Clinical trials
Rectal Cancer clinical trials
Below are recruiting rectal cancer clinical trials, each written for real people, not researchers. We’re tracking 398 recruiting studies, each written for real people, not researchers, below.
Recruiting studies
- 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+ - 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+ - 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 - 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+ - 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 - 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+ - 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+ - 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 - 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+ - 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+ - 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+ - 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+ - 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+ - NCT07448142RecruitingPhase 2
Low-dose radiation with immunotherapy and chemo for advanced rectal cancer
This trial tests a combination of low-dose radiation, an immunotherapy drug called pucotenlimab, and chemotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer that has not spread. The goal is to see if adding radiation helps shrink the tumor more effectively before surgery.
Guangzhou, GuanggongAges 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 - NCT04842006Recruiting
Personalized treatment plan for rectal cancer before and after surgery
This trial looks at a personalized treatment approach for rectal cancer. It aims to guide the best chemotherapy and (if needed) radiotherapy before and after surgery, based on scans and specific test results.
Helsinki, UusimaaAges 18–100 - NCT06646341Recruiting
Can scan findings predict colorectal cancer spread?
This study looks at whether signs of blood vessel involvement (called EMVI) seen on scans can predict if colorectal cancer spreads to other organs. You might join if you already had surgery to remove the cancer from the colon or rectum and any distant tumors, and your before-surgery scans are available for review.
Basingstoke, HampshireAges 16–100 - NCT06631443Recruiting
Asian Watch-and-Wait Study for Rectal Cancer
This study is for people with rectal cancer who have had treatment like radiation or chemo and their tumor has disappeared or nearly disappeared. Instead of surgery right away, doctors will closely monitor the cancer with regular check-ups to make sure it stays gone.
Mumbai, MaharashtraAges 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 - NCT07470658Enrolling by invitation
Surveillance after positive FIT and normal colonoscopy
This trial studies the best way to follow up with people who had a positive FIT stool test (high blood level) but a normal colonoscopy. It aims to find the right schedule for future screening to catch any problems early.
TaipeiAges 45–74
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Common questions
- Are there clinical trials for rectal cancer?
- Yes. Clin2 currently lists 398 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.