New combo therapy aims to shrink tough rectal tumors before surgery

NCT ID NCT01941641

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.

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 rectum adenocarcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Department of Clinical Oncology

    Hong Kong, Hong Kong