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
- NCT06560671Recruiting
App vs. paper for colonoscopy prep education
This study compares a new smartphone app to standard paper instructions for helping patients get their bowel ready for colonoscopy. It aims to see which method is easier to understand and leads to a better exam.
HsinchuAges 18 years+ - NCT06272461Recruiting
Comparing lidocaine vs. ketamine for colorectal surgery pain
This trial compares two pain-relief medicines (lidocaine vs. ketamine) given through an IV during open colorectal surgery. It aims to find which one works better to reduce pain after surgery.
NabeulAges 18–90 - NCT06236633Recruiting
Blocking an artery before rectal cancer surgery
This trial tests a technique called ischemic preconditioning, where doctors temporarily block a main artery in your gut before rectal cancer surgery to see if it helps reduce complications. If you are scheduled for this type of surgery and meet the health criteria, the study may offer more information about safer recovery.
MontpellierAges 18–90 - 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 - NCT05254327RecruitingPhase 2
Radiation plus or minus BMX-001 for advanced rectal cancer
This Phase 2 study tests two different ways of giving radiation before surgery for locally advanced rectal cancer, with or without an added study drug called BMX-001. It aims to see whether the shorter/longer radiation plans and BMX-001 improve cancer control and are safe.
Lexington, KentuckyAges 18 years+ - NCT04925154Recruiting
Study of decision-making for rectal cancer treatment
This study asks people newly diagnosed with rectal cancer about how they choose between treatment benefits and quality of life. It uses questionnaires to understand what tradeoffs matter to patients so care discussions can be improved.
Montreal, QuebecAges 18 years+ - NCT04815694Recruiting
MRI-guided radiotherapy for rectal cancer
This trial tests whether using MRI scans to guide radiotherapy can improve treatment for people with a certain type of rectal cancer. It focuses on patients whose tumors have not spread to other parts of the body and who have specific tumor features seen on MRI.
Roma, RomaAges 18 years+ - NCT04117100Recruiting
Study registry for advanced endoscopy treatments
This study keeps a record of people who choose an advanced endoscopy procedure (like ESD, EMR, advanced polypectomy, POEM, or treatment for Zenker’s). It aims to learn about real-world outcomes and safety, which may help improve care for future patients.
Montreal, QuebecAges 18 years+ - 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 - 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 - 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+ - 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+ - 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 - 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+ - 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 - NCT07567027Recruiting
Testing a spacing gel to improve prostate cancer freezing treatment
This trial tests whether a special gel placed between the prostate and rectum improves the safety and effectiveness of cryoablation—a freezing treatment for prostate cancer. The gel aims to protect the rectum from cold damage during the procedure.
New York, New YorkAges 40–95 - NCT05102110Recruiting
Check rectal mucus in people with throat or lung cancers
This study looks at a substance called rectal mucus during an exam to learn about changes in people with cancers of the throat/airways (aero-digestive tract). It’s a feasibility study, meaning it mainly tests whether this approach is safe and practical.
ExeterAges 18–99 - NCT06843434RecruitingPhase 2
Study of two immunotherapy drugs for rectal cancer
This trial tests a combination of two immunotherapy drugs, botensilimab and balstilimab, for people with newly diagnosed rectal adenocarcinoma that has not spread. The goal is to see if this treatment can shrink the tumor before surgery.
Basking Ridge, New JerseyAges 18 years+ - NCT05597852Recruiting
Rectal gel spacer to help repeat prostate radiation
This trial studies whether placing a soft gel spacer near the rectum can make “salvage” prostate radiation safer and more tolerable when prostate cancer comes back locally. It may help reduce side effects by creating extra space between the rectum and the radiation area.
Toronto, OntarioAges 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.
Phoenix, ArizonaAges 18 years+ - NCT06630962Recruiting
Financial help for newly diagnosed cancer patients
This study looks at whether getting help with financial issues (like insurance and costs) can reduce the money worries and problems that come with cancer treatment. It is for people newly diagnosed with breast, colorectal, or prostate cancer who haven't started treatment yet.
Ile-IfeAges 18 years+ - NCT05984875Recruiting
Immune system study for ovarian cancer
This study looks at how the immune system works in people with epithelial ovarian cancer. It aims to understand the immune landscape around the tumor, which could lead to better treatments in the future.
BellinzonaAges 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 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.