New hope for recurrent rectal cancer: adding radiation before surgery may boost cure rates

NCT ID NCT03879109

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This phase 3 trial studies whether adding pelvic reirradiation to chemotherapy before surgery can help more patients with locally recurrent rectal cancer achieve complete tumor removal. The study enrolls 58 adults who have had prior pelvic radiation and now face a recurrence. Participants receive either chemotherapy alone or chemotherapy followed by targeted reirradiation, then surgery. The main goal is to see which approach leads to more curative resections.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Chemotherapy (FOLFIRINOX) and pelvic reirradiation with capecitabine

What this could lead to

If successful, this approach could increase the chance of complete surgical removal of recurrent rectal cancer, potentially improving survival.

What could go wrong

This is a small phase 3 trial with only 58 participants, and reirradiation carries risks of side effects in previously treated pelvic areas. Results may not apply to 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.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for 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.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • CHRU Nancy

    Nancy, France

  • CHU Bordeaux

    Bordeaux, France

  • CHU Grenoble

    Grenoble, France

  • CHU Rennes

    Rennes, France

  • CHU Rouen

    Rouen, France

  • CHU Toulouse

    Toulouse, France

  • Centre Oscar Lambret

    Lille, France

  • Groupe Hospitalier Paris Saint-Joseph

    Paris, France

  • Hospices Civils de Lyon, HCL

    Lyon, France

  • Institut Paoli Calmette

    Marseille, France

  • Institut Sainte Catherine

    Avignon, France

  • Institut de Cancérologie de l'Ouest

    Saint-Herblain, France

  • Institut du Cancer de Montpellier

    Montpellier, France