Clinical trials
Rectal Cancer clinical trials
Below are recruiting rectal cancer clinical trials, each written for real people, not researchers. We’re tracking 399 recruiting studies, each written for real people, not researchers, below.
Recruiting studies
- NCT06536127Recruiting
Immune cells in non-spreading rectal cancer treatment
This study is looking at immune cells (NK cells and ImmunoScore) in the blood of people with rectal cancer that hasn't spread. It may help doctors learn more about how the immune system responds to standard chemoradiation treatment.
AvignonAges 18 years+ - NCT06589388Recruiting
Using a blood test to predict rectal cancer treatment success
This trial is looking at whether a simple blood test (ctDNA monitoring) can help predict how well total neoadjuvant therapy (chemo and radiation before surgery) works for rectal cancer. It may help doctors tailor treatment to your specific needs.
Ho Chi Minh CityAges 18–80 - NCT07735624RecruitingPhase 2
Immunotherapy before surgery for early rectal cancer
This trial tests a combination of two immunotherapy drugs (botensilimab and balstilimab) given before surgery for early-stage rectal cancer that is MSS/pMMR. The goal is to see if this treatment can shrink the tumor and improve outcomes compared to standard care.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT07687875RecruitingPhase 1
Virus therapy plus immunotherapy before surgery for rectal cancer
This trial tests a combination of a cancer-killing virus (oncolytic virotherapy) and an immunotherapy drug (pembrolizumab) given before surgery for a certain type of rectal cancer. It aims to see if this approach helps shrink the tumor and improve outcomes for patients whose tumors have a normal DNA repair system (pMMR).
Copenhagen, Captial RegionAges 18 years+ - NCT04103372Recruiting
MRI check for early rectal cancer or large polyps
This trial uses a special MRI before treatment to better understand early rectal cancer or suspicious large polyps. It may help doctors choose care that avoids bigger surgery when possible.
Reading, BerkshireAges 16–100 - NCT07669298Recruiting
Monitoring vs chemoradiation for early rectal cancer
This study compares two approaches after early-stage rectal cancer is removed: either careful monitoring or a follow-up treatment with chemotherapy and radiation. The goal is to see which strategy works better to keep the cancer from returning.
LimogesAges 18 years+ - NCT06693375RecruitingPhase 2
Testing a new imaging agent for rectal cancer lymph nodes
This trial tests a new nanoparticle-based imaging agent to better see lymph nodes near the rectum. It first checks healthy volunteers for safety, then studies people with rectal cancer to see if it can help guide surgery.
UppsalaAges 18–99 - NCT07595874RecruitingPhase 2
New Immunotherapy Drugs Before Surgery for Advanced Colorectal Cancer
This trial tests two immunotherapy drugs (botensilimab and balstilimab) given before surgery to treat advanced colorectal cancer that can be removed. The goal is to help the immune system fight cancer cells and improve outcomes after surgery.
Goodyear, ArizonaAges 18 years+ - NCT07528209RecruitingPhase 3
Chemotherapy with or without immunotherapy for advanced rectal cancer
This study tests whether adding an immunotherapy drug (pucotenlimab) to standard chemotherapy (CAPOX) before surgery helps treat locally advanced rectal cancer better. The goal is to shrink tumors and improve survival while preserving bowel function when possible.
Guangzhou, GuangdongAges 18–75 - NCT07512232Recruiting
Rectal Lavage During Surgery to Lower Cancer Recurrence Risk
This trial tests whether rinsing the rectum with special fluid during minimally invasive surgery for mid-to-low rectal cancer helps prevent the cancer from coming back locally. The procedure aims to wash away cancer cells that might have leaked into the surgical area.
Guangzhou, GuangdongAges 18–75 - NCT06765616RecruitingPhase 2
Immunotherapy with chemo and radiation for rectal cancer before surgery
This trial tests a combination of a PD-L1 inhibitor (adebrelimab), short-course radiation, and chemotherapy given before surgery for locally advanced rectal cancer. The goal is to see if this approach can shrink the tumor and improve outcomes.
Jinan, ShandongAges 18–85 - NCT07463261Recruiting
Rectal cancer surgery: with or without a temporary stoma
This trial compares two ways of doing rectal cancer surgery: one with a temporary stoma (a bag on the belly) and one without. It aims to see if a stoma helps prevent complications after the bowel is reconnected.
