Can a lighter radiation punch still knock out rectal cancer?

NCT ID NCT07646639

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether a lower dose of short-course radiotherapy, combined with chemotherapy and two immune-boosting drugs, works as well as the standard radiation dose for locally advanced rectal cancer. About 122 adults will be randomly assigned to one of two radiation doses, followed by the same drug cocktail. The goal is to see if the gentler approach can still achieve complete tumor disappearance, potentially allowing more patients to avoid major surgery.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Sintilimab (anti-PD-1 antibody), Interleukin-2, CAPOX chemotherapy, and short-course radiotherapy

What this could lead to

If successful, this could point toward a less toxic radiotherapy regimen that still effectively shrinks tumors, potentially allowing more patients to avoid surgery and preserve their rectum.

What could go wrong

This is an early phase II trial with only 122 participants, so results may not apply broadly. Combining multiple drugs also raises the risk of side effects, and the low-dose radiotherapy might prove less effective than the standard dose.

Disclaimer Read more

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.

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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.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Jiangsu Province Hospital

    RECRUITING

    Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210000, China

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••