New combo aims to spare rectal cancer patients from surgery
NCT ID NCT06780787
First seen Jun 29, 2026 · Last updated Jun 30, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This phase II trial tests whether giving a combination of chemotherapy (FOLFOX) and two immunotherapy drugs (botensilimab and balstilimab) before surgery can eliminate rectal cancer without the need for surgery or radiation. The study includes adults with stage II or III rectal cancer that has not spread. The goal is to see if this approach leads to a complete clinical response, meaning no cancer is detectable after treatment.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
FOLFOX (chemotherapy), botensilimab, and balstilimab (immunotherapy)
What this could lead to
If successful, this approach could help more people with rectal cancer avoid surgery and radiation, preserving bowel and bladder function.
What could go wrong
This is an early-phase trial with only 26 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. Immunotherapy can cause immune-related side effects, and the combination may not improve outcomes.
Disclaimer
Read more
Show less
This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for RECTAL ADENOCARCINOMA are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Show contact details
Enter your email to view the contact information for this study.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Locations
-
City of Hope Medical Center
RECRUITINGDuarte, California, 91010, United States
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Contact