page we explain these in plain language and offer a short, optional pre-screen for a fit read. The study team makes the final decision.
- Do I have to live in California to take part?
- Not necessarily. These studies have a site in California, but eligibility is about your health, not your address — some people travel to take part, and a few studies reimburse travel. The study team can tell you what's required.
- Does it cost anything to join a rectal cancer trial?
- Using Clin2 is always free. Many trials cover the study treatment and related visits; some reimburse travel. The study team explains exactly what's covered before you decide.
Not the right time?
New rectal cancer studies open in California regularly. Set up a health profile and we’ll quietly watch for studies that fit you and email you when one opens.
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.