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
- NCT04288999RecruitingPhase 3
Surgery plus chemo versus chemo-radiation then surgery for recurrent rectal cancer
This study compares two treatment plans for locally recurrent rectal cancer: (1) surgery plus chemo, or (2) chemo plus radiation first, then surgery, followed by chemo. It aims to see which approach works better in controlling the cancer and helping patients recover.
ChibaAges 20–80 - NCT04339374Recruiting
Ultrasound and light imaging during rectal cancer surgery
This study tests a newer kind of imaging (ultrasound plus light-based measurements) to help doctors tell rectal cancer apart from other tissue during surgery. You may be able to take part if you’re having surgery for rectal cancer and the tumor is close enough to the anus.
St Louis, MissouriAges 19 years+ - NCT04389086RecruitingPhase 3
Chemotherapy before surgery for recurring rectal cancer
This trial tests an “induction chemotherapy” treatment before surgery for people whose rectal cancer has come back in the local area. The goal is to shrink/control the cancer early and improve outcomes after treatment.
GhentAges 18 years+ - NCT04486131Recruiting
Test for treatment of recurrent rectal cancer in side lymph nodes
This trial focuses on rectal cancer that has come back in the side lymph nodes near the pelvis. It tests how to treat that “lateral nodal recurrence” to improve outcomes by targeting these specific lymph nodes.
Amsterdam, North HollandAges 18 years+ - NCT04495088RecruitingPhase 3
Before vs after chemotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer
This Phase 3 study compares giving chemotherapy before rectal surgery versus giving it after surgery, using a tailored plan based on your risk. The goal is to see which timing helps more people with locally advanced rectal cancer stay cancer-free and live longer.
MannheimAges 18 years+ - NCT04643041Recruiting
Watch-and-wait after PD-1 for certain rectal cancer
This study looks at whether people with a very strong response to a PD-1 antibody can safely delay or avoid more standard rectal cancer treatment (a “watch-and-wait” approach). It may help some people avoid surgery, radiation, or ongoing treatment while still closely monitoring the cancer.
Guangzhou, GuangdongAges 18–80 - NCT04703101RecruitingPhase 1
Short radiation plus chemo for stage II–III rectal cancer
This trial tests a short course of radiation therapy combined with chemotherapy for people with stage II or III rectal cancer. It’s designed to see whether this approach is safe and effective before or around cancer surgery.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT04743102Recruiting
Multi-point full-thickness biopsy to confirm complete rectal cancer response
This trial checks whether taking small samples from the full thickness of rectal tissue can accurately confirm that rectal cancer has fully responded to chemotherapy and/or radiation. It may help doctors decide the best next step if no tumor is seen after treatment.
Beijing, Beijing MunicipalityAges 18–80 - NCT04804956Recruiting
Testing gut microbes and metabolites to predict rectal cancer outcomes
This study looks at patterns in the gut microbiome (gut bacteria) and gut chemicals (metabolites) to predict how rectal cancer may do after planned surgery. By understanding these markers, researchers hope to better forecast prognosis and tailor follow-up.
Girona, GironaAges 18–18 - NCT04907643Recruiting
Virtual reality program to reduce stomach-cancer pain
This trial tests whether virtual reality (VR) can improve pain and other day-to-day symptoms in people with certain gastrointestinal cancers. You’d use VR for pain relief while researchers measure how you’re feeling.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18–99 - NCT05024097RecruitingPhase 2
New medicines with chemotherapy after short radiation for rectal cancer
This trial tests two new immune-related medicines (an anti–PD-1 drug and an adenosine blocker) added to standard chemotherapy after a short course of radiation for rectal cancer. It aims to improve cancer control while checking safety.
New York, New YorkAges 18–90 - NCT05081024Recruiting
Blood test biomarker to help preserve organs in rectal cancer
This study looks at a blood test (ctDNA, a way to detect cancer DNA in the bloodstream) to help doctors choose treatment that may spare organs for people with stage II–III rectal cancer. You may be followed to see how well the blood test can guide treatment decisions.
Portland, OregonAges 18 years+ - NCT05112016Recruiting
Study of surgery outcomes after rectal cancer
This study follows people who had surgery for rectal cancer to understand long-term recovery and quality of life. You may be asked to complete questionnaires before surgery and again after the stoma is reversed, and your answers help researchers improve care.
