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
- NCT07337811Recruiting
Selective removal of rectal cancer after radiation and chemotherapy
This trial tests how well a precise surgery removes the remaining rectal cancer after you have had radiation and chemotherapy. It is for people whose tumor has shrunk a lot but is still there, and the tumor is very low in the rectum.
Guangzhou, GuanggongAges 18–75 - NCT07297004RecruitingPhase 2
Targeted radiation for recurrent rectal cancer
This trial tests targeted radiation (SBRT) for people whose rectal cancer has come back in the pelvis and cannot be surgically removed. The goal is to see if this focused radiation can control the tumor with fewer side effects.
Guangzhou, GuangdongAges 18–75 - 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 - NCT06455124RecruitingPhase 2
Short radiation and chemo-immunotherapy for early rectal cancer after local surgery
This trial tests a combination of short-course radiation, chemotherapy (CapeOx), and an immunotherapy drug (PD-1 inhibitor) for people with early-stage rectal cancer who have had a local excision but are at high risk of the cancer coming back. The goal is to avoid more extensive surgery while still effectively treating the cancer.
ShanghaiAges 18–75 - NCT02649647Recruiting
Surgery plan for rectal cancer after chemo-radiation
This trial looks at a specific type of rectal surgery after you’ve already finished chemo-radiation, aiming to remove the tumor while trying to preserve the anal sphincter (muscle control). It’s meant for people whose cancer can be safely operated on and who don’t have spread to distant organs.
Guangzhou, GuangdongAges 18–75 - NCT07511413Recruiting
Monitoring health in head, neck, lung & rectal cancer
This trial is studying how a monitoring method (bioimpedance) works for people with head and neck, lung, or rectal cancer who are about to start standard treatment. It may help doctors track your health better during therapy.
Candiolo, Torino (TO)Ages 18 years+ - NCT07514754Recruiting
Immunonutrition support during cancer treatment
This study tests whether special nutritional support (called immunonutrition) helps patients with head and neck, lung, or rectal cancer who are receiving chemotherapy, radiation, or immunotherapy. The goal is to see if it improves how well treatment works and how you feel during and after cancer care.
Candiolo, Torino (TO)Ages 18 years+ - NCT07107815Enrolling by invitation
Predicting rectal cancer treatment response using MRI
This study uses advanced MRI scanning and computer analysis to predict how well rectal cancer might respond to treatments given before surgery. It may help doctors choose the best approach for you.
Beijing, Beijing MunicipalityAges Any age - NCT07321106RecruitingPhase 1
CBI-1214 for advanced colorectal cancer
This trial tests a new drug called CBI-1214, which is designed to help your immune system attack cancer cells. It is for people with advanced colorectal cancer that has not responded to other treatments.
Phoenix, ArizonaAges 18 years+ - NCT06787183RecruitingPhase 2
Short-course radiation with chemoimmunotherapy for rectal cancer that has spread to the liver
This trial tests whether combining short-course radiation with a chemotherapy regimen (CAPOX) and an immunotherapy drug (QL1706) can help treat rectal cancer that has spread to the liver. It is designed for patients who have not had any prior cancer treatment.
Fuzhou, FujianAges 18–75 - NCT06767007RecruitingPhase 2
Radiation plus immunotherapy for recurrent rectal cancer
This trial studies a combination of SBRT (a precise kind of radiation) and an immunotherapy drug (PD-1 antibody) for people whose rectal cancer has come back in the pelvis and cannot be removed by surgery. The goal is to see if this treatment can shrink the tumor or stop it from growing.
Guangzhou, GuangdongAges 18–75 - NCT07005570RecruitingPhase 2
Short radiation and chemo with or without immunotherapy for rectal cancer
This trial tests if adding an immunotherapy drug (PD-1 inhibitor) and a targeted therapy (bevacizumab) to short-course radiation followed by chemo can improve outcomes for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer that is pMMR/MSS. The goal is to shrink the tumor before surgery and possibly avoid the need for more extensive treatment.
