Watchful waiting then chemotherapy before surgery for rectal cancer
Part of Cancer, Digestive system clinical trials.
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.
Summary written for real people, not researchers, by Clin2.
Who can take part
- You have confirmed rectal cancer that starts in the rectum and is not a recurrence
- Your cancer is in stage II or III and can be removed with curative surgery
- Your tumor is within 12 cm of the anus, based on exam, endoscopy, or MRI
- Your cancer in the lymph nodes is limited to the area planned for radiation
- You are well enough for treatment (ECOG 0–2) and can return for all study visits
- You cannot have had prior radiation to the pelvis and cannot have inflammatory bowel disease
Quick eligibility check
Answer a few plain-language questions, based on this study's own requirements, to get a preliminary sense of fit.
Similar studies
Other trials that look related to this one.
This trial tests giving targeted radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy before surgery to shrink locally advanced rectal cancer. It aims to improve treatment results for patients whose tumors have not spread but are at high risk of coming back.
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.
This study is for people with rectal cancer who have had treatment like radiation or chemo and their tumor has disappeared or nearly disappeared. Instead of surgery right away, doctors will closely monitor the cancer with regular check-ups to make sure it stays gone.
This study compares two approaches after early-stage rectal cancer is removed: either careful monitoring or a follow-up treatment with chemotherapy and radiation. The goal is to see which strategy works better to keep the cancer from returning.
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.
This study looks at whether some people with locally advanced rectal cancer can safely delay or avoid surgery after chemoradiation by closely monitoring tumors (“watch and wait”). It may help those who strongly want to preserve the anus, but only if they meet strict safety checks.
Hear when a new Rectal Adenocarcinoma trial opens
We’ll email you when one opens — at most once a week, no account needed, unsubscribe anytime.