Could some rectal cancer patients skip surgery? new study investigates

NCT ID NCT03179540

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: Mount Sinai Hospital, Canada Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study is testing whether active surveillance (watchful waiting) is as safe as surgery for people with low rectal cancer who have a complete response after chemoradiotherapy. About 90 participants will be monitored for 2 years to see how often the cancer returns and whether delayed surgery is still effective. The goal is to avoid major surgery and its side effects for those who may not need it.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: non-operative management (active surveillance)
What this could lead to: If successful, this approach could allow some patients with low rectal cancer to avoid surgery and its side effects, while still controlling the cancer.
What could go wrong: This is a Phase II study with only 90 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. There is a risk of cancer regrowth, and if that happens, surgery may be needed.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for LOW RECTAL CANCER are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

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 NEOPLASMS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Sinai Health System
RECRUITING

Toronto, Ontario, M5T 3L9, Canada

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.