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
- 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+ - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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+ - 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+ - 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 - 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+ - 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+ - 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+ - 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+ - 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 - 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+ - 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 - 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+ - 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+ - 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 - 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+ - 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 - 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+ - 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+ - 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 - NCT07239466RecruitingPhase 2
Ketone supplement with radiation and chemo for rectal cancer
This study tests a combination of a special diet supplement (beta-hydroxybutyrate), short radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy before surgery for locally advanced rectal cancer. The goal is to see if this approach helps shrink the tumor and improve treatment outcomes.
Wuhan, HubeiAges 18–75
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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.