MoscowAges 18–70 - NCT07458529RecruitingPhase 2
Chemoradiation plus immunotherapy with or without probiotics for rectal cancer
This trial tests adding an immunotherapy drug (tislelizumab) and a probiotic to standard chemoradiation for locally advanced rectal cancer that has not spread. The goal is to see if the probiotic helps the treatment work better.
Beijing, Beijing MunicipalityAges 18 years+ - NCT06793137RecruitingPhase 2
Antibiotics before surgery for advanced rectal cancer
This trial tests if taking antibiotics before standard treatment can improve outcomes for people with advanced rectal cancer that requires surgery.
São Paulo, São PauloAges 18 years+ - NCT04103567Recruiting
Testing stool and bacteria clues for poor rectal cancer response
This study looks at stool samples to see whether gut bacteria or other microbes help explain why some rectal cancers respond less well to treatment given before surgery. If you have mid or lower rectal cancer and are planning pre-surgery treatment, your information and stool sample may help researchers improve how treatment is chosen.
Montpellier, HéraultAges 18 years+ - NCT07407465RecruitingPhase 2
Study of a new drug combo for advanced HER2-positive colorectal cancer
This trial tests a combination of three drugs (trastuzumab deruxtecan, capecitabine, and bevacizumab) as the first treatment for people with HER2-positive colorectal cancer that has spread or cannot be removed by surgery. The goal is to see if this combination can shrink tumors and help patients live longer.
LyonAges 18 years+ - NCT07406087Recruiting
Navigation support for young adults after cancer
This study tests a navigation program to help cancer survivors ages 21-45 get the follow-up care they need. It may be a good fit if you were diagnosed with certain cancers as a teen or young adult.
Pasadena, CaliforniaAges 21–45 - NCT07405476RecruitingPhase 2
Zanidatamab before surgery for HER2 positive colon or rectal cancer
This trial tests if the drug zanidatamab, given before surgery, can help treat colon or rectal cancer that has a specific marker called HER2. The goal is to see if this approach can shrink tumors and improve outcomes for people whose cancer has not spread to other parts of the body.
Atlanta, GeorgiaAges 18 years+ - NCT07376980Enrolling by invitation
Modified single-stapled anastomosis for rectal cancer surgery
This trial is testing a modified surgical technique (single-stapled anastomosis) for removing part of the rectum in people with rectal cancer. The goal is to see if this approach can improve recovery or outcomes while using minimally invasive methods like laparoscopic or robotic surgery.
Suwon, Gyeonggi-doAges 19 years+ - NCT07359989Recruiting
Leucine plus chemoradiation before surgery for rectal cancer
This trial tests whether adding leucine (a simple amino acid) to standard chemoradiation before surgery can help shrink rectal cancer and improve outcomes. It is for people with locally advanced rectal cancer that hasn't yet spread to other organs.
Hangzhou, ZhejiangAges 18–80 - NCT07346534Enrolling by invitation
Comparing reinforced vs. standard bowel connection in rectal cancer surgery
This study compares two ways of reconnecting the bowel after removing rectal cancer using keyhole surgery. It aims to see if a reinforced connection (with extra support) helps prevent leaks better than the standard method.
ShanghaiAges 18–85 - NCT07318051Recruiting
Sample collection for cancer research study
This study collects blood and tumor tissue samples from patients with certain untreated cancers to help researchers develop and improve tests. You may be eligible if you have one of the listed cancer types and have not yet started treatment.
Austin, TexasAges 18 years+ - NCT07269249Recruiting
Dostarlimab before surgery for advanced rectal cancer
This study looks at how well the immunotherapy drug dostarlimab works before surgery in patients with a specific type of advanced rectal cancer that has DNA repair problems (called dMMR/MSI-H). The goal is to see if it is safe and effective in the real world.
NaplesAges 18 years+ - NCT07253298Enrolling by invitation
Kegel exercises with biofeedback for bowel recovery after rectal cancer surgery
This trial studies whether doing Kegel exercises with biofeedback (a technique that helps you see how your muscles are working) can improve bowel function, reduce emotional distress, and boost quality of life after rectal cancer surgery.
TaipeiAges 18 years+
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Common questions
- Are there clinical trials for rectal cancer?
- Yes. Clin2 currently lists 399 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.