Chemotherapy vs. surgery for high-risk rectal cancer after local removal
Part of Cancer, Digestive system clinical trials.
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.
Summary written for real people, not researchers, by Clin2.
Who can take part
- You are between 18 and 75 years old.
- You have had a local surgery (like TEM, EMR, or polypectomy) to remove rectal adenocarcinoma.
- Your removed tumor was at least stage pT1 with high-risk features (poor cell type, invasion into lymph or blood vessels, nerve involvement, or deep submucosal invasion).
- At diagnosis, the tumor was within 10 cm of the anal opening on MRI, with no spread to lymph nodes or distant organs.
- You are healthy enough to undergo either chemotherapy or surgery.
- You do not have other cancers, inflammatory bowel disease, or familial polyposis, and are not pregnant or nursing.
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 Phase 3 trial compares two treatment plans given before rectal surgery. It tests whether stronger chemotherapy alone works better than chemotherapy pills plus long-term radiation to improve outcomes for locally advanced rectal cancer.
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.
This trial compares two approaches for low-risk locally advanced rectal cancer: going straight to surgery (TME) versus receiving chemotherapy before surgery. The goal is to see if upfront surgery works just as well, sparing patients from chemotherapy side effects.
This trial is studying different treatments for patients with early-stage rectal cancer that has a higher chance of coming back after local removal. It looks at whether adding radiation or chemoradiation after local surgery can improve outcomes.
This Phase 3 study compares giving chemotherapy before rectal surgery versus giving it after surgery, using a tailored plan based on your risk. The goal is to see which timing helps more people with locally advanced rectal cancer stay cancer-free and live longer.
This trial tests whether a full course of chemotherapy and radiation before any surgery (called total neoadjuvant therapy) can help you avoid surgery and preserve your rectum. It is for people with a specific early stage of rectal cancer that has not spread.
Hear when a new Chemotherapy Effect trial opens
We’ll email you when one opens — at most once a week, no account needed, unsubscribe anytime.