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
- NCT07154173Recruiting
Gut bacteria study in metastatic colorectal cancer
This study looks at gut bacteria in people with colorectal cancer that has spread (metastatic). It aims to find patterns in the bacteria that may help doctors choose better treatments.
Guangzhou, GuangdongAges 18–75 - NCT07369830Recruiting
Probiotics for bowel function after rectal cancer surgery
This trial tests whether taking a probiotic supplement (Clostridium butyricum) can improve gut health and bowel function after surgery for very low rectal cancer. It may help patients who have a temporary ileostomy and are planning to have it reversed within 6 months.
Shanghai, Shanghai MunicipalityAges 18–75 - NCT02704520Recruiting
MRI scoring test for rectal cancer response to treatment
This study looks at how an MRI “score” (mrTRG) matches how well locally advanced rectal cancer shrinks after pre-surgery chemotherapy and radiation. The goal is to use MRI results to better predict treatment response and guide care.
Aberdeen, AberdeenshireAges 16 years+ - NCT07419490Recruiting
Moving ovaries and uterus to preserve fertility during pelvic radiation
This trial moves the ovaries and uterus higher in the belly before pelvic radiation to protect them, so patients may still be able to have children later. It is for women aged 18-40 with pelvic cancers that require radiation.
Tampa, FloridaAges 1.5 years–3.3 years - NCT07467434Recruiting
Chemo before surgery for rectal cancer with liver spread
This trial tests if giving FOLFIRINOX chemotherapy first can improve outcomes for people with rectal cancer that has spread to the liver but can still be removed by surgery.
Le Kremlin-BicêtreAges 18 years+ - NCT07474103Recruiting
Chemo, radiation, and immunotherapy for high-risk rectal cancer
This trial tests a treatment plan that combines chemotherapy, radiation, and an immunotherapy drug before surgery for people with high-risk locally advanced rectal cancer. The goal is to see if this approach can improve outcomes.
WuhanAges 18–75 - NCT07501845Recruiting
Registry for MAASTRO rectal applicator treatment
This study collects data from people treated with a special rectal applicator for rectal cancer. The goal is to observe long-term outcomes and improve future treatments.
MaastrichtAges 18 years+ - NCT07537998RecruitingPhase 2/Phase 3
Intestinal Fluid Recycling to Reduce Bowel Problems After Rectal Cancer Surgery
This trial tests a surgical technique that recycles intestinal fluids during rectal cancer surgery to help prevent bowel dysfunction and frequent bowel movements after surgery. If you've had mid-to-low rectal cancer removed and created a temporary opening (stoma), this study may help improve your quality of life.
Guangzhou, GuangdongAges 18–75 - NCT07573371Recruiting
Understanding bowel changes after rectal cancer surgery
This study helps doctors better understand and treat bowel control problems that can happen after rectal cancer surgery or other rectal treatments. If you've had this surgery or treatment, the study team wants to learn more about your recovery and test new ways to help.
AalborgAges 18 years+ - NCT07646639RecruitingPhase 2
Radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy for advanced rectal cancer
This study tests a combination of radiation therapy, chemotherapy drugs (capecitabine and oxaliplatin), and two types of immunotherapy (a PD-1 blocker and IL-2) for locally advanced rectal cancer. The goal is to see if this combination helps shrink tumors and improve outcomes before surgery.
Nanjing, JiangsuAges 18–70 - 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 - NCT05877456Enrolling by invitation
Checking a polyp-removal scoring tool for doctors
This study tests and confirms a scoring tool (GPAT) that helps describe how well doctors perform polyp removal during endoscopy. It may help standardize training and assessment, which can improve consistency in care.
Ghent, GentAges 18–100 - NCT07702799Recruiting
Low-fiber diet vs enema before laparoscopic endometrial cancer surgery
This trial compares two colon preparation methods — a low-residue diet versus a rectal enema — before laparoscopic surgery for endometrial cancer. The goal is to find which approach is easier and works better for bowel preparation.
IstanbulAges 18–90 - NCT05652361Recruiting
AI guidance system for robotic rectal cancer surgery
This trial tests a machine-learning (AI) system that may help guide surgeons during robotic rectal cancer operations. It’s meant to support safer, more accurate surgery while comparing outcomes to standard surgical guidance.
Dresden, SaxonyAges 18 years+ - NCT06931808Enrolling by invitationPhase 4
Fecal transplant with chemo, radiation, and immunotherapy for advanced colon cancer
This study tests a combination of fecal microbiota transplant, chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy (sintilimab) for people with locally advanced rectal cancer. The goal is to see if this approach improves treatment outcomes.
Ningbo, ZhejiangAges 18–75 - NCT05482516RecruitingPhase 3
Testing blood test–guided treatment for GI cancers in remission
This Phase 3 study tests whether giving treatment based on a positive blood test for “minimal cancer signals” (ctDNA) can help people with certain GI cancers stay cancer-free longer. It focuses on people who have finished curative-intent therapy and currently have no visible disease on scans, but their blood test is still positive.
Washington D.C., District of ColumbiaAges 18 years+ - NCT05789433Recruiting
Aerobic exercise study after colon or rectal cancer surgery
This trial studies whether a supervised aerobic exercise program helps muscles “remodel” (change/strengthen) after colon or rectal cancer treatment. It may help people improve physical function during recovery, but you can only join if it’s safe for you and you can follow the study plan.
Orlando, FloridaAges 18 years+ - NCT06325982Recruiting
Preventing rectal injury from radiation with a medicated enema
This trial tests whether a medicated enema can help prevent radiation damage to the rectum during pelvic radiotherapy. It may be a good option if you are starting radiation to the pelvis or rectum and are otherwise in good health.
Xiamen, FujianAges Any age - NCT06594887Recruiting
Rectal spacer use during proton therapy for prostate cancer
This trial tests how well a rectal spacer works when you get proton beam therapy for prostate cancer. The spacer is a gel placed between your prostate and rectum to protect healthy tissue.
Somerset, New JerseyAges 18 years+ - NCT05663775RecruitingPhase 2
Mesalamine to prevent bowel inflammation after melanoma immunotherapy
This study tests whether taking mesalamine can prevent colitis (bowel inflammation) in people with advanced melanoma who are treated with ipilimumab plus nivolumab. It may help reduce dangerous stomach or bowel side effects from this cancer treatment.
Edmonton, AlbertaAges 18 years+ - NCT06906952Enrolling by invitation
Robotic surgery through the anus vs. standard robotic surgery for rectal cancer
This trial compares two robotic surgery methods for high rectal and sigmoid colon cancer—one that removes the tumor through the anus (NOSES-IV) and the traditional assisted approach. It aims to see which way may lead to better recovery.
NanchangAges 18–80 - NCT06569368RecruitingPhase 2
Metronidazole with rectal cancer treatment
This trial tests adding the antibiotic metronidazole to standard pre-surgery therapy for locally advanced rectal cancer. The goal is to see if changing the bacteria in your gut can make the cancer treatment work better.
Houston, TexasAges 18 years+ - NCT07549399RecruitingPhase 3
Radiation, Chemotherapy, and Immunotherapy for Rectal Cancer
This trial tests a combination of radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy drugs before surgery for people with locally advanced rectal cancer. The goal is to shrink the tumor and improve outcomes for patients with higher-risk disease.
Guangzhou, GuangdongAges 18–75 - NCT06649123Recruiting
Rectal mucus test for colorectal cancer diagnosis
This trial is testing a new way to check for colorectal cancer by looking at a sample of rectal mucus. It's for people who have been referred for urgent cancer evaluation and may help find cancer earlier.
Telford, ShropshireAges 18–99
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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.