Clinical trials
Rectal Cancer clinical trials
Below are recruiting rectal cancer clinical trials, each written for real people, not researchers. We’re tracking 405 recruiting studies, each written for real people, not researchers, below.
Recruiting studies
- NCT07085091RecruitingPhase 1
Study of ALX2004 for advanced solid tumors
This trial tests a new drug, ALX2004, for people with certain advanced cancers (head and neck, lung, esophagus, or colorectal) that have stopped responding to standard treatments. The goal is to see if the drug is safe and effective.
Tampa, FloridaAges 18 years+ - NCT07594925RecruitingPhase 2
Short-course radiation plus immunotherapy and chemotherapy for rectal cancer
This trial tests a combination of brief radiation therapy followed by immunotherapy and chemotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer that hasn't spread. The goal is to see if this approach helps patients avoid or reduce surgery while controlling their cancer.
TianjinAges 18–75 - NCT07227636RecruitingPhase 2
Immunotherapy for ctDNA-positive colorectal cancer after surgery
This trial tests two immunotherapy drugs, botensilimab and balstilimab, for people with colorectal cancer who have had surgery and chemotherapy but still have detectable cancer DNA in their blood. The goal is to see if these drugs can help clear the remaining cancer cells.
Basking Ridge, New JerseyAges 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 - NCT05965531RecruitingPhase 2
TAS-102 plus radiation before surgery for rectal cancer
This trial studies whether adding TAS-102 (a chemotherapy medicine) to radiation given before treatment improves outcomes for certain locally advanced rectal cancers. It may help by trying to shrink the tumor before the next steps of care.
Guangzhou, GuangdongAges 18–70 - NCT06249672Recruiting
Long-term outcomes after rectal preservation for rectal cancer
This study looks at how well people with rectal cancer do over time when they try to keep their rectum instead of having surgery. It is for patients who have already had chemoradiation and whose tumor has shrunk to a small scar (2 cm or less).
BernAges 18 years+ - NCT07337876RecruitingPhase 2
Avoiding surgery for rectal cancer with precise radiation
This trial tests a new way to give high-dose radiation to rectal cancer tumors while avoiding the bladder and bowels. The goal is to cure the cancer without removing the rectum, so you may keep normal bowel function.
Tübingen, Baden-WurttembergAges 18 years+ - NCT07381322Recruiting
Tracking rectal cancer response to immunotherapy with MRI scans
This study uses special MRI scans taken before and during immunotherapy to see if the cancer is truly growing or just appearing to grow, which is called 'pseudoprogression'. It helps doctors better understand how well the treatment is working for rectal cancer.
Guangzhou, GuangdongAges Any age - NCT07112937Recruiting
Effect of rectal cancer treatment on tumor cells in blood
This study looks at how different treatments for rectal cancer affect tumor cells that travel in your blood. It is an observational study, meaning you will not receive any new treatment, but your blood will be tested to help doctors learn more.
OstravaAges 18 years+ - NCT06340646Recruiting
Washington University cancer gene study
This study collects genetic information from people with certain cancers to learn more about cancer risks and outcomes. It may help researchers understand how genes affect cancer in different groups.
St Louis, MissouriAges 18 years+ - NCT07260526Recruiting
Chemo and radiation for low rectal cancer, aiming to avoid surgery
This trial tests whether people with early- to intermediate-stage low rectal cancer can avoid surgery if their tumor responds well to a full course of chemotherapy and radiation. It starts with brief chemotherapy, then adjusts treatment based on how much the tumor shrinks.
Chengdu, SichuanAges 18–80 - NCT07561060RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Immunotherapy plus chemotherapy for early rectal cancer
This trial tests whether adding an immunotherapy drug called tislelizumab to standard chemotherapy and radiation can help patients with early-stage rectal cancer (cancer within 3 cm of the opening of the rectum) avoid surgery or improve surgery outcomes. The goal is to see if this combination is safe and effective.
