New Ultrasound-Laser combo could spare rectal cancer patients from unnecessary surgery

NCT ID NCT04339374

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

Summary

This study is testing a new device that combines ultrasound with photoacoustic imaging to look at rectal tumors. The goal is to see if it can more accurately tell whether a patient's cancer has completely responded to pre-surgery treatment. If it works, doctors could avoid operating on patients who are already cancer-free. The trial will enroll 90 adults with rectal cancer who are scheduled for surgery.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Photoacoustic imaging device

What this could lead to

If successful, this imaging tool could help doctors more accurately determine which rectal cancer patients have responded completely to treatment, sparing them from unnecessary surgery.

What could go wrong

This is an early-stage feasibility study with only 90 participants. The device may not prove accurate enough in practice, and results may not apply to all rectal cancer 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.

colorectal cancer colorectal neoplasm rectal cancer rectal neoplasm

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Washington University School of Medicine

    RECRUITING

    St Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States

    Contact

    Contact

    Contact

    Contact

    Contact

    Contact

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact