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
- 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 - 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 - NCT05628038RecruitingPhase 2
Radiation plus immunotherapy for recurrent rectal cancer
This Phase 2 trial tests whether giving targeted radiation and an immunotherapy drug together can control locally recurring rectal cancer in the pelvis. It may help shrink tumors and slow disease growth, especially after certain prior treatments.
Shanghai, Shanghai MunicipalityAges 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+ - NCT06326892Recruiting
Natural opening extraction in low rectal cancer surgery
This trial looks back at patients who had surgery for low rectal cancer using a technique where the removed tissue is taken out through a natural opening (like the anus) instead of through a separate cut in the belly. It aims to see how well this approach works.
Rozzano, MIAges 18 years+ - NCT06380101Recruiting
Special diet with standard therapy for rectal cancer
This trial tests a special medical food that limits certain amino acids (building blocks of protein) during standard treatment for rectal cancer. The goal is to see if this diet helps the treatment work better while reducing side effects.
Tampa, FloridaAges 18–100 - NCT06740357Recruiting
Shared decision-making for rectal cancer organ preservation
This trial tests a program that helps you and your doctor decide together whether to avoid surgery and keep your rectum after chemo and radiation. It's for people with early-stage rectal cancer who have not had prior treatment for this cancer.
DijonAges 18–80 - NCT07095439RecruitingPhase 2
Sandwich treatment for stage 2 and 3 rectal cancer
This trial tests a new way of giving radiation and chemotherapy before surgery for rectal cancer that hasn't spread. It aims to see if this 'sandwich' approach is safe and works better than standard treatment.
CairoAges 18–70 - NCT07098182Recruiting
Preserving blood supply during colon or rectal surgery
This trial tests a technique during colon or rectal surgery to preserve a specific blood vessel (the left colic artery) that helps keep the remaining colon healthy. It is for people with left colon, rectal, or ovarian cancer who are scheduled for surgery.
Montpellier, HeraultAges 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+ - NCT07145255RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Study of MBRC-201 for advanced solid tumors
This trial tests a new drug, MBRC-201, for people with advanced solid tumors that have not responded to standard treatments. The goal is to find the best dose and see if it helps shrink tumors or slow their growth.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07292298RecruitingPhase 2
Rectal cancer brachytherapy after treatment to avoid surgery
This trial tests a special type of internal radiation (brachytherapy) for people with low-lying rectal cancer that did not fully go away after standard chemoradiation and chemotherapy. The goal is to shrink the remaining tumor enough to avoid major surgery like removing the rectum or colostomy.
Aurora, ColoradoAges 18–100 - NCT07469709Recruiting
Cancer risk study using genetics and monitoring
This study looks at genetic and other factors in people with certain cancers to better understand personal cancer risks and improve monitoring. It may help find ways to detect changes earlier.
Candiolo, TurinAges 18 years+ - NCT07686640RecruitingPhase 3
Short course radiation plus chemo with or without immunotherapy for rectal cancer
This trial tests whether adding two immunotherapy drugs (iparomlimab and tuvonralimab) to standard short-course radiation and chemotherapy improves outcomes in people with a common type of locally advanced rectal cancer (pMMR/MSS). It is for those with stage II or III cancer that has at least one high-risk feature and is within 12 cm of the anal verge.
Jinan, ShandongAges 18–75 - NCT06761287Recruiting
Choosing surgery after chemo for advanced rectal cancer
This study looks at patients with advanced rectal cancer who had treatment (chemotherapy or radiation) before surgery. They want to see if it's safe to avoid surgery in those who had a good response to initial treatment.
BrusselsAges 18 years+ - NCT03064646Recruiting
Preserving tissue in near-complete rectal cancer response
This trial studies whether it’s safe to preserve the rectum (instead of removing it right away) for people with locally advanced rectal cancer who respond very well after pre-treatment radiation and/or chemotherapy. It may help some patients avoid major surgery, but eligibility depends on response seen on exam, scope, and MRI, and on having no spread to distant organs.
Elche, AlicanteAges 18 years+ - NCT06653452Recruiting
PET/MRI for rectal cancer treatment response
This study uses a special scan called PET/MRI to see how well treatment works for locally advanced rectal cancer before surgery. It may help doctors choose the best treatment plan for you.
Beijing, Beijing MunicipalityAges 18–75 - NCT06928584RecruitingPhase 2
Shorter Radiation Plus Immunotherapy for Recurrent Rectal Cancer
This trial tests whether a shorter, higher-dose radiation course (hypofractionated) combined with immunotherapy works better than standard radiation for locally recurrent rectal cancer that hasn't spread elsewhere. It's for people who haven't had chemotherapy or recent pelvic radiation.
Shanghai, Shanghai MunicipalityAges 18–75 - NCT06462053RecruitingPhase 2
Short radiotherapy plus chemo and immunotherapy for early low rectal cancer
This study is testing whether a short course of radiation combined with chemotherapy and an immunotherapy drug works better than the standard longer radiation and chemotherapy for early-stage rectal cancer that is low in the rectum. The goal is to see if this shorter treatment can help patients avoid surgery or have a better outcome.
ShanghaiAges 18–75 - NCT06281405RecruitingPhase 2
CAPOX and immunotherapy with or without radiation for rectal cancer
This trial tests whether adding radiation therapy to a combination of chemotherapy (CAPOX) and an immunotherapy drug (PD-1 antibody) is more effective than the combination alone for people with locally advanced rectal cancer that is MSS (microsatellite stable) or pMMR. It aims to improve outcomes for patients with high-risk features.
ShanghaiAges 18–70 - NCT05555888RecruitingPhase 2
Immunotherapy plus short-course radiation for early rectal cancer
This study tests whether combining immunotherapy with a short course of radiation given before surgery can improve outcomes in early-stage rectal cancer. It may help the immune system work better against the tumor before it is removed.
Shanghai, Shanghai MunicipalityAges 18–70 - NCT05300269RecruitingPhase 2
Test drug SHR-1701 with chemo and radiation for rectal cancer
This trial studies whether adding SHR-1701 to standard chemotherapy and long-course radiation can improve treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer that can be removed by surgery. It’s mainly for people who have not had prior rectal cancer treatment and who fit several health and cancer-spread requirements.
Shanghai, Shanghai MunicipalityAges 18–75 - NCT05245474RecruitingPhase 2
Before-surgery chemoradiation plus PD-1 for locally advanced rectal cancer
This trial studies giving long-course radiation and chemotherapy before surgery, plus an immunotherapy medicine (PD-1) to help the tumor shrink more. It’s for people with stage II or III rectal cancer that has not spread to distant organs.
Beijing, Beijing MunicipalityAges 18–75 - NCT05412082RecruitingPhase 1
Smart chemo and radiation plan for locally advanced rectal cancer
This Phase 1 study tests a “smart” total treatment plan using chemotherapy (chemo) and radiation before surgery for people with locally advanced rectal cancer. The goal is to see if this approach is safe and can work well while helping plan treatment based on your situation.
Miami, FloridaAges 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.