Shanghai, Shanghai MunicipalityAges 18–75 - NCT07675967Recruiting
Blood Cell Changes During Cancer Treatment
This study is for people with solid tumors who are about to start chemotherapy or radiation. It looks at how these treatments affect blood cells and may help doctors understand changes in blood health over time.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT05523245Recruiting
AI MRI test to predict treatment response in rectal cancer
This study uses an AI computer program to read special MRI images and predict how well treatment (given before surgery) will work for people with locally advanced rectal cancer. It may help doctors better plan who benefits most from neoadjuvant therapy (treatment before surgery).
Guangzhou, GuangdongAges 18 years+ - NCT04095299RecruitingPhase 3
Standard vs high-dose radiotherapy for rectal cancer
This Phase 3 trial compares standard-dose and higher-dose radiotherapy given along with chemotherapy in people with rectal cancer. The goal is to see whether a higher dose can improve rectal cancer outcomes while keeping the rectum functioning and avoiding too much harm.
AalborgAges 18 years+ - NCT04172753Recruiting
Online MRI-guided radiation therapy on a 1.5T machine
This trial checks whether it’s practical and safe to deliver radiation treatment using real-time MRI guidance, with the process supported online. It may help patients whose doctors recommend radiation by testing a modern way to plan and deliver treatment more precisely.
Tübingen, Baden-WurttembergAges 18 years+ - NCT06234007RecruitingPhase 2
Short radiation plus combo therapy for advanced rectal cancer
This trial tests a short course of radiation therapy followed by a combination of three drugs (fruquintinib, adebrelimab, and CAPOX chemotherapy) before surgery for people with locally advanced rectal cancer. The goal is to see if this approach can shrink the tumor and improve outcomes.
WuhanAges 18–75 - NCT02579278Recruiting
Tests blood DNA and scans in early colon cancer surgery
This study looks at a blood test that detects cancer DNA (ctDNA) and compares it with CT scan findings before surgery. It may help doctors understand how aggressive the cancer is and how scan features relate to blood test results.
Margate, KentAges 16 years+ - NCT04147078RecruitingPhase 1
Personalized immune vaccine after surgery for certain cancers
This Phase 1 study tests a personalized vaccine made for you to help your immune system after you’ve had surgery or ablation for certain cancers. It’s mainly done to check safety and see how well the vaccine can work at preventing cancer from coming back.
Chengdu, SichuanAges 18–100 - NCT03671252RecruitingPhase 3
Chemotherapy before surgery for rectal cancer vs chemo with radiation
This Phase 3 trial compares two treatment plans given before rectal surgery. It tests whether stronger chemotherapy alone works better than chemotherapy pills plus long-term radiation to improve outcomes for locally advanced rectal cancer.
Guangzhou, GuangdongAges 18–75 - NCT06146946Recruiting
Rectal cancer surgery trial: Skipping certain lymph node removal
This trial is testing whether a more limited surgery for mid and low rectal cancer can be safe, by avoiding removal of lymph nodes near the main artery. It may be a good fit if your tumor is in the lower rectum, hasn't spread far, and you are in generally good health.
Beijing, Beijing MunicipalityAges 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+ - NCT04808323RecruitingPhase 1
MRI-guided radiation to help preserve organs in rectal cancer
This Phase 1 study tests a radiation treatment approach guided by MRI scans to help keep nearby organs functioning while treating rectal cancer. It is designed to find a safe, effective way to target the tumor and adjust treatment during the course of therapy.
Milwaukee, WisconsinAges 18 years+
Hear when a new Rectal Cancer trial opens
We’ll email you when one opens — at most once a week, no account needed, unsubscribe anytime.
Common questions
- Are there clinical trials for rectal cancer?
- Yes. Clin2 currently lists 405 recruiting rectal cancer 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 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 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
Beyond the search
We also like to point to nonprofits doing real good in this area. We aren’t affiliated with them — we just admire the work.
- Stand Up To CancerPeople facing cancer across many types, through the research that leads to better treatments.
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.