Can an arthritis drug boost rectal cancer therapy?

NCT ID NCT04942626

NEW Completed Disease control Sponsor: Goethe University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Aug 17, 2026 · Last updated Aug 17, 2026

Summary

This trial is testing whether adding anakinra, a drug used for arthritis, to standard chemoradiotherapy is safe for people with rectal cancer. The study will include about 12 patients and will use a dose-escalation design to find the highest tolerable dose of capecitabine when combined with anakinra and radiation. The goal is to see if this combination can be given safely and potentially improve treatment outcomes.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Anakinra (Kineret) combined with capecitabine and radiotherapy
What this could lead to: If safe and effective, this combination could improve rectal cancer treatment by reducing tumor size and potentially allowing some patients to avoid surgery.
What could go wrong: This is an early-phase trial with a small number of participants, so safety and effectiveness are not yet established. Adding anakinra may increase side effects or provide no added benefit.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

rectal cancer rectal neoplasm rectum adenocarcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

RECTAL CANCER

Contacts and locations

Locations

University Hospital Goethe University Frankfurt

Frankfurt, 60590, Germany

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