Guangzhou, GuangdongAges 18–75 - NCT07721181Recruiting
STEP-UP: Higher radiation for recurrent rectal cancer
This trial tests giving a higher dose of radiation to people whose rectal cancer has come back in the pelvis after surgery and cannot be removed. It aims to see if more radiation can help control the tumor when surgery is not an option.
ArnhemAges 18 years+ - NCT03908684Recruiting
Ultrasound tests to predict early response to prostate and head/neck radiation
This study uses special ultrasound imaging to look for early signs of how well radiation treatment is working in prostate, rectum, and head/neck cancers. It may help doctors spot response sooner and adjust care earlier if needed.
Toronto, OntarioAges Any age - NCT04245683Recruiting
Testing non-surgical treatment for newly diagnosed rectal cancer
This study looks at whether it’s practical and safe to treat certain rectal cancers without surgery. You may be offered non-surgical (“neoadjuvant”) treatment and close follow-up to see how well it works in a rural setting.
Cooperstown, New YorkAges 18 years+ - NCT05000697Recruiting
Watch-and-wait or chemo after rectal cancer radiation
This trial studies people with early-to-mid stage distal rectal cancer who may get radiation and chemotherapy, with an option that may include an extra drug (oxaliplatin). It also tests whether some people can safely follow a “watch and wait” plan instead of immediate additional treatment, aiming to reduce overtreatment while keeping cancer control.
Buenos AiresAges 18 years+ - NCT05215535Recruiting
Liver MRI before rectal cancer treatment
This trial tests whether doing an MRI scan of the liver before rectal cancer treatment helps doctors plan care better. You may be asked to have MRI before starting treatment and follow the study plan.
GothenburgAges 18 years+ - NCT05927584Recruiting
Local removal for early rectal cancer without extra treatment
This trial studies removing an early rectal cancer tumor locally (through the rectum/anal area) with no additional therapy afterward. The goal is to preserve organs and maintain quality of life while still trying to cure the cancer.
MadridAges 18 years+ - NCT05964530Recruiting
Testing local removal versus radical surgery for rectal cancer
This trial looks at whether removing the rectal tumor locally (through the anus) can work as well as a more extensive operation after scans show no remaining cancer. It may help some people avoid bigger surgery if the cancer truly appears gone after treatment.
TaipeiAges 18–75 - NCT06914245Recruiting
Personalized help for bowel symptoms after rectal cancer treatment
This trial studies how to improve bowel symptoms in people treated for rectal cancer. It tests personalized care plans and looks at different factors that may contribute to bowel problems after surgery or a watch-and-wait approach.
Leuven, Vlaams-BrabantAges 18 years+ - NCT06958432RecruitingPhase 2/Phase 3
Short-course radiation plus chemo and immunotherapy for rectal cancer
This trial tests a treatment plan that uses a short course of radiation to the lymph nodes-sparing area, followed by chemotherapy and an immunotherapy drug (PD-1 inhibitor) for people with a specific type of mid or low rectal cancer (pMMR/MSS). The goal is to see if this approach can shrink the tumor and improve outcomes without needing extensive surgery.
Guangzhou, GuangdongAges 18–75 - NCT07070622RecruitingPhase 3
Organ preservation for low rectal cancer after chemo
This trial tests whether chemotherapy alone can help avoid surgery for low rectal cancer. It is for people with tumors close to the anus that haven't spread far, and who haven't had prior cancer treatment.
Chengdu, SichuanAges 18–80 - NCT07395505Enrolling by invitation
Surgery for advanced rectal or anal cancer
This trial studies the results of a major surgery called pelvic exenteration for patients with advanced rectal or anal cancer that has spread to nearby tissues or bones but not to distant organs. The goal is to see how well the surgery works and how patients recover afterward.
TaoyuanAges 20 years+ - NCT05424692Recruiting
Test tumor drug sensitivity to guide after-surgery colon cancer care
This study looks at whether testing a small tumor sample can identify which medicines are more likely to work for colorectal cancer after surgery. The results are used to help choose the best “after-surgery” treatment plan, when you have not had chemotherapy before surgery.
Beijing, Beijing MunicipalityAges 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.