New drug combo aims to shrink rectal tumors before surgery

NCT ID NCT04926324

Terminated Disease control Sponsor: University of Iowa Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 29, 2026 · Last updated Jun 30, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This trial investigates whether combining two drugs, niraparib and dostarlimab, with a short course of radiation before surgery can help treat locally advanced rectal cancer. The study first finds a safe dose of niraparib, then checks how well the combination shrinks the tumor. Participants have resectable, locally advanced rectal cancer and receive this treatment before their planned surgery.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: niraparib and dostarlimab
What this could lead to: If successful, this combination could offer a new preoperative treatment option for locally advanced rectal cancer, potentially improving tumor shrinkage and patient outcomes.
What could go wrong: This is an early-phase trial with only 3 participants, so safety and effectiveness are not yet established. The combination may cause side effects or not work as hoped.

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 RECTAL NEOPLASM MALIGNANT 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 NEOPLASM MALIGNANT RECTAL NEOPLASMS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Iowa

Iowa City, Iowa, 52242, United States

More trials for these conditions

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