Clinical trials
Rectal Cancer clinical trials
Below are recruiting rectal cancer clinical trials, each written for real people, not researchers. We’re tracking 397 recruiting studies, each written for real people, not researchers, below.
Recruiting studies
- NCT06718543RecruitingPhase 2
Short-course radiation with AK112 for rectal cancer before surgery
This trial tests whether combining short-course radiation with an immune therapy drug (AK112) plus chemotherapy before surgery is better than radiation alone for locally advanced rectal cancer. It aims to shrink tumors and improve outcomes without needing stronger treatments later.
Chongqing, Chongqing MunicipalityAges 18–80 - NCT07198165RecruitingPhase 2
Short radiation followed by chemo plus bevacizumab with or without immunotherapy for rectal cancer
This trial tests whether adding an immunotherapy drug (PD-1 inhibitor) to standard chemoradiation and targeted therapy improves outcomes for locally advanced rectal cancer. It is for patients who have not had prior treatment and do not have certain genetic markers (BRAF mutation or MSI-H).
ShanghaiAges 18–75 - NCT07188025RecruitingPhase 3
Cancer DNA test to guide chemo after rectal cancer surgery
This trial tests whether checking for tumor DNA in your blood after surgery can help decide if you need additional chemotherapy. If the test finds cancer DNA, you may get chemo to lower the risk of the cancer coming back.
's-HertogenboschAges 18 years+ - NCT07176182RecruitingPhase 2
Chemotherapy with alvenor for rectal cancer with high YWHAB
This trial tests adding the drug alvenor to standard chemotherapy before surgery for rectal cancer patients whose tumors have high levels of a protein called YWHAB. The goal is to see if this combination can improve treatment outcomes.
Guangzhou, GuangdongAges 18–75 - NCT07179692RecruitingPhase 1
CEA-targeted CAR-T therapy for advanced solid tumors
This trial tests a type of immunotherapy called CAR-T, which is designed to recognize and attack cancer cells that have a protein called CEA on their surface. It's for people with advanced cancers like colorectal, esophageal, gastric, pancreatic, lung, or bile duct cancer who have tried at least two standard treatments.
Hefei, AnhuiAges 18 years+ - NCT07162714RecruitingPhase 2
Short-course radiation plus AK112 for mismatch repair-proficient rectal cancer
This trial tests a new immunotherapy drug (AK112) given after a short course of radiation. It is for people with a specific type of mid-low rectal cancer that has not spread and has not been treated before.
Hangzhou, ZhejiangAges 18–75 - NCT07143487Recruiting
Family communication after genetic testing for colon cancer
This trial studies how patients with newly diagnosed colon cancer share genetic test results with their family members. It aims to improve communication and support after learning about hereditary risk.
Anchorage, AlaskaAges 18 years+ - NCT07113275RecruitingPhase 3
Short versus long radiation schedule for advanced rectal cancer
This study compares two different schedules of radiation (a short course versus a longer course) followed by standard chemotherapy and immunotherapy for advanced rectal cancer. It aims to see which approach works best to shrink the tumor before surgery.
Wuhan, HubeiAges 18–75 - NCT07108127RecruitingPhase 2
Targeted drugs plus chemo for HER2-positive rectal cancer
This trial tests whether a combination of two targeted drugs (trastuzumab and pertuzumab biosimilars) plus chemotherapy can shrink advanced HER2-positive rectal cancer before surgery. It aims to improve response and potentially reduce the need for more aggressive treatments.
BeijingAges 18 years+ - NCT06214988Recruiting
Temporary stoma or not for rectal cancer surgery
This trial tests whether a temporary stoma (a bag on the belly) can be safely avoided in some people having rectal cancer surgery. The goal is to see if it's okay to skip the stoma in those with a low risk of complications.
MalmöAges 18 years+ - NCT07068763RecruitingPhase 2
Short radiation plus drugs for early rectal cancer
This trial tests a combination of short-course radiation, chemotherapy (capecitabine), and two immunotherapy drugs (PD-1 and CTLA-4 inhibitors) for people with early-stage rectal cancer who want to avoid surgery and keep their anus. The goal is to see if this treatment can shrink the tumor enough to avoid major surgery.
Hangzhou, ZhejiangAges 18–80 - NCT07056374Recruiting
New bowel connection method for colon or rectal cancer surgery
This trial tests a new way of connecting the bowel after removing cancer or precancerous lesions in the sigmoid colon or upper rectum. It is for patients who are having planned, curative surgery and may help reduce complications.
