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
- 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+ - NCT05871762Recruiting
Choosing best treatment plans for mid-to-low rectal cancer
This trial studies how to choose the best treatment strategy for people with rectal cancer located in the middle to lower part of the rectum. It may help doctors match the right treatment plan to tumor location and your overall situation.
Beijing, Beijing MunicipalityAges Any age - NCT05938322Recruiting
Ketogenic diet during pelvic cancer radiation treatment
This trial studies whether a very low-carbohydrate (ketogenic) diet can be followed safely while you receive neoadjuvant radiation for locally advanced rectal cancer. It may help researchers understand effects related to nutrition and treatment tolerance during radiation.
RomeAges 18–75 - NCT05943444Recruiting
Compares two ways to preserve bowel function after rectal surgery
This trial compares two surgical techniques to see which one better preserves anal function after surgery for low rectal cancer. If you may be eligible for anal-preserving surgery, it may help your care team choose the approach that best protects bowel control.
Guangzhou, GuangdongAges 18–75 - NCT06017583RecruitingPhase 3
Chemo plus immunotherapy and targeted radiation for advanced rectal cancer
This trial tests whether combining chemotherapy, immunotherapy (PD-1 inhibitor), and a precise type of radiation can help shrink locally advanced rectal cancer before surgery. It aims to improve treatment success and reduce side effects.
Nanning, GuangxiAges 18–70 - NCT06252142Recruiting
Monitoring after rectal cancer treatment
This study looks at whether careful monitoring (watch and wait) is a good option for people with rectal cancer who have already had certain treatments. It aims to see if this approach can help avoid major surgery.
Mumbai, MaharashtraAges 18–90 - NCT06442215Recruiting
Choosing the best surgery for rectal cancer
This trial compares surgical techniques for removing rectal cancer (anterior resection). It looks at patients with adenocarcinoma who are scheduled for surgery to find the best approach.
GironaAges 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.
Irvine, CaliforniaAges 22–70 - NCT06831669Recruiting
Predicting rectal cancer treatment response and side effects
This study uses metabolomics (analysis of small molecules in your body) to predict how well your rectal cancer will respond to treatment and whether you may experience side effects. It focuses on patients receiving total neoadjuvant therapy (treatment before surgery).
Guishan, TaoyuanAges 20 years+ - NCT06965166Recruiting
Better CT scans for staging rectal cancer
This study tests a new, more detailed type of CT scan (called photon-counting CT) to see if it can better show how far rectal cancer has grown or spread. If you are already getting standard scans to stage your cancer, this study adds an extra CT scan with contrast dye to get clearer pictures.
Rochester, MinnesotaAges 18–99 - 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+ - NCT05732389RecruitingPhase 2
Immunotherapy for early rectal cancer with dMMR or MSI
This trial studies whether immunotherapy (nivolumab plus ipilimumab) can help people with early-stage rectal cancer that has dMMR or MSI changes. It’s meant for patients who have not yet had chemotherapy, radiation, or immunotherapy for colorectal cancer.
AalborgAges 18 years+ - NCT06135571Recruiting
Lymph node patterns in left colon and rectal cancer
This study looks at how colon and rectal cancer on the left side spreads to nearby lymph nodes (No.253). It is for people who have had laparoscopic surgery and whose cancer is still only in the colon or rectum. The goal is to better understand these patterns to help guide future treatment.
Beijing, Beijing MunicipalityAges 18–75 - NCT07221058RecruitingPhase 1
Adaptive radiation boost study for rectal cancer
This study tests whether giving an extra, targeted radiation dose (adaptive radiation boost) after standard treatment can improve outcomes for people with rectal cancer. You may be eligible if you have stage T2-3 N0-1 rectal cancer and can undergo MRI scans and certain chemotherapies.
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07280143Recruiting
MASLD risk in breast or colorectal cancer survivors
This study looks at whether breast or colorectal cancer survivors are more likely to develop a liver condition called MASLD (fatty liver disease not caused by alcohol). It uses blood tests, imaging, and possibly an MRI to check liver health.
BernAges 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+ - NCT07223424RecruitingPhase 2
Patient preference study: shot vs infusion for immunotherapy
This study compares two ways to take immunotherapy drugs (nivolumab or pembrolizumab): as a shot under the skin (subcutaneous) versus an infusion into a vein (intravenous). It looks at which method patients prefer and is for people with certain advanced cancers where these drugs are already approved.
Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06276686RecruitingEarly Phase 1
Exercise With Chemoradiotherapy for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer
This study tests whether adding regular exercise during your standard chemoradiotherapy can help the treatment work better for people with locally advanced rectal cancer. It is designed for patients who have already been offered this type of therapy before surgery.
Cottingham, East YorkshireAges 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 - NCT06808412RecruitingPhase 2
Sintilimab plus bevacizumab for untreated rectal cancer
This trial tests two drugs—sintilimab (an immunotherapy) and bevacizumab (a targeted therapy)—for people with rectal cancer that hasn't been treated yet. It aims to see if this combination can shrink the tumor before surgery.
Xi'an, ShaanxiAges 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
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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.