Radiation-Chemo combo may let rectal cancer patients skip surgery

NCT ID NCT03904043

Completed Disease control Sponsor: Washington University School of Medicine Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study tested whether a short course of radiation followed by chemotherapy could eliminate the need for surgery in people with early-stage rectal cancer. 63 patients were enrolled, and the treatment aimed for a complete clinical response, meaning no tumor could be found on exams or scans. The approach builds on earlier promising results and offers a potential non-surgical option for eligible patients.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

rectum adenocarcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

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

ADENOCARCINOMA OF THE LOWER RECTUM

Contacts and locations

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Locations

Mayo Clinic

Rochester, Minnesota, 55905, United States
University of Colorado

Aurora, Colorado, 80045, United States
University of Vermont Medical Center

Burlington, Vermont, 05401, United States
Washington University School of Medicine

St Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States