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
- 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+ - 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+ - NCT04643366RecruitingPhase 2
Total treatment with chemotherapy and short radiation before surgery
This trial tests whether combining chemotherapy (mFOLFOX6) and a short course of radiation before surgery improves outcomes for people with resectable rectal cancer. The goal is to shrink and control the cancer early and then remove it with curative surgery.
Richmond, VirginiaAges 18 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 - NCT02012699Recruiting
Cancer registry for people with or at risk of cancer
This trial collects health information and samples (a “cancer repository”) to help researchers study cancer and cancer risk. You may be able to join if you’ve had cancer before or if you’re at higher risk or have concerning findings.
Greenwood Village, ColoradoAges 19–110 - NCT02107105Recruiting
Study how surgery affects life quality in rectal cancer
This trial studies how surgical treatment for rectal cancer affects patients’ quality of life and other day-to-day impacts. It may help doctors understand what to expect after surgery and how to better support patients.
Houston, TexasAges 18 years+ - NCT03051464RecruitingPhase 2/Phase 3
Testing two ways to boost radiation to prevent rectal surgery
This study looks at whether two different added “boosts” of radiation can work as well for rectal cancer patients, aiming to avoid or reduce the need for rectal cancer surgery. You would receive a specific combination of radiation (including brachytherapy) and chemotherapy, and your tumor’s location and size will determine if you can take part.
Dallas, TexasAges 18–80 - 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+ - 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+ - 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+ - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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+ - 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+ - 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+ - 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 - 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+ - 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 - NCT06540027Enrolling by invitation
Minimally invasive surgery for rectal cancer inflammation
This study looks at how different types of surgery (open, laparoscopic, or robotic) affect inflammation throughout the body in people with rectal cancer. It may help doctors understand which approach is gentler on your immune system.
IstanbulAges Any age - NCT05972655RecruitingPhase 2
Testing shorter rectal radiation with chemotherapy plus immunotherapy
This Phase 2 study tests whether a shorter course of radiation, combined with chemotherapy (CAPOX) and an immunotherapy drug (tislelizumab), can control middle and low rectal cancer. It may also help people who strongly want to keep their anus, if the cancer and overall health fit the study rules.
Hanzhou, ZhejiangAges 18–75 - NCT07281157RecruitingPhase 2
Liposomal irinotecan, capecitabine and enlonstobart with short radiation for rectal cancer
This trial tests a combination of short-course radiation, two chemotherapy drugs (liposomal irinotecan and capecitabine), and an immunotherapy drug (Enlonstobart) for people with locally advanced rectal cancer. The goal is to see if this approach can shrink the tumor before surgery.
Tianjin, Tianjin MunicipalityAges 18–75 - NCT03190941RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
T-cell therapy for HLA-A11:01 and KRAS G12V tumors
This trial tests a custom immune-cell treatment made from your blood that targets the KRAS G12V change in certain cancers. It is for people with advanced cancer who have already tried standard treatments, and it may help your immune system recognize and attack tumor cells.
Bethesda, MarylandAges 18–72 - NCT04525989Recruiting
Short-course proton vs photon radiation before rectal surgery
This study compares two types of pre-surgery radiation—protons versus standard photons—in people with high-risk rectal cancer. The goal is to shrink and control the tumor while safely getting you ready for surgery, and to see which approach works better.
Stockholm, SolnaAges 18 years+
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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.