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
- 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+ - NCT06758830RecruitingPhase 2/Phase 3
Total neoadjuvant therapy vs surgery for rectal cancer
This trial tests whether a full course of chemotherapy and radiation before any surgery (called total neoadjuvant therapy) can help you avoid surgery and preserve your rectum. It is for people with a specific early stage of rectal cancer that has not spread.
VilniusAges 18 years+ - NCT06746012Recruiting
Health app study for colorectal cancer survivors and their caregivers
This study tests a mobile health program to help colorectal cancer survivors and their family caregivers stick to healthy lifestyle habits. It's for survivors who are at least 6 months past treatment and have a smartphone.
Columbus, OhioAges 18 years+ - NCT06719414Recruiting
Using a special MRI to predict rectal cancer response to pre-surgery therapy
This trial uses a special type of MRI scan (called amide proton transfer-weighted imaging) to look at your rectal cancer before and after chemotherapy and/or radiation. The goal is to see if the scan can predict whether the cancer has completely disappeared by the time of surgery, which could help guide future treatment decisions.
Guangzhou, GuangdongAges Any age - NCT06682793RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Study of A2B395 therapy for solid tumors with EGFR and HLA loss
This trial tests a new cell therapy called A2B395 for cancers that have EGFR, a protein on the cell surface, and have lost a specific marker called HLA-A*02. The therapy uses specially engineered immune cells to target and kill these cancer cells. This may help patients with colorectal, lung, head and neck, breast, kidney, or other solid tumors that are no longer responding to standard treatments.
Gilbert, ArizonaAges 18 years+ - NCT06673329RecruitingPhase 1
Brodalumab for immune-related side effects from cancer treatment
This trial tests if brodalumab, an antibody that blocks a specific immune pathway (IL-17), can help control side effects caused by immunotherapy cancer treatment. It is for people with advanced solid organ cancers who have immune-related side effects that are suspected to involve IL-17.
New York, New YorkAges 18 years+ - NCT06637462Recruiting
Studying standard treatment response before rectal cancer surgery
This study looks at how rectal cancer responds to the usual chemotherapy and radiation given before surgery. It aims to learn if certain molecular features of your tumor can predict how well it responds to treatment.
Middletown, New JerseyAges 18 years+ - 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 - NCT06565052Recruiting
Exercise and nutrition before rectal cancer surgery study
This trial tests whether a personalized exercise and nutrition program before rectal cancer surgery can help you recover faster and have fewer complications. If you are not very active right now, you may be able to join.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT06501053Recruiting
Contact X-ray therapy for early rectal cancer
This trial tests a special type of contact X-ray (brachytherapy) for early-stage rectal cancer. It may help avoid major surgery by treating the tumor from inside the rectum.
Stockholm, SolnaAges 18 years+ - NCT06366841Recruiting
Stigma and mental health in rectal and anal cancer patients
This study looks at how stigma (feeling judged or embarrassed) and mental health affect people with rectal or anal cancer who are getting long-course radiation. By answering questionnaires, you can help researchers understand these challenges and find better ways to support patients.
RomaAges 18–75 - NCT06328361Recruiting
Avoiding surgery for rectal cancer after good response to treatment
This trial tests a new approach: after initial treatment (like chemo or radiation), people with rectal cancer who have a complete response may be able to avoid surgery. Instead, they are monitored closely to see if the cancer stays away.
TallinnAges 18 years+ - NCT06263088Recruiting
Equity in GI Cancer Care Study
This trial is looking for Black patients newly diagnosed with any stage of gastrointestinal cancer to help improve cancer care and make sure research includes everyone. By joining, you help doctors learn how to better support patients like you.
Cleveland, OhioAges 18 years+ - NCT06205485RecruitingPhase 3
Chemotherapy and surgery vs chemoradiation for rectal cancer
This trial compares two approaches for early-stage rectal cancer: chemotherapy plus local surgery versus standard chemoradiotherapy. It aims to see if less intensive treatment can work just as well, reducing side effects.
Phoenix, ArizonaAges 18 years+ - NCT06162650RecruitingPhase 2
Pre-surgery chemo-radiation therapy for rectal cancer
This trial tests a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy before surgery for people with mid or low rectal cancer that hasn't spread. The goal is to see if this approach works better than current treatments.
TainanAges 20 years+ - NCT06123156RecruitingPhase 3
Early erectile rehabilitation after rectal cancer treatment
This trial tests if sildenafil (Viagra) given soon after surgery and radiation for rectal cancer can help preserve erectile function. It is for men with normal erectile function before treatment who have a regular partner.
AmiensAges 18–70 - NCT06051695RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
CAR T cell therapy for mesothelin-positive solid tumors
This trial tests a new type of immune cell therapy (CAR T-cells) designed to target cancer cells that have a protein called mesothelin but have lost a marker that lets them hide from the immune system. It's for people with advanced solid tumors who have already tried standard treatments.
Gilbert, ArizonaAges 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 - 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+ - NCT05868226RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Personalized cancer treatment study for advanced solid tumors
This study tests different treatments tailored to your cancer's biology. It aims to find which therapy might work best for you, potentially improving outcomes. You'd receive one of the study drugs, with close monitoring and support.
Birmingham, AlabamaAges 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+ - 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+ - 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
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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.