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
- 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 - NCT07469306RecruitingPhase 2
Comparing two radiation plans with chemo and immunotherapy for rectal cancer
This study compares two ways of giving radiation therapy for advanced rectal cancer, combined with a chemotherapy pill and an immunotherapy drug. One approach uses a shorter course of radiation before surgery, and the other uses a longer course; researchers want to see which is more effective and safer.
Fuzhou, FujianAges 18–75 - NCT06802666RecruitingPhase 2
Short radiation plus combo drugs for rectal cancer
This trial tests a new combination for rectal cancer that hasn't spread far: a short course of radiation followed by two drugs (AK112 and CAPOX). The goal is to shrink the tumor before surgery and possibly avoid more aggressive treatments.
HubeiAges 18–75 - NCT07393048Recruiting
Personalized ctDNA test to predict rectal cancer treatment response
This trial uses a personalized blood test (ctDNA-MRD) to see how well neoadjuvant therapy works for rectal cancer. If you have stage II or III rectal cancer that can be surgically removed, this study might help guide your treatment.
Beijing, Beijing MunicipalityAges 18–75 - NCT06840665RecruitingPhase 2
Radiation plus immunotherapy and chemo for rectal cancer
This trial combines a special type of radiation (MRI-guided adaptive radiotherapy) with an immunotherapy drug (PD-1 antibody) and chemotherapy (CAPOX) for locally advanced rectal cancer. The goal is to see if this combination can improve treatment outcomes.
Shanghai, Shanghai MunicipalityAges 18–75 - NCT07347951RecruitingPhase 2
New drug combo for rectal cancer patients who want to save their anus
This trial tests a combination of short-course radiation, chemotherapy, and two targeted drugs (Serplulimab and Bevacizumab) for people with a specific type of rectal cancer. It aims to see if this treatment can help shrink the tumor enough to avoid surgery and keep the anus.
Wenzhou, ZhejiangAges 18–75 - NCT06894797Recruiting
Chemo and radiation before and after surgery for rectal cancer
This study tests a sequence of chemotherapy and radiation before and after surgery for rectal cancer. It compares giving more chemo between the end of radiation and surgery (consolidation) versus giving some chemo before radiation starts (induction). The goal is to see which order works better.
BeijingAges 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 - NCT07194616Recruiting
Rectal cancer blood test study before surgery
This trial is studying a blood test (CTC) for people with rectal cancer that hasn't spread to other parts of the body. It aims to see how the test relates to treatment outcomes after surgery.
OlomoucAges 18 years+ - NCT07040098RecruitingPhase 2
Optimizing immunotherapy with chemo-radiation for rectal cancer
This trial tests combining immunotherapy with standard chemotherapy and radiation before surgery for locally advanced rectal cancer. It aims to see if this approach can improve outcomes for patients whose tumors have certain genetic features (pMMR or MSS).
BeijingAges 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+ - NCT06940388RecruitingPhase 2
Immunotherapy plus standard treatment for rectal cancer
This trial is testing whether adding the immunotherapy drug tislelizumab to standard total neoadjuvant treatment (chemotherapy and radiation before surgery) can improve outcomes for people with locally advanced rectal cancer. The goal is to see if the combination helps shrink the tumor more than standard treatment alone.
MainzAges 18 years+ - NCT06864013RecruitingPhase 2
Short course radiation with chemo and immunotherapy for rectal cancer
This trial tests a combination of short course radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and two immunotherapy drugs for people with a specific type of rectal cancer that is locally advanced but can still be removed by surgery. It may offer a more effective treatment option for those with mismatch repair proficient (pMMR) or microsatellite stable (MSS) tumors.
Hangzhou, ZhejiangAges 18–75 - NCT06647680RecruitingPhase 2
Chemo and immunotherapy before surgery for rectal cancer
This trial tests a combination of chemotherapy and an immunotherapy drug (a PD-1 inhibitor) given before surgery for locally advanced rectal cancer. The goal is to see if this approach can improve outcomes compared to standard treatment.
Qingdao, ShandongAges 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 - NCT06204094RecruitingPhase 2
Preserving the anus with chemo, immunotherapy, and radiation for rectal cancer
This trial tests a treatment plan that combines chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation before surgery for patients with middle or low rectal cancer. The goal is to shrink the tumor enough to avoid removing the anus, preserving bowel function.
Jinhua, ZhejiangAges 18–75 - NCT06052332Recruiting
Comparing two pre-surgery treatments for older adults with rectal cancer
This study compares two approaches to treating rectal cancer in people age 70 and older who have not yet had surgery. One approach gives chemotherapy and radiation before surgery, and the other adds more chemotherapy after radiation. The goal is to find which plan works better with fewer side effects.
Antwerp, AntwerpenAges 70 years+ - 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+ - NCT07805369RecruitingPhase 1
Study of DEM301 for advanced colorectal cancer
This trial tests a new drug called DEM301 for people with advanced colorectal cancer that has stopped responding to standard treatments. The goal is to see if DEM301 can help shrink or control the cancer.
Nedlands, Western AustraliaAges 18 years+ - NCT07427901Recruiting
Quality of life in colorectal cancer survivors
This study looks at how colorectal cancer and its treatment affect your daily life and well-being. It aims to help doctors better support patients like you during and after treatment.
LjubljanaAges 18 years+ - NCT06332274RecruitingPhase 3
Tislelizumab for cancer patients with minimal residual disease
This trial is for people who have completed standard cancer treatments (like surgery, chemo or radiation) and have no visible cancer on scans, but may still have very small amounts of cancer DNA in their blood. The study tests whether the drug tislelizumab can help prevent the cancer from coming back.
Villejuif, Val De MarneAges 18 years+ - NCT06711211Recruiting
Digestive cancer registry study
This study collects information from patients with different types of digestive cancers to better understand these diseases and improve future care. It does not test a new treatment, but helps doctors learn more about digestive cancers over time.
Madrid, MadridAges 18 years+ - NCT05378919RecruitingPhase 2
Testing new pre-surgery treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer
This Phase 2 trial compares a pre-surgery (neoadjuvant) treatment plan versus the standard plan for people with stage II–III rectal cancer. The goal is to see which approach works better and is safe before surgery.
KaunasAges 18 years+ - NCT06043999Recruiting
Chemotherapy vs. surgery for high-risk rectal cancer after local removal
This trial compares standard chemotherapy to more extensive surgery (total mesorectal excision) for patients whose initial local surgery showed high-risk features like poor differentiation, lymphovascular invasion, or larger tumor size. It aims to find the best treatment to prevent cancer from coming back.
Guangzhou, GuangdongAges 18–75
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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.