AmsterdamAges 18 years+ - NCT07059884Recruiting
Exercise program to help people with cancer stay active
This trial tests a distance-based exercise program designed to help people on chemotherapy maintain their physical function and prevent disability. It is for patients with certain cancers who are working full-time and can participate in moderate physical activity.
Dublin, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07011576RecruitingPhase 2
Fruquintinib plus FOLFIRI for second-line metastatic colorectal cancer
This trial tests a combination of two drugs, fruquintinib and FOLFIRI chemotherapy, as a second treatment option for people with metastatic colorectal cancer. It is designed for patients who have already received one prior treatment containing oxaliplatin, fluoropyrimidine, and bevacizumab.
Denver, ColoradoAges 18 years+ - NCT06209099Recruiting
Organ preservation first for low-risk rectal cancer
This trial tests a strategy to avoid surgery by using watchful waiting after initial treatment for early-stage rectal cancer. It may help patients keep their rectum and avoid a permanent colostomy.
Beijing, Haidian DistrictAges 18–85 - NCT06949098RecruitingPhase 2
Local tumor removal plus chemo-radiation for early low rectal cancer
This trial tests whether removing just the tumor locally, followed by chemotherapy and radiation, is effective for early-stage (T1-2 N0) rectal cancers located low or very low in the rectum. It may help you keep your anal opening and avoid major surgery that requires a permanent colostomy bag.
Shijiazhuang, HebeiAges 18–75 - NCT06936774RecruitingPhase 3
Intensive follow-up after rectal cancer surgery to improve recovery
This study tests whether a more intensive follow-up program after rectal cancer surgery can improve your recovery, daily function, and overall quality of life. If you've had a temporary ileostomy and are waiting for reversal, this extra support may help you feel better faster.
BaselAges 18 years+ - NCT06883084Enrolling by invitation
How lymph node changes affect rectal cancer outcomes
This trial looks at how much the lymph nodes respond to chemoradiation before surgery in people with locally advanced rectal cancer. It aims to understand if that response can predict long-term results and guide future treatment choices.
Ages 18–65 - NCT06850090RecruitingPhase 3
Comparing two chemo drugs before radiation for rectal cancer
This trial tests if a newer chemo pill (TAS-102) works better than the standard pill (capecitabine) when given before radiation and surgery for rectal cancer. It is for people with stage II or III rectal cancer that has certain high-risk features.
Jinan, ShandongAges 18–75 - NCT06834126RecruitingPhase 1
Papaverine with radiation for advanced rectal cancer
This trial tests if adding papaverine (a drug) to radiation therapy can help people with locally advanced rectal cancer avoid surgery and keep their rectum. It is for patients who have already had chemotherapy and want a non-surgical approach.
Duarte, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06831981Recruiting
Heat therapy with chemo and radiation for rectal cancer
This trial tests if adding heat therapy (hyperthermia) to standard chemotherapy and radiation helps treat rectal cancer that has high-risk features. Heat therapy is thought to make cancer cells more sensitive to treatment.
Tübingen, Baden-WurttembergAges 18 years+ - NCT06824688Recruiting
Comparing robotic surgery types for rectal cancer
This trial compares two robotic surgery methods for rectal cancer: using one small incision (single-port) versus several small incisions (multi-port). The goal is to see which approach offers better outcomes while preserving the sphincter (the muscle that controls bowel movements).
ChongqingAges 18 years+ - NCT06802172Recruiting
Timing meals during cancer treatment for Alaska Native patients
This study tests whether scheduling meals at specific times of day can improve how patients feel during cancer treatment. It is for Alaska Native or American Indian people with certain cancers (rectal, HER2+ or triple negative breast, or other solid tumors) who are receiving neoadjuvant (before surgery) or adjuvant (after surgery) therapy.
Anchorage, AlaskaAges 21 years+ - NCT06780787RecruitingPhase 2
Study of chemo plus immunotherapy for localized rectal cancer before surgery
This trial tests a combination of chemotherapy (FOLFOX) and two immunotherapies (botensilimab and balstilimab) before surgery for patients with localized rectal cancer. It aims to see if adding immunotherapy helps shrink the tumor and improve outcomes.
Duarte, CaliforniaAges 18 years+
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Common questions
- Are there clinical trials for rectal cancer?
- Yes. Clin2 currently lists 397 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.