Watch and wait for rectal cancer to avoid surgery
Treatments studied
Part of Cancer, Digestive system clinical trials.
This trial tests whether some people with locally advanced rectal cancer can safely avoid surgery after chemoradiotherapy. If the tumor disappears, patients may be monitored closely instead of having an operation, which could help preserve the anus.
Summary written for real people, not researchers, by Clin2.
Who can take part
- You have been diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the rectum.
- Your cancer is locally advanced, meaning it has grown into nearby tissues or lymph nodes, but has not spread to distant organs.
- Your tumor is low in the rectum, close to the anus, or your doctor thinks surgery to remove the tumor would mean losing your anus.
- You strongly want to keep your anus and are willing to have regular check-ups for at least 2 years after chemoradiotherapy.
- You are between 18 and 75 years old.
- You are generally healthy and able to care for yourself (performance status 0-1).
- You have a specific genetic makeup (UGT1A1*28 6/6 or 6/7) that affects how your body processes the chemotherapy drug irinotecan.
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 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.
This trial tests a combination of short-course radiation, chemotherapy (capecitabine), and two immunotherapy drugs (PD-1 and CTLA-4 inhibitors) for people with early-stage rectal cancer who want to avoid surgery and keep their anus. The goal is to see if this treatment can shrink the tumor enough to avoid major surgery.
This trial tests whether a newer approach can treat early-stage rectal cancer without removing the whole rectum, aiming to preserve bowel function. It compares different treatment options to see which is safest and most effective.
This study compares two treatment approaches for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. One group gets a short course of radiation followed by chemotherapy combined with an immunotherapy drug called a PD-1 inhibitor, while the other group gets radiation and chemotherapy alone. The trial aims to see if the PD-1 inhibitor improves outcomes and whether a natural substance in the blood called beta-hydroxybutyrate can predict response.
This trial tests whether people with early- to intermediate-stage low rectal cancer can avoid surgery if their tumor responds well to a full course of chemotherapy and radiation. It starts with brief chemotherapy, then adjusts treatment based on how much the tumor shrinks.
This trial tests a new combination of treatments (radiation, immunotherapy, and two chemotherapy drugs) given before surgery for people with a specific type of locally advanced rectal cancer that is close to the anus. The goal is to see if this approach is safe and effective.
Hear when a new Rectal Cancer trial opens
We’ll email you when one opens — at most once a week, no account needed, unsubscribe anytime.