New combo therapy aims to shrink tough rectal tumors before surgery

NCT ID NCT01941641

Ongoing Disease control Sponsor: Chinese University of Hong Kong Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This phase 2 trial tests a two-step approach for high-risk rectal cancer: first, a strong chemotherapy cocktail (FOLFOXIRI), followed by radiation combined with a chemo pill (capecitabine). The goal is to shrink tumors before surgery, making them easier to remove. The study involves 40 adults with aggressive rectal cancer and will measure how well the tumor responds and how safe the treatment is.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: FOLFOXIRI (combination chemotherapy) and capecitabine (chemotherapy pill)
What this could lead to: If successful, this approach could shrink high-risk rectal tumors before surgery, making them easier to remove and potentially reducing the chance of cancer coming back.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase trial with only 40 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy have significant side effects, and the treatment may not work for all patients.

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

Department of Clinical Oncology

Hong Kong, Hong Kong

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