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
- 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 - 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 - 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+ - 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 - 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+ - NCT04674267Recruiting
Health and well-being study for older adults with gastrointestinal cancer
This study looks at how older adults with gastrointestinal cancer manage their health and well-being. It aims to understand and improve care for this group.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 65 years+ - NCT03875781RecruitingPhase 3
Chemo before rectal surgery, without pelvic radiation
This Phase 3 study tests whether giving chemotherapy before rectal surgery can work as well as standard treatment that usually includes pelvic radiation. It aims to reduce the need for pelvic radiation while still keeping the cancer under control.
Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, Île-de-France RegionAges 18 years+ - 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+ - NCT04215731RecruitingPhase 3
Chemo plus targeted drug before surgery for high-risk rectal cancer
This trial tests giving chemotherapy (mFOLFOXIRI) plus bevacizumab before surgery for rectal cancer that has higher-risk features. It aims to shrink or control the cancer early to improve outcomes after treatment.
Guangzhou, GuangdongAges 18–70 - NCT04098471Recruiting
Comparing two rectal cancer surgeries for T2 tumors
This trial compares two different surgery approaches for early-stage rectal cancer (T2N0M0) that is close to the anus. It tests whether a less invasive local removal followed by radiation works as well as more extensive surgery (total mesorectal excision).
Nanjing, JiangsuAges 18–75 - NCT04075305Recruiting
Study measuring radiation treatment outcomes with an MR-Linac
This study follows what happens when radiation treatment is guided using an MR-Linac (a special machine that combines MRI imaging with radiation). It may help improve how radiation therapy is planned and assessed, especially for people who can safely have MRI scans.
Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaAges 18 years+ - NCT03853733Recruiting
Shorter radiation plan for non-surgery rectal cancer
This trial looks at a shorter radiation schedule for people with advanced rectal (or nearby sigmoid) cancer who cannot have surgery. The goal is to control the cancer while keeping treatment simpler, especially for those who cannot safely undergo an operation.
Terrassa, CataloniaAges 18 years+ - NCT03874559Recruiting
Testing exosomes during treatment for rectal cancer
This trial studies “exosomes” (tiny cell signals being researched as a possible way to affect cancer treatment) in people with rectal cancer. You would receive standard chemotherapy plus radiation before planned surgery, and the trial looks at outcomes related to that treatment.
Kansas City, KansasAges 18 years+ - NCT03573791Recruiting
Testing markers to predict chemo-radiation response in rectal cancer
This trial studies lab “biomarkers” (measurable cancer features) to predict whether rectal cancer will resist chemo-radiation before surgery. The goal is to help doctors better choose treatments and avoid ineffective therapy.
Wuhan, HubeiAges 18–75 - NCT03516708RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Epacadostat with pre-op radiation for locally advanced rectal cancer
This trial studies whether adding epacadostat (a cancer drug) to standard pre-operative chemoradiation can improve outcomes for people with locally advanced rectal cancer. It’s designed to see if the added treatment is safe and potentially more effective before surgery.
Orange, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT03594630RecruitingEarly Phase 1
Watchful waiting then chemotherapy before surgery for rectal cancer
This trial studies whether a period of active surveillance (watching closely) and chemotherapy before surgery can improve outcomes for people with stage II–III rectal cancer. You would also receive standard chemo-radiation if you qualify, then proceed to surgery.
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 - 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+ - NCT05316103Recruiting
Optical biopsy of rectal scars after cancer treatment
This trial tests a targeted “optical biopsy” (using a special light-based exam to sample tissue) to better assess rectal scars after standard chemotherapy and radiation before surgery. It may help surgeons choose the most appropriate way to operate on rectal cancer.
Guangzhou, GuangdongAges 18–80 - NCT05228431RecruitingPhase 2
Tested treatment plan for locally advanced rectal cancer
This Phase 2 study looks at a modified “sandwich” treatment sequence for people with locally advanced rectal cancer—aiming to control the cancer before and after surgery. It may help you if you’re eligible and can follow the study’s treatment and safety requirements.
Guangzhou, GuangdongAges 18–75 - NCT06314646Recruiting
Comparing two ways to reconnect the intestine after rectal cancer surgery
This study compares two ways of reconnecting the intestine after rectal cancer surgery. It looks at a newer method called TTSS against the standard double-stapled technique.
Rozzano, MIAges 18 years+ - NCT07638410Recruiting
Getting fit before major cancer surgery
This trial tests whether special preparation exercises and wellness support before chemotherapy and major abdominal or pelvic surgery can help you recover better and stay stronger. You'll work with a team including exercise specialists and mental health counselors before your operation.
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07616297Recruiting
Higher Radiation Dose to Avoid Surgery in Rectal Cancer
This study tests whether giving a higher dose of radiation to rectal cancer tumors can help patients avoid surgery altogether. The goal is to shrink the tumor enough that surgery is no longer needed, preserving normal bowel function.
Rotterdam, South HollandAges 18 years+
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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.