Watch-and-wait after chemoradiation for rectal cancer
Treatments studied
Part of Cancer, Digestive system clinical trials.
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.
Summary written for real people, not researchers, by Clin2.
Who can take part
- You have rectal cancer proven on biopsy as adenocarcinoma
- Your cancer is not spread to distant organs (no metastases)
- Your tumor is in the lower rectum (within 5 cm of the anus) or your surgeon thinks anus-saving isn’t possible with surgery
- You want to try preserving the anus and can attend close follow-up for at least 2 years after chemoradiation
- You must be age 18 to 75 and well enough to do usual activities (performance status 0–1)
- You have the right blood test and genetic marker results (UGT1A1 *28 is 6/6 or 6/7; not 7/7)
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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