Watch-and-wait after rectal cancer treatment for select patients
Part of Cancer, Digestive system clinical trials.
This study looks at whether some people with rectal cancer can safely avoid immediate surgery after (chemo)radiation, instead closely monitoring their response. It may help some patients reduce treatment burden if the cancer fully responds.
Summary written for real people, not researchers, by Clin2.
Who can take part
- You have rectal cancer that can be felt during a rectal exam (palpable)
- Your MRI shows features that suggest you could use the “short radiation + long wait” approach, or you have a plan for standard neoadjuvant (chemo)radiation
- You must have or be able to get MRI scans (no MRI safety problems and you can tolerate the scan)
- You must give informed consent to join the study
- After neoadjuvant treatment, your doctors think you achieved a complete response based on the study’s criteria
Quick eligibility check
Answer a few plain-language questions, based on this study's own requirements, to get a preliminary sense of fit.
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