Could an immune booster improve rectal cancer treatment?

NCT ID NCT03516708

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: Washington University School of Medicine Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study tests whether adding the drug epacadostat to standard chemoradiation helps treat locally advanced rectal cancer before surgery. About 49 adults with stage 2 or 3 rectal cancer will receive short-course radiation, chemotherapy, and epacadostat. The goal is to find the best dose and see if the combination improves outcomes.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Epacadostat (a drug that may help the immune system fight cancer)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could lead to a new treatment option that improves outcomes for people with locally advanced rectal cancer.
What could go wrong: This is an early-phase trial with a small number of participants, so results may not apply broadly. The drug combination could cause side effects or may not work better than standard care.

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

As listed by the trial registrant

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

RECTAL CANCER

Contacts and locations

Locations

Dana Farber Cancer Institute
RECRUITING

Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States
Henry Ford Cancer Institute
WITHDRAWN

Detroit, Michigan, 48202, United States
University of California Irvine - Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center
WITHDRAWN

Orange, California, 92868, United States
Washington University School of Medicine
RECRUITING

St Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States

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