Winterthur, Canton of ZurichAges 18 years+ - NCT05136326RecruitingPhase 2
Pre-surgery chemo-radiation for rectal cancer without MGMT
This trial studies whether adding two chemotherapy medicines (capecitabine and temozolomide) to standard pre-surgery chemo-radiation can work better for people with locally advanced rectal cancer that has a specific tumor marker pattern (MGMT “silenced”) and is mismatch-repair proficient (MSS). It aims to shrink the tumor before surgery and improve cancer control.
MilanAges 18 years+ - NCT05148767RecruitingPhase 4
UGT1A1-guided irinotecan for locally advanced rectal cancer
This trial studies whether adjusting irinotecan treatment based on a person’s UGT1A1 gene test can improve outcomes for locally advanced rectal cancer. It focuses on people who are about to start (or continue) chemoradiation and do not have cancer spread to distant organs.
Hangzhou, ZhejiangAges 18–75 - NCT05201430RecruitingPhase 3
FOLFOXIRI vs CapeOX before surgery for locally advanced rectal cancer
This trial compares two chemotherapy plans given before rectal cancer surgery to see which helps more people and works better for disease control. If you have locally advanced rectal cancer and have not had treatment yet, this study may be an option.
Shanghai, Shanghai MunicipalityAges 18–75 - NCT05450029RecruitingPhase 2
Adding immunotherapy to chemo-radiation for rectal cancer
This Phase 2 trial studies whether adding sintilimab (an immunotherapy drug) to standard chemo-radiation before surgery can improve outcomes for people with locally advanced rectal cancer. It’s aimed at tumors with certain immune “signature” scores and specific cancer stage features.
Guangzhou, GuangdongAges 18–75 - NCT05576480RecruitingPhase 2
Immunotherapy plus chemotherapy before surgery for rectal cancer without mismatch repair
This Phase 2 study tests penpulimab (an immunotherapy medicine) given with CAPEOX chemotherapy before surgery for rectal cancer that is “MSS” (not the mismatch-repair type). It aims to shrink the tumor and improve outcomes by treating before the operation.
Shanghai, None SelectedAges 18–75 - NCT05646511RecruitingPhase 3
New chemotherapy timing tests for locally advanced rectal cancer
This Phase 3 trial compares two chemotherapy combinations given with surgery for locally advanced rectal cancer. It aims to find out which approach works better and is safer for shrinking and controlling the cancer before or around the time of treatment.
ChibaAges 18 years+ - NCT05672524RecruitingPhase 2
Tucatinib plus trastuzumab for HER2-positive rectal cancer
This Phase 2 study tests whether tucatinib combined with trastuzumab can slow or shrink rectal cancer that is HER2-positive and has certain genetic tumor features. If you qualify, you may benefit from a targeted treatment approach aimed at the HER2 pathway.
Basking Ridge, New JerseyAges 18 years+ - NCT05883800Recruiting
Total treatment with tailored radiation for advanced rectal cancer
This study tests a “total neoadjuvant” approach—chemotherapy first, then radiation—using adaptive (tailored) radiation planning for people with locally advanced rectal cancer. It may help improve tumor control while adjusting the radiation based on how your cancer and anatomy respond.
BergenAges 18 years+ - NCT05914766Recruiting
Support program for newly diagnosed rectal cancer patients
This trial tests an informational and supportive care program for people with newly diagnosed, locally advanced rectal cancer. It may help by providing education and practical support around next steps in treatment.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT05939661RecruitingPhase 2
Total treatment before surgery for early rectal cancer
This Phase 2 study tests a “total neoadjuvant” approach, meaning you receive cancer treatment before surgery, to improve safety and effectiveness for rectal cancer. It may help by shrinking the tumor and planning a more effective operation, while researchers carefully track side effects.
OsakaAges 18 years+ - NCT05943210Recruiting
Molecular testing of rectal cancer after short-course radiation
This study looks at molecular (tumor biology) features of rectal cancer in people receiving standard short-course radiation. Your tissue and/or samples may be used to better understand the cancer and how it responds to treatment.
Chicago, IllinoisAges 18–90
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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.